Common Mistakes IT Job Hunters do

Author: Kartik Patel

You have updated your job portal profiles several times, you have appeared in several interviews and, unfortunately, you have failed every time in securing an IT job. If you have been unable to find a job of your choice, you might be committing some of the "Job Hunting Mistakes" mentioned below:

MISTAKE- 1- You are unsure of your Career Choice

There are several job hunters who really don’t know what they want to do for living. They usually decide on the most lucrative industry and start finding a job without any real passion. If you are one of them, it is important to take some time in learning your interests. Identify your ideal job and then start your hunt because employers and staffing companies are very sharp in finding out whether a person is really interested in job.

MISTAKE- 2- You are hunting less

Half-hearted efforts will give you half-hearted results. Experts believe that job hunting is a full-time job. If you're unemployed, you must consider job hunting as your job and spend your work-hours in contacting people, establishing network and giving interviews.

If you are employed, you must make time for finding a new job. You can work on your resume and interview skills early in the morning and schedule interviews after work.

MISTAKE- 3- You lack Job Preparation

A goal properly set is halfway reached. But many job hunters believe in random hunting. They just keep sending resumes to anyone and everyone. If you are guilty of committing this mistake, you must stop it at once.

First, list your prospective employers. Conduct thorough research and choose a company by considering several factors such as career growth, salary, work environment, etc. Finding a job in this planned manner will ensure job satisfaction.

MISTAKE- 4- You have a Faulty Resume

The right resume opens many doors and the faulty one closes every door. So, make sure that your resume is flawless. Here are few things that you should consider before forwarding your resume to companies:

  1. Most recruiters will scan your resume in just a couple of seconds. So, it is important that you use the KISS formula – Keep it Short and Simple.
  2. Write an attractive cover letter
  3. One size does not fit all. Edit your resume and emphasize on the skills and accomplishments according to the company’s requirements.
  4. Highlight your achievements and use keywords & buzzwords related to the job description.
  5. If you are changing your career or have limited experience, avoid traditional resume formats and opt for a functional resume that emphasizes achievements instead of experience.
  6. Use Times New Roman or any other traditional font if the company is conservative.
  7. Proof read

If you are finding it difficult to write an effective resume, you can consult a professional resume writer or take help of a staffing company.

MISTAKE- 5 - You rely on Posted Job Openings Only

Usually, job hunters just check job advertisements in newspapers and online job portals. There are several other options to help you find job quickly such as:

  1. Networking
  2. IT staffing companies
  3. Visiting the company’s website and searching its career section
  4. Posting resumes online
  5. Cold calling

MISTAKE- 6 - You don’t believe in Networking

You cannot be passive and wait for job opportunities to come to you. You have to meet several people and establish a contact with them. They can help you in securing an interview and put in a good word whenever required.

An average person has to talk to a dozen people before getting the opportunity to talk to the hiring authority. So, don’t be uncomfortable with networking and try to strike a conversation with as many people as possible.

MISTAKE- 7- You have Poor Interview Skills

Go unprepared and sabotage your employment chances! You must be fully prepared for the interview by researching the company’s goals, products, future plans, etc. You can take help of staffing companies that provide interview training. You can also ask a friend or colleague to conduct mock interviews for you. Alternatively, you can read interview tips online and gain confidence.

MISTAKE- 8 - Your Approach is Passive

Employers want proactive not passive employees. There are several things that will suggest your passive approach to the employer. One of them is that you don’t follow-up. You send your resume and simply hope for an interview call. And, even if you get an interview call, you don’t follow-up regularly with the employer and keep on waiting for him to call you. All these are signs of a passive approach. It is important that you keep in touch with the employer in order to keep your name at the top of his list. Remember out of sight is out of mind.

Also keep in mind that you must be regular in follow-up but that doesn’t mean it should be aggressive and become a source of irritation to the employer.

So, these are the "Job Hunting Mistakes" that you should avoid at all costs.

All the best for securing a good IT job.

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