Ways You Are Sabotaging Your Job Search
The Momentum Files #7
Smart strategies to help you land that next role.
Landing your next ideal role takes careful planning, sharp focus and steady confidence. You’re ready for a change and excited to transition into something new.
It’s job search time, and I want you to be ready! Here are 6 ways you might be sabotaging your efforts – and what to do instead.
#1: Not following up to say thank you after an interview
I can’t stress this enough. Send a post-interview thank you! It can be an email, a handwritten note card – even a short and sweet video. Whichever you choose, send it within 24 hours after your interview and make it both professional and personal. Thank your interviewer for the time spent with you. Reiterate your interest. Share a resource or connection that you think they’d appreciate. Highlight something from your time together that really stood out. Did you share a laugh or bond over an experience? Include that to remind them of the connection you made. And whatever you do, stay away from the dreaded generic template. It’s fine to use one as a guide but be sure to make it your own.
#2: Overly relying on job boards
Indeed, Monster, LinkedIn and others like them are decent tools to get informed and educated. But keep in mind that over 70% of jobs are never advertised. Most positions are filled through networks and referrals. Use job boards as a helpful resource, but don’t rely on them as your primary way to find your next opportunity.
#3: Not following directions
Companies will likely have an established candidate selection process in place. Follow their process. If they ask you to not contact them but wait for them to contact you, respect that and be patient (still send that post-interview thank you!). If they ask you to submit forms or take any type of action, be sure to do what they’re asking and adhere to deadlines. This shows that you’re someone who listens, pays attention to detail and respects their process.
#4: Failing to negotiate creatively
Always think “big picture” when it comes to negotiation. Go beyond hours and pay. If you get an offer that is FAR from where you want to be with no way to reduce that gap, then it’s a hard stop. But, if you’re in the same ballpark and you want to further discuss the offer, think of ways it could work. Ask about creative alternatives (negotiating vacation time, stock, experience opportunities, etc.) and see if there are other ways to make things appealing to both sides.
#5: Not doing your research
Companies expect you to be informed, educated and knowledgeable and will feel that you’ve wasted their time if you come in unprepared or asking questions that you could have easily found the answers to yourself. This is usually seen as a dead giveaway that you’re not fully invested or interested. The solution is simple. Do your homework. Research what you can in advance and impress them by asking meaningful questions that show you’ve put deep thought into the position and how you can bring immense value. (Use your network to help you get educated about the company. See #6 below!)
#6: Not networking
Use the power of your network! Networking gets you seen by people who can recommend you for jobs, introduce you to ideal connections and let you in on job opportunities that won’t be published publicly. This. Is. Huge. My Brilliant Networking Formula eBook helps high-achieving professionals like you connect and build relationships with all the confidence and none of the stress. It’s free and all yours if you want it!
Which of these six resonates with you the most? Let me know if this is helpful to you and any questions you have about stopping the sabotage and landing that next exciting opportunity.
To Your Success!
Cindy Haba
P.S. Networking successfully boils down to taking what you already know about how you engage in relationships and integrating it into your professional life and career. Learn my 3-step strategy to connect & build relationships with confidence.