What might seem like a great job search strategy at the time can prove to be less than productive down the road. In fact, what seems like a smart approach might actually be doing you more harm than good.
That’s a tough thing for jobseekers to hear. Searching for employment is, after all, a rather daunting and even discouraging thing, and it can be hard to figure out what’s right and what’s not amidst the sea of job search advice.
Nevertheless, it’s important to ensure that what you’re doing is as smart and as pragmatic as you think it is—and to remove from your job search arsenal any tactics that are counterproductive.
Casting a Wide Net
A great example of this is the practice of sending out as many resumes as you possibly can—applying for any job opening you come across that fits in with your particular skill set, even tangentially.
This sounds good in theory. Positioning yourself as a multi-capable professional, generally skilled and up for any challenge, sure sounds like something employers would like. Only, it isn’t. Employers tend to be searching for a very precise set of skills and personality traits—and “general” isn’t one of them.
Taking the shotgun approach to job hunting isn’t really effective, then, because you’re essentially using all your time applying for jobs you’re highly unlikely to get, or even to interview for. A more honed, focused approach is preferable.
Being Perfectly Agreeable
It might also seem like a good idea to come across as perfectly positive and good-natured in job interviews—and certainly, you want to be even-tempered, friendly, and personable. Remember that interviewers aren’t just looking for skills, but also for cultural fit.
However, you don’t want to be even-tempered to the point of being unengaged. When you’re given an opportunity to ask some questions about the company, make sure that you do so. Show that you care, that you’re engaged in the process, and that you’re not simply desperate to take any job that’s available to you.
Playing it Too Cool
An opposite approach is to play it so cool in a job interview that you don’t even let on that you want the job. Here’s where some balancing will be necessary. You don’t want to come across as desperate, it’s true—but neither do you want to come across as disinterested.
This is especially so when you’re interviewing at a small business or a startup. Remember that this is the business owner’s baby that you’re talking about. The person you’re interviewing with likely wants to see some real enthusiasm—not mere detachment.
Getting Too Creative with Your Resume
Finally, remember that the best way to stand out is to be outstanding—not to be weird, different, or “creative.” This is especially true when it comes to resumes. Many jobseekers believe that the best way to draw attention is to do something out of the ordinary with their resumes—but recruiters and hiring managers want the ordinary format, to some extent, and don’t have much patience for outside-the-box styles or templates.
If you need help constructing an attention-grabbing—but not off-putting—resume, our team is standing by. Contact Grammar Chic, Inc. at www.grammarchic.net, or 803-831-7444!
The Red Ink 