Maybe you’re looking to move into a management position in a new company or maybe you’re trying to bring your career to the next level. Either way, the job search takes skill just like everything else you’ll do in your professional career.
If you’re on the ‘learning curve’ in a new job search because you’re back in the market after years of experience in a single position, or even after a longer employment search – then you’ll want to brush up on your hunting skills. Sometimes the easiest way is to learn from the experiences of others, so today we’re sharing a list of the most common executive-level job search mistakes.
Mistake #1: Your resume is ineffective. It’s either too long, too short, too formal, or just out of date. You want to create a resume that’s concise and is focused on your accomplishments and skills. Be sure also to update it with the links to your websites, portfolio, and social media profiles.
Mistake #2: You’re not helping employers to understand how your experience will relate to their needs. Good communication and “soft skills” are so critical for job searchers today. For every potential interview, you should know how your skills are relevant and will provide value to their organization. You should also be ready for interviews with a list of strengths and practice incorporating them into potential responses to interview questions.
Mistake #3: You haven’t checked your references. Only include references that you’re sure will be effective. Don’t use your current company email, phone, or computer for a job search. These common errors can put you in the awkward position of unexpectedly having to explain a job search to a current employer – and that’s not a good situation to be in if you want a positive reference.
Mistake #4: You haven’t searched yourself online. Don’t let an unflattering or non-existent online presence create a gap for hiring managers. A professional presence on social media or through a personal website will help to distinguish you from the pool of applicants.
Mistake #5: You’re not working your network. It’s best to establish good professional ties before you need them, but it’s never too late to reach out to potential contacts in your network of family, friends, former colleagues and peers. You can also accomplish this by volunteering, working on a side project, or freelancing.
Now that you know the common mistakes, you can get out there and land that dream position with all the right tools in hand!