Common Job-Hunting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Frustration builds quickly when you're in search of a new job. You've been looking for what seems like forever, and you haven't gotten a single break. Maybe you even had a few interviews - but no call backs. You're up to your eyes in beautifully printed resumes and cover letters, and you're convinced that there's no way you'll strike out after all this tedious effort but what if you do? Then maybe you're just a victim of the overlooked, common mistakes we make as prospective employees.

1. Negativity will be the number one cause of your downfall if you can't overcome it. You have to maintain a positive attitude despite the length of time you've spent looking, and despite the luck you've had. And don't underestimate the skills you possess even if you don't have exactly what they're looking for, your attitude can make all the difference in the world. I'm not saying you should be arrogant and display so much confidence that you're making your potential employer doubt his self-worth, but you should feel good about yourself and what you can contribute to this company even if it is a fast food restaurant.

2. Punctuality is probably the only thing as important as your attitude. If you can't show up to your interview on time, how do you expect your boss to trust you to be on time for that big meeting with the new client?

3. Be prepared. You have to have your ducks in a row before you can go into the interview. Research the company, find out the salary range for the position and investigate the competitiveness of the field it will give you the edge you need and give you a better understanding of what you're walking into. "Job-seekers who research as much as possible on potential companies and job offers will feel more in control of the process and likely find positions that they will be happier with than people who do not prepare and research," says Maurene Hinds, author of author of The Ferguson Guide To Resumes And Job-hunting Skills: A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing for Your Job Search. Even if you're not sure entirely sure what the job entails, or what will be expected of you, you can still have an organized list of questions to find out.

4. Don't let your resume turn into a never-ending list of every activity you've ever done. Make sure that the resume you're sending is the resume that makes sense. If you're applying to be an accountant, they're probably not going to care that you spent three summers in high school working at the local video store. Don't focus on irrelevant information and do focus on emphasizing your strengths that will be a contribution to the position. Do a little research before you send it out addressing it to the "Head of Human Resources" might be the ticket to getting it thrown straight into the shredder. Don't be afraid of calling the company directly, telling them the position you're applying for and asking them who it needs to go to for your resume to be seen.

5. Utilize all your resources. Don't stick to one medium: search the internet, magazines, newspapers, even keep your eyes peeled while you're taking a walk you never know what you might find.

6. View your job search as a job in itself. Put as much genuine effort into it as you would an assignment at work that will win you that long awaited promotion. Because if you think about it, finding the right job is your promotion from full-time job seeker to a full-time member of staff.

7. Like your mother always said, "say please and thank you". I don't just mean at the close of your interview send that person a note to thank them for their time. Not only will this prove your commitment to the company, it will give them a reason to think of you again after you've left their sight. With larger corporations, sometimes "out of sight, out of mind" is true they see a lot of people go in and out of their doors, and that little note will jog their memory and give them something else to go on beside your resume.

Keep in mind that the perfect job isn't going to fall right into your lap you're going to have to seek it out. Focus your energy on the positive and take charge of your own success you'll be surprised what a difference being proactive and prepared can make!