10 Fatal Career Search Mistakes:
#1: No Market Research
You must learn about your field of interest in order to make an informed decision about your career. This means you need to learn what is happening in the field now, not just what was happening when you went to school or when a book or magazine was published. People making the decisions in your field today are your best sources of information.
#2: Not Planning for Long-Term Goals
While you may find a job, which quickly ends your job search, you will probably also end your career path. Companies need people who are adaptable to change and development within a field. If you compartmentalize yourself, you will not be first in line for promotions when positive changes occur in the company. Stagnation is deadly for anyone’s career.
#3: Not Developing a “Good” Product
Just as any manufacturer has to constantly review a product and improve it to meet the changing needs of its buyers; you have to continue to improve yourself. This means keeping up with trends and developments in your field through continuing education whether in formal classes, seminars, workshops, professional organizations, or private research.
#4: Not Establishing a Marketing Plan and Realistic Budget
Before you start jumping at the next thing that catches your eye, determine what your short and long-term goals are for your career. Just because a job sounds “fun” or “interesting” now, does not mean it will benefit you in the long run. Dedicate part of your income to pursuits which will help you reach your goals.
#5: Poor Image Merchandising
Know what your “buyers” want and develop your approach to meet their needs. Present yourself in a positive manner and stress how you can benefit the company and your future employer. Do not make the interviewer struggle to find your good qualities.
#6: Not Portraying Winning Habits
Identify the winning habits of others and learn from them (directly if at all possible). If you keep digressing down an unprofitable path, you will never reach your career goals. Learn from your mistakes and make the necessary changes to get your career search back on track.
#7: Making Poor First Impressions
You have to work twice as hard to make a good second impression as you do to make a good first impression. Preparation is the key to success in any situation. Prepare what you are going to say and do, to make the proper first impression. Remember, once that first impression is made, everything else you do or say is based upon it.
#8: Not Improving Communication Abilities
You cannot convince people to help you if you cannot communicate what it is you need from them. Work consistently at improving your written, verbal, and non-verbal communications. Learn how to solicit others’ support even before you actually need it. Get others involved in your career.
#9: Putting Yourself in the Wrong Place
Being in the right place at the right time should be a planned occurrence, not a matter of luck. You need to make opportunities occur instead of hoping for them to happen. This takes work, but the results are well worth the time, money, and effort you invest.
#10: Not Finding a Qualified Coach
You need someone to guide you, motivate you, praise you, and teach you at all the right times during your career search and development. A good coach can teach you how to approach the job market successfully, how to make the most of your contacts, and how to decide what the best career move is.