Every job search or career change scenario is unique, but you’ll improve your situation if you avoid one or all of these timewasting scenarios.

1. 10
signs that
You are a
TIMEWASTER

2. It really doesn't matter if you are a Career Changer
searching for greener pastures
or a full time Job Seeker in need of a new job.
Job Seeking comes in two colours only!
Black & White
So … Check for yourself if you are doing one or more
of these Top 10 Timewasters and then go and change your approach.

3. Not reading the job posting properly

4. Not reading the job posting properly
Guys, seriously! Read the job posting.
I mean, really read it. Not just the job title.
Every job is different.
Just because the job title is remotely related to your skill
set doesn’t mean you’ll be qualified. If you don’t meet
most of the criteria, don’t bother.

5. .
Not checking the ‘minimum requirements’.

6. .
Not checking off the “minimum requirements.”
Check off the “minimum requirements.”
They’re not kidding.
If they require an engineering degree and you don’t have one,
you’re wasting your time responding to the job posting.
You are sending the wrong signals if you ignore the minimum.

7. Sending multiple applications
to the same company or recruiter

8. Sending multiple applications
to the same company or recruiter
One of the silliest things to do!
You may think it’s more time and cost effective to just apply for three
or four positions, but if your applications make it through the company
or recruiter systems (ATS) , you’ll show up in someone’s inbox with
multiple personalities.
Contrary to popular belief, you won’t be seen as versatile...
more like confused or desperate or undecided.

9. No Follow-up

10. No Follow-up
Follow-up. Yes, it’s important to send a note or email immediately after
the interview and keep in touch afterwards.
But hey! …Once a week is enough, not every day and twice on Friday.
When you follow up, (including phone calls) ask what the next steps are
and how the prospective hiring professional would prefer follow up
communication.
Then, follow the lead.

11. Failing to “Move on”

12. Failing to “Move on”
Move on. If you get a rejection, learn what you can and move on.
On the other hand, I have, on occasion, sent a follow up email expressing
appreciation for the interview and asked if they had any feedback for me. Most
employers won’t respond, but some may let you know where your skills or
experience fell short. They may have misunderstood something, and you’ll have
an opportunity to restate your qualifications. Plus, you might help set yourself
up for future opportunities.

13. Writing a million cover letters

14. Writing a million cover letters
I’m going to let you in on a big secret that most
Recruiters and Hiring Managers won’t tell you:
No one cares anymore about cover letters unless they specifically asked for it!
If a cover letter is requested,
do your best, be genuine, honest, short and simple
and, most importantly, make it clear why you are the best one for the position.

15. Applying for jobs
you like vs those you are suited for

16. Applying for jobs
you like vs those you are suited for
There are a lot of cool jobs out there. There are also a lot of hip, snazzy
companies. It’s easy to get hypnotised by the hipness.
If you are really not suited for the job, don’t apply! No matter how cool the ad is
or how great you think the job might be.
Don’t drink the cool company Kool-Aid.
The more you avoid this, the sooner you will get a job.

17. Filling out a gazillion online applications

18. Filling out a gazillion online applications
Online applications eat enormous amounts of time, particularly government ones.
Unless you know someone at the company who will flag it or email it to the right
person, your application is just more hay in the haystack.
You are also adding to your online footprint in ATS systems and potentially reduce your
chances for future applications.
Your time is better spent contacting people in your field who can do something with
your application rather than just filing application after application after application
with no response.

19. Going to ‘Getting the Gig’ events

20. Going to “Getting the Gig” events
These are the worst. This is how these events usually go: You register, get a name
tag, shell out $20-45 to eat pretzels, carrots, brie and ranch dressing and hear
one keynote speaker or a panel of five people (give or take).
Everyone there is hoping that they will hit it off so well with one of the speakers
that they will get a key contact or reference and voila … a job. They think they
will stand out in the crowd of other Career Changers or Job Seekers; the same
experience, the same elevator speech, the same the same the same.
Don’t throw your name in the raffle hoping it’s drawn.
Don’t be a Timewaster!
Create situations where you’re the only name in the bowl.

21. Doubting Yourself

22. Doubting Yourself
You believe in yourself or you don’t.
The longer you spend deciding whether or not you’re good at what you want
to do, the more time you waste not doing what you want.
When not doing what you love is more painful than overcoming the doubt in
your ability to do it, you, my friends,
are marching down the right path.
Now, whatever you do, DON’T STOP. Keep marching
and remember to hunt wisely! Uli