9 job search mistakes that every graduate should avoid

New graduates are often challenged with the new job market, especially when they have no idea on how to approach the job search process.The process can turn out to be even more complicated if the graduates fall prey of crucial job search mistakes. It’s okay to fail an interview – depending on various reasons, but failing more often sends a negative message that “there is something wrong somewhere.” It’s upon you to seek the most effective strategies that you can implement to secure your career. And here are our tips.

Not utilizing career guidance tesources

Nowadays, most colleges have career guidance offices with beneficial resources for the students. It is advisable that you seek help from such offices because they have dedicated professionals who are ready to guide you through your career challenges.

There are many valuable things and skills that you can acquire when you decide to step up and seek guidance regarding your career issues. You will get good connections that may lead you to a new job, even before finishing college. Make it a habit of frequently visiting the career guidance office. This will put you in a strategic position for winning new jobs and potential career leads. It is advisable to start early while still in high school and throughout college.

Losing focus

While job hunting, nothing is more important than maintaining focus, being consistent and disciplined. Keep the pedal to the metal until you secure that dream job that you’ve always wished to acquire. Everything is possible, but only if you are ready to persevere and stay focused.

Many graduates often give up when they are only a few miles left to reach their destination. You have to keep pumping your own tires in order to maintain the momentum. You never know - circumstances could change within the last minute, just when you’re about to ‘throw in the towel.’

Not following up

You should avoid ending communication with the interview abruptly. After the interview, make sure you write a follow-up email or letter as soon as possible. In the email or letter, tell them why you think you are the best fit for that particular position.

You can outline your skills that are in line with the job. Employers look for extraordinary people who have passion in whatever they do. When you follow up after the interview, the employer will conclude that you’re more passionate about the job than your colleagues. It also shows that you have confidence in yourself and that you are eager to assume the new position. This may convince them that you’re the perfect fit for that particular job.

Lack of confidence and enthusiasm is a major killer for most job applications. Employers can easily identify a weak candidate at any stage of the process. Hence, it is advisable that you regularly check with the employer to confirm your progress and reaffirm your high level of interest.

Underestimating your market value

Every graduate should research and assess their market value in order to fit in the marketplace. It is advisable that you understand the data before attending any single interview. You can consider learning new skill sets that will put your market value at a higher rate.

Tools like compensation benchmarking can help you determine your market value based on your geographical location, experience, and technical skills. And you can make the negotiation process less painful by researching and assessing your experience, knowledge, and skills. This will help you get prepared to talk about your pay rate, once the employer has made it clear that you are the successful candidate.

Inadequate preparation for job interviews

Many graduates make the mistake of not preparing well enough for their job interviews. It is critical to ensure that you are well-prepared and that you have researched everything you need to know about the employer.

Check the company’s background, their vision and mission. All interviews are comprised of five basic elements:

1. Asking intelligent questions;
2.  Conveying your knowledge of the company;
3. Articulating your value;
4. Negotiating pay rate, and
5. Making a follow-up after the interview.

Those who prepare adequately for their interviews are often assured of securing the given job position. You are more likely to be hired if you know the company’s competition, their goals, their challenges and how you can help the company scale higher and outsmart their competitors. During the interview, you need to be genuinely interested in the company and the interviewer. Don’t be afraid of making a personal connection through small talks.

Doing it alone

The best way to secure a job you love is by seeking support from job search experts, CV writers and career coaches. You can seek various kinds of career support from your local area or through online career search services.

By all means, do get help from the experts because they offer actionable and effective advice that you can apply during your job search. They will provide you with a proven system for job search success that will help you ‘think outside the box.’

Avoid doing it alone and seek the help of job search professionals. Most of them are experts in the field and will provide you with objective guidance towards securing your dream job.

Ineffective networking

Networking is the key focus when it comes to job search. I bet you’ve heard this term more often. It is a powerful word that actually provides effective results in the long run. Many graduates assume that they will automatically get their dream jobs without effective networking. But that’s where they get it wrong.

The best networkers know that they have to be bold and not shy about asking for guidance and feedback. They have a clear agenda and they are good listeners.

You need to approach prospective employers or people who can connect you with leading companies in line with your area of expertise. It’s best to take note that networking takes time but the results can be tremendous over time. Also, think about having a structured, professional approach that will keep you accountable throughout the process.

Sending unsolicited résumés

Many graduates often get tempted to send unsolicited CVs. But what they fail to understand is that employers consider such types of CVs as wasted effort, scrap paper, and garbage. Yes, that’s the painful truth – you have to customize your CV in order to avoid getting rejected.

Sending CVs blindly will not help you get any job. With unsolicited CVs, you will keep on getting rejected and hardly get invited for job interviews. As a graduate, you are advised to ensure that your CV is targeted to a specific, open and available job.

Having a too-narrow geographical focus

Graduates should be concerned about their geographical job search focus because it plays a big role in finding a new job. For example, if there are few job opportunities existing in your current location; consider opportunities in second and third choice locations. Avoid too narrow geographic focus because it can limit your chances of finding a new job, especially if there are few prospective employers in your location.