Yes, the job market may be tough, but the saying, “Desperate times call for desperate measures,†is one that shouldn’t be applied to job hunting. From abusing social networks to being a persistent pest, below are five habits you should break when looking for your next gig.
1. Blasting your job hunt on social networks: Not everyone needs to know about every interview you go on and every company you apply to during your job hunt. From the “Wish me luck on my interview today†tweet, to the “Headed to the money†statuses and #OOTD interview Instagram pic, we’re sure your followers are secretly begging you to keep your job search private, and holla when you land that gig.
2. Constantly calling after you submit your resume: If a company is interested in you working for them, it’s without question they will reach out to you for an interview. Stalking a company after you submit your resume can become annoying to the employer and sometimes the quickest way to ensure you won’t get a call back, especially if the company’s job posting says “No phone calls please.†It’s OK to follow up on the status of your interview, but keep it professional and infrequent.
3. Arriving super early to an interview: Being late can definitely cause you to lose out on opportunities, but no one said you have to be super early either. Arriving 30-45 minutes prior to your interview time can put the employer in an awkward position, making them feel obligated to stop what they’re doing and attend to you. Arriving 10-15 minutes ahead to decompress, get yourself together and present your best self is appropriate.
4. Limiting your job search to one company and one type of job: We all have that dream position we would love to have immediately, but sometimes that position is not the job we’re meant to have right away. Rather than limiting your job search to strict guidelines and standards, be flexible and open to other positions that are similar in your field. That job could be the stepping stone to the dream one.
5. Being open to just taking any old job: We know looking for employment can get stressful and depressing, but if you can afford it, don’t throw in the towel and say “yes†to any position that comes your way. Having a job that doesn’t fulfill your passion or purpose can sometimes be just as depressing as not having a job at all.