You, just like many other professionals, may be thinking about looking for a new job this new year. Whether or not you have started sending your application to hiring managers, as a job seeker, it's important to be aware of mistakes to avoid so you can land the job of your dreams in 2022.
The thing is, making mistakes is an inescapable part of being human. However, due to the highly competitive market which is particularly heightened by the advent of social media and technology, you cannot afford to make mistakes. The slightest mistake could completely cost you your chances of getting the job you want.
Given this, you must properly understand how to navigate potential pitfalls and avoid mistakes that could cost you the job you want, lead to burned bridges or result in wasted time and efforts in this new year. Here are some mistakes you must avoid in 2022:
The process of searching for a job is time-consuming which is why having a well-defined strategy is important. It makes the job-search process less strenuous, more organized and improves your chances of getting the perfect job. Unfortunately, many job seekers skip this process and instead jump right into sending applications.
Creating a strategic plan requires some level of dedication and commitment. You first have to list your career objectives, experiences, abilities, and skills. This helps to steer you in the right direction for your job search.
The next step is to carefully select companies you'd like to work for. You can do this by going through their vision and mission statements, visiting their company profiles on Bayt.com, checking out their social media pages, and researching information about their executives. Doing this helps you avoid sending applications to time wasters and companies whose ethos and culture do not align with your values.
Next, develop your personal brand. A personal brand distinguishes you from other candidates by aligning your skills and experiences around a personal story. It could include:
Finally, organize a list of companies you have sent applications to and your respective levels in the hiring process then highlight your next steps.
Having mistakes on your CV is a complete turn-off. At best, they limit the chances of landing the job. Most times, they eliminate your chances. Some job seekers may feel patronized or insulted when told to take double or triple checks on their CVs but many recruiters have mentioned shocking numbers of CVs they receive with plentiful errors. You must ensure that you avoid having mistakes on your CV if you intend to land that job you have applied to.
Some common CV mistakes are:
(Check out this ultimate guide to proofreading your CV)
A candidate who asked the hiring manager questions during the interview has an automatic edge over another candidate that asked no questions. This is because the candidate that asked questions demonstrated intelligence, zealousness, and interest in the job role - three crucial qualities for any job seeker to have.
Additionally, while asking the hiring manager questions can be impressive and may land you the job, it is also beneficial to you the job seeker. By asking questions, you have an opportunity to be in charge, clarify your doubts, and confirm that the company's culture aligns with your values.
Some examples of relevant questions you can ask the hiring manager are:
(Looking for more inspiration about what questions to ask interviewers? Check out the top 5 questions to ask in an interview)
As mentioned in our recently-written article, when you are invited for an interview, you are stamped as a serious contender for the job position in question. Assuming the hiring manager was having a tough time deciding between you and another candidate, a follow-up would give you an edge over the other candidate. Additionally, it demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role and gives you a chance to discuss subjects that weren't mentioned during the interview stage.
It never leaves a good impression when the hiring manager contacts one of the references you have included but the person doesn't know what is going on. It demonstrates a lack of adequate preparation and planning that could cost you the job. Ensure that every reference you present to the hiring manager has been contacted beforehand with their express permission given. Remember to also provide them with enough information including your CV and the job description so they can be ready to speak to your skills and experiences.
Contrary to what you may think, being employed isn't a reason to stop your job search. Unless of course, you are completely satisfied with your current position and have no interest in wanting something better. Truly, looking for a job can be very demanding, but opportunities are constantly opening, and it is easy for you to miss them when you aren't looking.
Consider registering on Bayt.com to get customized job alerts. This way, you are aware of new job openings and have a chance to send your application without the stress you would have gone through otherwise. Just ensure you use the right keywords in your CVs so you can be visible to the many recruiters who visit Bayt.com daily in search of great talents.
