Job Seeker Do's and Don'ts

When job seeking, there are certain best practices and pitfalls to avoid. Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts to help you navigate the process effectively and increase your chances of success:

Job Seeker Do's:

1. Do Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter

• Resume: Customize your resume for each job application by highlighting skills and experiences that align with the job description. Use keywords from the job posting to get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
  Cover Letter: Write a personalized cover letter that speaks directly to the employer. Show enthusiasm for the company and explain how your experience can benefit their team.

2. Do Network Actively

• LinkedIn: Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and complete. Connect with professionals in your industry, and engage by sharing relevant content or commenting on posts.
• Industry Events/Conferences: Attend events (in person or virtual) to meet potential employers and peers.
• Reach Out to Contacts: Don’t hesitate to ask people in your network for referrals or insights about open roles.

3. Do Prepare for Interviews

• Research the Company: Understand the company’s mission, culture, products/services, and recent news.
  Practice Common Questions: Prepare answers for frequently asked interview questions (e.g., “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”).
• Ask Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewer that demonstrate your interest and knowledge of the company.

4. Do Follow Up

• After an interview, always send a thank-you email within 24 hours. Express appreciation for the opportunity, reinforce your enthusiasm for the role, and briefly recap why you’re a good fit.

5. Do Stay Organized

• Track the jobs you’ve applied to, along with application deadlines and follow-up dates. This will help you manage your time effectively and stay on top of your search.

6. Do Highlight Transferable Skills

• Even if you’re changing industries or roles, emphasize skills you’ve developed in past positions that can apply to the new role. For example, communication, problem-solving, leadership, and project management are all valuable in nearly any field.

7. Do Leverage Job Boards and Career Sites

• Use reputable job boards like Chris Jobs, LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and specialized job sites for your industry to find opportunities. Set up job alerts to be notified about new positions.

8. Do Maintain a Positive Online Presence

• Employers often look at social media profiles, especially LinkedIn, to gauge your professionalism. Keep your online presence consistent with the image you want to project to potential employers.

9. Do Be Persistent but Not Overbearing

• Keep applying to relevant positions and following up but avoid pestering employers with multiple inquiries. A polite follow-up is enough after interviews or after submitting applications.

Job Seeker Don’ts:

1. Don’t Apply for Roles You’re Not Qualified For

• While you might be tempted to apply to every job that interests you, ensure that you meet the basic qualifications. If you’re consistently applying for roles that require vastly different experience, it could hurt your credibility.

2. Don’t Use a Generic Resume or Cover Letter

• A one-size-fits-all approach won’t stand out. Employers can tell when a resume or cover letter is generic and it often comes across as a lack of effort or interest.

3. Don’t Lie or Exaggerate Your Experience

• Honesty is essential. Embellishing your qualifications or experience can backfire if an employer catches discrepancies during interviews or background checks. Be transparent about your strengths and areas where you are growing.

4. Don’t Ignore the Company Culture

• Don’t apply for positions at companies that don’t align with your values or work style. It’s important to consider company culture, work-life balance, and other factors beyond just salary and job title.

5. Don’t Overlook Your Online Reputation

• Avoid posting anything controversial or unprofessional on your social media platforms. Employers may conduct a Google search or check your LinkedIn, so ensure that your online presence reflects the image you want to project.

6. Don’t Neglect to Proofread

• Submitting an application with spelling, grammatical, or formatting errors is a major red flag for employers. Always double-check your resume, cover letter, and emails before sending them.

7. Don’t Ghost Employers

• If you’re no longer interested in a job after an interview or if you’ve received an offer you want to decline, respond professionally. Ignoring emails or phone calls can damage your reputation.

8. Don’t Limit Yourself to One Application

• Diversify your approach. Apply to multiple roles simultaneously and target a variety of companies. Limiting yourself to one or two applications will slow down your job search.

9. Don’t Be Desperate or Over-Eager in Interviews

• While enthusiasm is important, appearing too desperate or overly eager can be off-putting. Be confident in your abilities and focus on finding the right fit for both you and the employer.

10. Don’t Forget to Keep Learning

• The job market and skill requirements are always evolving. Don’t stop improving your skills while job hunting. Consider taking relevant courses, certifications, or workshops to stay competitive.

Additional Tips:

• Patience is Key: The job search process can be long and unpredictable. Stay resilient and give yourself grace when it feels challenging.
• Use Rejection as Feedback: If you're turned down for a role, try to ask for feedback. This can provide valuable insights for your future applications.

By following these do’s and don’ts, you can approach your job search more strategically and effectively, increasing your chances of landing the right job for you.