There’s
a lot that first-time job seekers bring to the table. They’re often
eager and enthusiastic, technologically-savvy and up-to-date on the
latest skills and trends in their desired field.
Yet there is still a lot that new job seekers have to learn when it
comes to mastering the job search. Here, experts weigh in on 10 mistakes
many first-time job seekers make and how these errors can be avoided.
1. Putting too much weight on their GPA. ”[A mistake
first-time job seekers make is] believing that high academics is the
most important factor in finding a job,” says Stephanie Kinkaid, program
coordinator for the Wackerle Career and Leadership Center at Monmouth
College in Monmouth, Ill. “Graduates need leadership qualities and the
ability to articulate how those experiences have created a well-rounded
individual.”
2. Not doing enough research. ”Many times, job seekers don’t realize the importance in conducting research,” says Debra Ann Matthews, professional résumé writer and
certified career coach. “Learn about how to obtain a job … Go to the
library and read about job-search tools. Go to your local career center
and see what they have to offer. Then take your inquiry a step further —
see if these same institutions have social media services.”
3. Not staying up-to-date on industry trends. ”Graduates
should do research not only on the company to which they are applying,
but about the field in general,” Kinkaid says. “[For instance,] if you
are entering the medical field, you should be knowledgeable about the
Affordable Care Act, how politics affect medicine and social issues.”
4. Only considering full-time jobs. ”First-time job
seekers devalue the benefits of temp and short term and placement
services,” Matthews says. “Temp jobs … can be of value to a job seeker
by giving that job seeker work experience in various tasks. Many temp
agencies will offer computer-based trainings that can be learned and
applied to résumés and used by job seekers to leverage their job search
in a more strategic manner.”
5. Focusing only on jobs related to their degree. Dylan
Schweitzer, group talent acquisition manager for Enterprise Holdings,
says that new job seekers often think they can only work in a field
directly related to their major and only apply to jobs in one specific
industry. “You major in what you are interested in learning more about,
but that doesn’t pigeonhole you into one type of opportunity.”
6. Making the interview about them, not the employer. ”Job
seekers who spend their initial interview talking about why they need a
job, how much they want some company benefit, etc. instead of talking
about how they will solve problems for the company and bring value are
ensuring they will not be asked back for second interviews or hiring,”
says Karen Southall Watts, consultant, coach and speaker.
“Everyone is well aware of the fact that people need jobs. Hiring
managers want to know why, of all the needy, worthy candidates, they
should hire you.”
7. Dressing inappropriately in professional settings. ”Often,
first-time job seekers have not been exposed to work-appropriate
attire,” says Lindsay Witcher, manager of practice development at RiseSmart,
which provides next-generation enterprise career management solutions.
“How you dress directly affects how people perceive you and whether or
not they will take you seriously. For this reason, make sure you are
dressed professionally when networking and interviewing. If you aren’t
sure what is appropriate, ask for the opinions of a few people you trust
who have a few years of successful professional experience under their
belt.”
8. Being unenthusiastic. ”Enthusiasm is critical to
being considered for a position,” Witcher says. “If you appear bored or
as if you have something better to do while interviewing or networking,
hiring managers will not consider you as a viable candidate. Show
enthusiasm not only through your conversation, but through your
knowledge about the company and your interest in the position.”
9. Focusing on salary. ”Young professionals often
fail to look at the big picture when deciding whether or not to take a
position and instead focus too much on the salary,” says Chaz
Pitts-Kyser, speaker on career/life topics for young professionals and
author of “Embracing the Real World: The Black Woman’s Guide to Life
After College.” “But how happy will they be with what seems to be a
great salary if their benefits are measly, the commute gives them a
headache or their workload is insane? Everything about a company and
what it offers and does not offer should be taken into consideration
prior to accepting or rejecting a job offer.”
10. Knowingly taking the wrong job. ”Times are hard,
and it’s not always wise to hold out for the perfect job,” Watts says.
“However, when you get that sinking feeling, and you know a position is a
poor match for your skills or temperament, you are wise to pass. When
in doubt, discuss with a mentor before making irreversible decisions.”