Mistakes people make when trying to get a new job

Thursday, October 31, 2019
Can you guess what some of the "scariest" mistakes people make when they're trying to get a new job? Are you making them?

Senior Director at the LaSalle network, Jessica Schaeffer, joined ABC7 Chicago in the studio to tell us what those mistakes might be.
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Here are the top 5 mistakes:

# 1: Skeletal resumes:
  • Sending a resume and cover letter that's bare-bones and generic is the fastest way to land in a hiring manager's "no" pile.

  • If you're sending generic materials, hiring managers can take that as a reflection of how you'll be on the job -- lazy.

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    # 2: Staying in the dark... you have to come into the light?
  • Regardless of your time spent in the workforce, you should be reaching out to industry professionals or employees of the companies you're applying to.

  • The point isn't to ask for a job, but rather learn more information about the company or about an industry you're looking to get into .

  • # 3: Being spooked by change?
  • Candidates pass up great opportunities because they have blinders on during the job hunt regarding a specific job type, title, pay, etc.

  • Take time to do some soul-searching and reflect on what makes you happy and what you are challenged by .

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    # 4: Can't do tricking and no treating?
  • Be honest and don't try and lie or exaggerate in an interview. Hiring managers will ask follow-up questions and if you say you can do something in an interview they will expect you to do that on the job - you're setting yourself up to fail if you're not honest.

  • # 5: Don't make the mistake of not getting into character?
  • You should research the role and be ready as if you're starting that day.

  • Picture yourself as already being a part of the team.
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