By: Jessica Gendron
Is your job search taking longer than you imagined? Have you applied for dozens – or even hundreds – of jobs and heard NOTHING back? Do you feel like you’re following advice left and right but not seeing results? You are not alone. The internet is a treasure trove of both good and bad advice, and many people end up spinning their wheels without making any real progress. Here are the top five mistakes job seekers make – and better strategies you can use to get interviews and offers.
1. Not Identifying the Right Target Job –
Many people jump into applications without first clarifying what they truly want – their skills, interests, values, and job satisfaction criteria. This often leads to wasted time, poor fits, or early turnover.
A Better Strategy: Define your “target job” at the beginning of your job search. Consider…
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- Skills you want to keep building
- Interests and industries that excite you
- Job satisfaction criteria like culture, leadership style, flexibility, opportunities for growth, and work-life balance.
- Deal breakers such as commute, salary floor, or required travel
2. Applying without Customization –
Having to edit or change it for EVERY job you apply to is daunting. But sending the same resume and cover letter to dozens of jobs rarely works. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan for keywords and relevance, and hiring managers want to see clear alignment between your application and the posted job.
A Better Strategy: Customize your resume for each job. Highlight relevant skills, accomplishments, and transferable experience using the same keywords in the job posting.
3. Over-Relying on Online Applications –
Clicking “Apply” feels productive, but research consistently shows that over 70% of jobs are filled through networking, not postings. Online job boards represent a small fraction of the job market, and the competition for those jobs is fierce.
A Better Strategy: Balance your online applications with your networking activities. While it might seem less productive than actually applying for jobs, networking is likely to produce a much higher return on your investment. Reach out to your network, attend events in your target industry, and leverage your LinkedIn to connect with decision-makers.
4. Not Preparing for Interviews –
Too many candidates just “wing it” in interviews and stumble when asked about their experience, strengths, or salary expectations. Poor preparation signals a lack of interest and readiness.
A Better Strategy: Research the company, understand its challenges, and practice your answers using the STAR method for behavioral questions. Prepare smart questions for your interviewer(s) to show that you are engaged and intentional.
5. Avoiding Salary or Negotiation Conversations –
Many job seekers accept the first offer without question, fearing they’ll lose the job if they negotiate or they’ll low-ball the salary range and leave money on the table. Yet, 75% of employers expect negotiation, and most of them leave room in their initial offer.
A Better Strategy: Come prepared with market data, know your minimum acceptable compensation, and practice respectful ways to counteroffer.
If you’ve fallen into one or more of these traps, don’t beat yourself up – you’re in good company. The good news is that each mistake can be corrected with strategy, preparation, and confidence. By identifying your target job, tailoring your materials, leveraging your network, preparing thoroughly for interviews, and negotiating wisely, you’ll set yourself apart from the crowd and shorten your path to the right opportunity.
If you’re ready to take your job search to the next level, check out our online courses designed to take on these exact challenges:
1. Identifying Your Target Job
2. Getting Through ATS Filters
3. Networking in Your Job Search
5. Negotiating
For more information about available OnDemand courses or how we can assist you during your job transition, please reach out to us at bteepe@cciindy.com today!