Job Search: 10 Things That Waste Time
2 February 2015
Read by 2581 persons
When you're looking for a job, there's not a minute to lose. So, it's best to avoid activities that waste time without providing real benefits. Here are 10 things that will waste your time in your search for your dream job.
1. Not being serious
If finding a new job is not a top priority for you and the next episode of Prison Break seems more interesting than sending your resume, you shouldn't expect to have good results. So, before looking for a new job, you should ask yourself how serious you are about it. Because, according to several experts, you need to spend three to five hours a week to do a proper job search.
2. Not being organized
Finding a new job is a job in itself. The best thing to do is be organized. Scheduling different time slots to sit down, browse job postings and send your application, keeping a register of applications sent and having an application goal per week or month is a good start and especially a good way not to lose your way.
3. Not having reviewed your resume in a while
If you send your resume without having reread or modified it for some time, some skills or experiences may be missing. Taking the time to refine your resume (checking for spelling mistakes, making sure everything is well written) will save you time applying for nothing.
4. Sending a generic resume to all employers
Do you send the same resume to all employers? If so, that's a mistake. A generic resume won't attract the eye of a potential employer and won't allow you to land your dream job. It is therefore better to take the time to personalize your resume before applying.
5. Sending resumes randomly
By sending a ton of resumes, that is, prioritizing quantity over quality, you are not using your time in a productive and efficient way. There is no need to apply for all job postings: taking the time to choose well in order to get the best possible result, that's the key!
6. Limiting yourself to job sites only
Yes, browsing from one job site to another is easy and can be done from anywhere. But according to a study by the American news channel ABC News, 80% of jobs are found through networking. So you can use your time better by avoiding prioritizing only online job sites.
7. Applying even if you are not qualified
When you despair of finding a new job, you may end up being tempted to apply for jobs for which you are not really qualified. However, you risk wasting your time. Employers have a list of minimum criteria and will simply reject an application that does not match what they are looking for.
8. Applying even if you are not interested
More people than you think apply for a position that doesn't interest them. If you are not interested in the position or the employer, why waste your time sending your resume? Even if you absolutely need to find a new job, don't waste your time applying for a position that you would refuse anyway... and in which you would not be happy.
9. Never following up
You have been called for an interview. You therefore expect the person interviewing you to be the one to contact you to announce their decision regarding your application. But have you thought about following up immediately after your interview? Reiterating your interest in the position right after your interview could earn you points with the employer.
10. Waiting by the phone
Your interview went well. You are optimistic. So you stop looking for a job and sending your resume. Mistake! Even if you are firmly convinced that you performed well in the interview, don't let interesting opportunities pass you by, because after all, in interviews, there are many called and few chosen. It is important to continue your search as long as you have not received a formal job offer.
Anaïs Chabot.
Workopolis.com
Posted on January 10, 2017
1. Not being serious
If finding a new job is not a top priority for you and the next episode of Prison Break seems more interesting than sending your resume, you shouldn't expect to have good results. So, before looking for a new job, you should ask yourself how serious you are about it. Because, according to several experts, you need to spend three to five hours a week to do a proper job search.
2. Not being organized
Finding a new job is a job in itself. The best thing to do is be organized. Scheduling different time slots to sit down, browse job postings and send your application, keeping a register of applications sent and having an application goal per week or month is a good start and especially a good way not to lose your way.
3. Not having reviewed your resume in a while
If you send your resume without having reread or modified it for some time, some skills or experiences may be missing. Taking the time to refine your resume (checking for spelling mistakes, making sure everything is well written) will save you time applying for nothing.
4. Sending a generic resume to all employers
Do you send the same resume to all employers? If so, that's a mistake. A generic resume won't attract the eye of a potential employer and won't allow you to land your dream job. It is therefore better to take the time to personalize your resume before applying.
5. Sending resumes randomly
By sending a ton of resumes, that is, prioritizing quantity over quality, you are not using your time in a productive and efficient way. There is no need to apply for all job postings: taking the time to choose well in order to get the best possible result, that's the key!
6. Limiting yourself to job sites only
Yes, browsing from one job site to another is easy and can be done from anywhere. But according to a study by the American news channel ABC News, 80% of jobs are found through networking. So you can use your time better by avoiding prioritizing only online job sites.
7. Applying even if you are not qualified
When you despair of finding a new job, you may end up being tempted to apply for jobs for which you are not really qualified. However, you risk wasting your time. Employers have a list of minimum criteria and will simply reject an application that does not match what they are looking for.
8. Applying even if you are not interested
More people than you think apply for a position that doesn't interest them. If you are not interested in the position or the employer, why waste your time sending your resume? Even if you absolutely need to find a new job, don't waste your time applying for a position that you would refuse anyway... and in which you would not be happy.
9. Never following up
You have been called for an interview. You therefore expect the person interviewing you to be the one to contact you to announce their decision regarding your application. But have you thought about following up immediately after your interview? Reiterating your interest in the position right after your interview could earn you points with the employer.
10. Waiting by the phone
Your interview went well. You are optimistic. So you stop looking for a job and sending your resume. Mistake! Even if you are firmly convinced that you performed well in the interview, don't let interesting opportunities pass you by, because after all, in interviews, there are many called and few chosen. It is important to continue your search as long as you have not received a formal job offer.
Anaïs Chabot.
Workopolis.com
Posted on January 10, 2017
