Launching a Job Search? Avoid These 3 Mistakes

So, you’re thinking of exploring new career opportunities.

Congratulations!

Launching a job search can be a very rewarding and exciting endeavor. But, if you’re like most people, the idea is also a little worrying. There’s a lot to do and, if you haven’t been in this position for a while, it can feel like a road paved with potential landmines.

You may be wondering:

• How can I keep my job search focused and productive?
• How will I know I’m leveraging best practices and not wasting time or unintentionally sabotaging myself?
• How will I keep moving forward, even when the process is tedious and disappointing?

These are all rational questions and good ones to consider before launching in. As you do, you’ll also want to heed the lessons of those who have come before you. If you want to set yourself up for job search success, avoid these three common mistakes.

Mistake 1: Putting all your eggs in one basket

The worst thing you can do for your job search productivity is to put all of your energy and attention into one opportunity. There are too many factors outside of your control. Waiting around for that one “perfect” job to come through will inevitably backfire. While you’re so focused on that, you may miss out on other opportunities.

Lesson: Never stop pursuing potential prospects simply because you’re holding your breath on another one.

---

Also read: 5 Tips for Job Searching While Still Employed 

---

Mistake 2: Taking advice from EVERYONE

Every job seeker wants to know he or she is keeping up with the latest trends. So, it can be tempting to gather advice from a wide variety of sources. But be careful! Everyone in your life will have opinions—and many of these people, though well intentioned, will speak solely from their own point-of-view. They won’t know the tried-and-true methods of today’s job market. As a result, they may offer some wacky, counterproductive recommendations.

Lesson: Take your job search advice from the professionals—people who are in the business of hiring or helping to get people hired.

---

Also read: 3 Little-Known LinkedIn Tools that Can Help Advance Your Job Search

---

Mistake 3: Waiting too long to start

Too many people put off launching their job search until it’s absolutely essential—they’re facing an imminent layoff or they’re at the breaking point with their current position.

Remember that the job search process is, indeed, a long and arduous one. More than likely, there will be some disappointments along the way. So, your best bet is to start early. That way, you can pace yourself and avoid getting to a point of desperation.

Lesson: Don’t let the nerves, fear, worry or stress stop you from taking action NOW.

It’s easy to avoid the landmines when you know where they are. These lessons will serve you very well as you head into the job market.