3 JOB HUNTING MISTAKES - To AVOID

Looking for a new job? Well you’re not the only one. There are thousands of skilled workers in the nation that are also seeking to get employed. Thus, one has to stand-out of the crowd to get noticed before being considered for the job. Here are a few mistakes to avoid during your job-search that may help you land your new job:

1. Not having a professional online profile: If you are seeking a job that pays more than an hourly wage-rate, then more than likely, the hiring manager will look you up on good 'ol Google interwebs. It would improve your chances, if your professional portfolio shows-up and is able to reiterate your past projects and achievements. There are many free resources that you can use to build and display your skills. Take a look at platforms like LinkedIn, Behance, Carbonmade, etc. Also, your personal Facebook page with pictures from the weekend party does not qualify as a professional online profile!
   
   
2. Weak Resume: Most HR managers scan for key-words and skill-sets on hundreds of resumes. Thus, calling-out the most relevant skills as they pertain to the job will help get you noticed (and hopefully get you past the primary screening stage). Aim to make it easier for the hiring manager to see why you are a great prospect for the job. Include a strong and job-pertinent summary statement (think of this as your brand tagline) that makes you stand-out from others who may have similar educational or work experience.
   
   
3. Worse yet - lying on your resume: This is self-explanatory, but it appears that some people don't mind padding their resume with a few glowing achievements and projects in order to get the in-person interview. For example, "managed pipeline of over 5 $million with 75% close-rate". One should keep in mind that the interviewer is highly likely to ask a series of follow-up questions about the glowing achievements you added to your resume. It is not only unethical, but sometimes quite difficult to explain how you achieved such success.

Please feel free to share your tips and suggestions with me and other readers by posting your comments.