The new year means a fresh start. For many, that means a new job. The start of the first quarter is typically when people begin to look for a new job, especially after receiving an end-of-year holiday bonus.
Before you begin your job search, we want to clear the air on a few job-hunting mistakes to ensure you have a smooth-sailing process. Here are some of the most common hiring mistakes we’ve seen this new year.
Lack of Personalization
When applying for a new job, one of the best ways to stand out is personalization of your resume and emails. Every second, 77 people apply for a new position. With that much competition, it is vital to do what you can to showcase your skillset and individuality.
One of the best ways we recommend personalizing your communication is to connect with the individual and peel back layers of your personality. Experience is a clear indicator if you are fit for the position, but employers also want to know that you will be a cultural fit.
Whether you are writing a cover letter or a thank-you email after an interview, customize your communication and develop a relationship with the individual. The more specific and personalized you are, the more likely you will be a favorable candidate for the position.
Another form of personalization that will take you to the next step is for every job you apply for, cater your resume to that specific job. Both recruiters and hiring managers can tell when a resume is generalized, so make sure to customize it based on the distinct job description. Doing this will increase your chances of being selected for an interview.
Going solo
One of the most common mistakes people make in the hiring process is taking on the task of job hunting alone. Your network will be one of the most valuable assets when looking for a new job.
Applying for a job on a company’s website is a sure way to get lost in a pool of candidates. When you use your network and connect with people you know in the same field or that work for a company you are interested in, it will give you the upper hand.
One of the best ways to utilize your network is to connect with recruiters and hiring managers where you would like to work. Both recruiters and hiring managers professionals specialize in hiring and the job hunting process, so be sure to use them to your advantage.
Overall, job hunting takes more time and energy than one would think. We know the struggles of late nights editing your resume and getting the jitters before an interview.
We would love to help you find your next role, and to be quite honest; we’re pretty good at it. We wish you the best of luck on your job search journey, and if you are looking for assistance in your search, we would love to help – get in contact with us today.
Clutch is a creative staffing partner. We connect digital, creative, and marketing professionals with companies looking for freelance, temp-to-hire or direct hire resources.
