Job Search Mistakes: How to Avoid them

Randstad Canada gives job seekers tips to avoid common job search mistakes and land the job that is the perfect fit for them.

TORONTO, Aug. 8, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Searching for a job can be a challenging and laborious task - looking for job openings, reviewing your résumé, drafting cover letters, preparing for interviews - there are many steps that should be done just right, but many jobseekers however, struggle with a few common job search mistakes. Randstad Canada, the country's leader for staffing, recruitment and HR Services offers a few tips to help jobseekers avoid making some common missteps as they go through the process of searching for a job.

Jan Hein Bax, President, Randstad Canada, says there are some common mistakes job seekers often make because they feel rushed to find a job, but he emphasizes that taking the time to do things right can really make the difference in your job search. "When you have taken the time to clearly define who you are, what your skills are and what you are looking for, you will make better use of your time and energy and be in a better position to target the right jobs for you," he says.

Bax offers some additional advice to help avoid some of the job search mistakes jobseekers commonly make:

Being too narrow or too wide in your job search. While you benefit from applying to a fair number of interesting jobs, try not to waste your time applying to jobs that don't match your skills and experience, for example if you don't have the requirements stated in the job description.  Focus your efforts on jobs that really match where you are in your career path but will also give you the opportunity to grow.
Not organizing your job search properly. The more applications you send out, the more you risk losing track of them. Make a list of the jobs you applied to, follow up with candidate application deadlines, keep track of the emails you have sent, and all versions of your résumé.
Not having an online presence. In our social media era, an online presence definitively gives you a competitive edge. A Linked in profile with a complete work history and a few recommendations, for example, tells prospective employers that you are connected with current online trends.
Not preparing enough for your interview. Preparation is the most important aspect of your job search, and it certainly applies to the job interview. Before going to a job interview, you need to thoroughly research the company. The more you know about the company, the more comfortable you will be discussing their goals, how you can fit in and contribute to their success.
Listing duties instead of accomplishments in your resume. Employers know what the job they are recruiting for entitles. Listing duties will not tell them what value you can deliver when comparing you to another candidate who performed the same job. Think in terms of accomplishments, how an initative you led contributed to an increase in revenue, how your client service approach allowed you to renew contracts with clients, etc.
Not trusting your instincts. Trust your gut. If you have doubts regarding the work environment or the job description, ask questions and clarify.  At the end of the day, if you are still not sure whether the company is the right fit for you, keep looking.

About Randstad Canada: Randstad Canada is the Canadian leader for staffing, recruitment and HR Services. As the only fully integrated staffing company in the country, we understand the recruitment needs and demands of employers and job seekers across all levels and industries. Through our insightful knowledge of local markets, employment trends and global network of recruitment experts, we are shaping the Canadian world of work. Visit randstad.ca

SOURCE: RANDSTAD CANADA