Are you sabotaging your own job search by engaging in self-destructive behaviour? We would like to share some warning signs to help you.
Do you rule yourself out?
When job searching, do you often ‘rule yourself out’ if; when reading a job spec, you don’t have a certain skill?
“I didn’t apply for that position because it states in the job spec they require “X” skills, and I don’t have that”.
Just remember, managers are not always trained in writing strong job descriptions and can sometimes include anything and everything they ‘want’ within the job spec.
Generally, job seekers should apply the 80:20 rule:
Apply for positions where you meet about 80% plus of the job requirements.
Do you find self-doubt and self-elimination prevents you from applying for roles?
Oftentimes, low self-esteem, insecurities in a role or feelings of ‘not good enough’ to apply for a role stops you from opportunities in life; even applying for your dream job.
Do you have a clear career focus?
Focus is the “key to job search success”
Focus isn’t just a mindset: it’s an act of doing, an action that, when used properly, can propel your job search.
Think about it – you need to:
- Internal focus to identify strengths, weaknesses, passions, core values and skills, target industries.
- Focus on your cover letter (generic cover letters don’t “cut the mustard”
- Focus on your CV
- Focus on your interview skills / prep
- Focus on your mindset; maintain positivity, maintain curiosity
- Focus on your behaviour & productivity levels
Another crucial aspect of the job search is knowing what you want from a role and company. Are you able to define and communicate what you want for your next role to potential employers?
Read our blog: Be Successful in Your Job Search – Tips for Success
Do you fear change?
In life – In your career – Financially?
People associate change with a loss of control, money or pride; fear of being outside of their comfort zone, feelings of uncertainty and dread. It’s the unknown.
The majority of the time, it’s not the change itself, but rather our interpretations of it, that make the situation appear negative.
Is it better to embrace change rather than letting fear get in the way of happiness?
Force yourself to interpret the fact of change from a wildly different perspective, don’t let past experiences skew your mindset.
If you are unhappy in your current job; do something about it! Contact Us Today
Do you avoid Networking?
It is commonly said that 80% plus of available jobs never get posted whereby recruiters or hiring managers fill roles through referrals (SO GET NETWORKING!)
Yes, it can be intimidating and scary but remember, you network every day; everywhere you go!
Professional networking is about making contacts and building relationships that can lead to jobs or other work-related opportunities.
- Get Social
We don’t just mean go on Facebook all day! Become an influential expert in your field, an influencer who adds value, a unique hidden resource. Build your brand.
Adopt a networking lifestyle.
- Attend Industry Events and/or Job Fairs
Industry events and job fairs give you the opportunity to ask a lot of questions, be asked a lot of questions (a months’ worth of interviews in one day!) and are also a GREAT place for networking & an opportunity to learn about your chosen industry and make new contacts within that industry.
Do you use the same CV to apply for all roles?
If you are submitting the same CV for all roles, this can be seen as lazy which may lead to the recruiter or hiring manager to presume you are applying to many positions at once.
Customisation is Key!!
Both your CV and cover letter should be updated specifically for the position you are pursuing. Job descriptions are a combination of requirements (needs) and wants (would be nice to have) therefore highlighting and relating your relevant experience for the specific role is important. Quantify your achievements in any given role. Showcase your value and how you can help the company.
It is becoming common-place, especially if your CV is online (such as LinkedIn or online job boards), the recruitment process is streamlined. This means your CV will be pre-screened by algorithms; signifying the importance of optimising or customising your CV to include core keywords from the specific job spec.
You could even earn bonus points if you research the company values and include aspects of these within your CV & Cover Letter. Your cover letter is an opportunity to demonstrate a personal connection between yourself and the company, similar to an elevator pitch when you are networking.
Make yourself accessible to recruiters and hiring managers.
Did you know that our recruiters don’t just post their open vacancies on Recruitisland.ie?
They also actively look for people to fill their vacancies by searching through our Candidate Profiles.
Create a candidate profile and we can help you find that dream job – let’s get you hired 😊
Do you feel you are a failure if you are not successful at interview?
Oftentimes, candidates lose self-esteem as they go into interviews believing that there are two outcomes: pass or fail. You are qualified or have specific experience; if the hiring manager doesn’t get you, they don’t deserve you!
Example: When you go on a date with someone and there’s no chemistry, do you feel like a failure?
No – because if you are not a match, you are not a match.
So don’t let one or two rejections get in the way of you finding your perfect career.
STOP DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING!!
Basically, if you are engaging in these behaviors, take a step back, analyse what and why you are engaging in such destructive behavior and take action.
STOP avoiding or doing all of the above. A behavior change in all of these areas can have big results in your job search. Never give up trying to do what you really want to do.
If you can dream it, you can do it 🙌
Recruit Island is ‘an island of opportunity’ where your goals can be achieved – have a look at all available jobs and lets make those dreams come true!
Article Written By:
Donna Farrell