Like work itself, the job search can be stressful and riddled with anxiety. In turn, we tend to make mistakes that extend our hunt for that next gig… and keep us unemployed much long than necessary.

Avoid these 10 common job search mistakes, and keep your job search, and career, on track:

1. Lying on Your Resume

While a resume is a marketing piece and you do not have to disclose every detail of your career history, you still must not lie. For example, do not fudge dates or titles and do not exaggerate your quantified statements.

2. Providing References Without Their Permission

If you are going to list a name of someone who can verify your credentials, tout your value and sing your praises, then ASK them for their consent to be a reference first.

When your former colleague, boss or other business contact receives an unexpected phone call or email from a recruiter or human resource professional on your behalf, this sends immediate signals that you have not exercised proper professionalism and respect. Making an assumption that they will vouch for you is no excuse for lack of courtesy.

3. Scheduling an Informational Interview, Then Canceling



Whoever you scheduled the informational interview with was willing to give you their valuable time and expertise and probably carved out time from an already busy schedule. If you cancel at the last minute, you prove to them that you do not value them or their time.

4. Not Sending a Proper Follow-up Thank You

After an informational interview, one-on-one meeting or mentor meeting, sending a thank you note shows you respect and appreciate the fact that the person you met with took time out of his or her busy schedule to speak with you. See #3.

5. Showing Up Late for a Job Interview



This can only get worse if you then make up a lame excuse as to why you were delayed.

6. Showing Up Under-dressed to a Job Interview



Think you don’t have to dress to impress because “it’s only the recruiter”. Wrong! Recruiters are interviewing you, too, with as much—or even MORE—scrutiny than the hiring decision maker. Be on your best behavior with the recruiter. They are your bridge to the hiring manager.

7. Blasting Everyone with Your Resume



You’re sending emails regarding how you got the shaft at your job, are down and out and looking for new work, complete with “…if you know anyone…” pleas for help. Fail!

Instead, provide value to your network, actively give of your time, energy and expertise, and as you are doing so, be equipped with conversation points that articulate the specific opportunities and connections you are looking for.

You may be surprised that by giving, you will get.

8. Complaining on Social Media

Stop posting that you are frustrated with your job search, are mad at the world and that you were treated unfairly, once again.

9. Requesting Advice and Support, Then Burning Bridges

You’ll burn bridges if you ask for job search help and then disagree with any suggestions you receive and/or get cantankerous because it’s hard work to find work.

10. Displaying Constant Consternation

Suddenly, your world has stopped spinning, and you are filled with anxiety. Not only is it your job to find a new job, but in the process, you must also find a way to dispel of anxiety, or else that new job will elude you. Anxiety often is a leading driver of poor behavior, which turns off potential hiring managers.

Take this challenging period and use it as an opportunity to improve and grow. You may even learn that by ‘faking it until you make it,’ you will actually start feeling better. Sometimes a forced smile and feigned good-nature converts to real optimism and hope.

And this perceived happiness attracts other people who may have the opportunity to connect you to—or even hire you in—your next great gig!

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For this post, YouTern thanks our friends at Glassdoor!

About the Author: Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter is a Glassdoor career and workplace expert, chief career writer and partner with CareerTrend, and is one of only 28 Master Resume Writers (MRW) globally. An intuitive researcher, she helps professionals unearth compelling career story details to help best present their unique experience, skillset and interests in resumes and social media profiles.

In addition Jacqui has written for the Career Management Alliance Connection monthly newsletter and blog, ExecuNet’s Career Smart Advisor, The Kansas City Star, The Business Journal and The Wall Street Journal. In addition, she and her husband, “Sailor Rob,” host a lively careers-focused blog. Jacqui also is a power Twitter user listed on several “Best People to Follow” lists for job seekers. Follow Jacqui on Twitter!

