Pay Attention to Details in the Job Search

Although the December unemployment number of 9.4% is good news for America, experts say that to see significant growth the economy has to add three times the 113,000 new jobs created. What this means for the unemployed is that the job market remains very competitive and to stay competitive, job seekers have to pay close attention to the details of the job search. Job seekers who may be very good candidates often get overlooked and miss job opportunities because they are not paying attention to details in the job search. Some employers assume that if a job seeker is not paying attention to details in the job search, they won't pay attention to details when they become employees.

One way a job seeker can demonstrate they are paying attention to details in the job search is to make sure application materials including resumes, curriculum vita and cover letters are error free. Some details like forgetting to change a telephone number or using an old email address will make it hard for recruiters to follow with applicants for a job interview.

Some recruiters will also put aside job applications if the job seeker is not paying attention to the details of the application process itself. To not include requested job application materials is just as bad as sending generic resumes or cover letters. Resumes and cover letters that are not customized for the job opening tells the recruiter that the job seeker hasn't spent the required time to pay attention to the details of the job.

Paying attention to details in the job search applies for the job interview phase of the job search as well. Details such as being on time, bringing a copy of your resume to the interview and having a pen to take notes are all interview details to remember. Some interview attire details like dirty shoes, torn tights and missing buttons are details recruiters observe as well.

Everyone is human and we all make mistakes, but preparation and a good checklist can help jobseekers pay attention to details in the job search.