- Comparing and doubting yourself – Stop worrying about others, and focus on developing your best offerings – Yes, you are good enough and qualified for more positions than you’d expect
- Sharing your life history – Your resume is a marketing piece, not a biography – its sole purpose is to get you an interview
- Thinking too small – Think big picture when presenting your skills and abilities
- Putting your needs first - In the interview, it’s about their needs, not yours – show that you understand their needs and how you can deliver on them
- Only applying online – If you’re only applying online, you’re search strategy is seriously flawed – 80% of jobs are acquired through a referral or contact, so make it easy for hiring managers by getting a referral from someone they trust
- Networking only when you need to – Networking out of desperation is disingenuous, and they’ll see that. Think ABN – Always Be Networking, for the long-term benefits of staying informed in your field/industry and for helping others, which can trigger reciprocal support when you need it
- Not following up – hiring managers are overwhelmed, but you can help them by standing out with respectful follow-up and enthusiasm for the opportunity