How to Jinx Your Job Search: 8 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Looking for a job within the SaaS, B2B Tech and B2B Services industries can be challenging. Many job seekers unknowingly sabotage their own efforts. Here are eight ways you might be jinxing your job search, along with practical advice to turn your luck around.
1.?Relying Solely on Job Ads
Applying exclusively to advertised positions is like sending your resume into a black hole. According to a 2019 survey by Jobvite, only 37% of job seekers learn about opportunities through professional networks, while nearly half hear about jobs through word of mouth via friends.
What to do instead: Expand your search beyond job postings. Reach out to companies you're interested in, even if they haven't advertised openings.
2.?Neglecting Your Network
A 2017 LinkedIn Global Survey revealed that 70% of people were hired at companies where they had a connection. Furthermore, traditional networking makes up 46% of the most effective ways of finding a job.
What to do instead: Actively engage with other executives and workers within your industry. Attend industry events, participate in online forums, and maintain regular contact with former colleagues.
3.?Lack of Specificity in Your Job Search
Being vague about the kind of job you want can significantly hinder your search. When you're not specific, well-meaning contacts may forward irrelevant job opportunities.
What to do instead: Be prepared to articulate exactly what you're looking for. For example: "I'm seeking a sales position for a SaaS company that supports the healthcare industry and needs someone who can successfully call on and sell to hospital administrators."
4.?Inconsistent Follow-Up
Just like in sales, job opportunities rarely materialize on the first attempt. Failing to follow up consistently with your prospects and network can seriously jinx your job search.
What to do instead: Treat your job search like a sales process. Implement a system for regular, measured follow-ups with your contacts and potential employers.
5.?Doing the Same Thing as Everyone Else
To stand out, you need to differentiate yourself from other job seekers.
What to do instead: Identify the top 10-50 companies in your industry. Find the key decision-makers who would hire you and reach out to them on LinkedIn. Highlight your awareness of their industry challenges and your ability to help. Focus on building relationships, even if there's no immediate job opening.
Consider creating personalized videos using tools like Loom, which allows you to track who opened them for targeted follow-ups.
6.?Getting Mired in Disappointment
Job searching can be emotionally taxing, and it's easy to fall into depression or negativity. The job search process is an emotional journey of highs and lows. It is elation over an interview and hopelessness over the rejection that follows.
What to do instead: Remember that you were valued before and will be valued again. Companies want to hire people who exude positive energy and can positively impact the team. Maintain a positive outlook and practice self-care during your job search. Surround yourself with family and friends that will support you and help keep your spirits up.
If you’re looking for ways to regain your confidence, here are some effective strategies that can help you bounce back.
7.?Not Treating Your Job Hunt Like a Full-Time Job
Approaching your job search casually or sporadically can significantly hinder your progress.
What to do instead: Dedicate consistent time and effort to your job search. Set daily or weekly goals, create a schedule, and hold yourself accountable.
8.?Being Too Narrow in Your Approach
Limiting yourself to a specific industry or role can cause you to miss out on valuable opportunities.
What to do instead:
By avoiding these common pitfalls and implementing the suggested strategies, you can significantly improve your job search outcomes. Remember, finding the right job is often about who you know, how effectively you leverage your network, and how you differentiate yourself from other candidates. Stay focused, be specific about your goals, maintain consistent follow-up, and keep an open mind to turn your job search luck around. And when you land on your feet, make sure you commit to making consistent deposits in your networking bank before you need withdrawals.
Artemis Consultants is the premier purpose driven executive staffing company, delivering talent worth the hunt for the SaaS, B2B Tech and B2B Services industries. We exist for two reasons. To help companies advance and grow by recruiting highly qualified talent. And to provide people career opportunities that positively impact their lives.