Ways to avoid stalling your job search

It’s a jungle out there in the wild, wild world of job search in today’s world.  With so much competition and so few jobs to be had, the last thing you want to do is sabotage your job search efforts. That’s why it’s important to know the thing that you do that could be inadvertently wrong.

• The job search can be a draining experience with a lot of emotionally yo-yoing, and it’s very easy to fall into a negative mindset. It’s also very easy to get discouraged but you need to find a way to channel a positive attitude towards negative situations like rejection emails or poor interviews. A positive mindset can be one of the most powerful asset; attitudes are contagious and can be passed along during interviews, applications and cover letters. You want to remain positive so that you don’t accidentally damage your chances at getting the job you want.

• Waiting for the perfect job to come around. Right now, there is no such thing as the perfect job.  Obviously, there are jobs that are better than others, but these days most jobs require some sort of give and take by both the job seeker and the employer. There is a saying that goes, “a bird in hand is better than ten in the bush”, it makes no sense to reject a perfectly good job in your field because it doesn’t fit your schedule or is located too far from your residence. The job market is so competitive these days that an employer can easily find a replacement, so don’t do yourself a disservice by rejecting a perfectly good job.

• Going it alone. No matter how good and resourceful you think you are, two heads will always be better than one especially if you turn to someone who’s well connected in your industry, networking is so important no matter what field you are.

• Applying above your head. It’s great to want to move up as you explore new career options, but if you go too far beyond your experience you will be shooting yourself in the foot. Apply for jobs you’re qualified to hold; then work on advancement once the job is yours.

Finding a job in today’s market is possible.  It’s much easier to do if you aren’t stepping into any of these pitfalls to the job search process.