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Top 10 Mistakes Starting Your Job Search By: Bill Holland www.mandrake.ca /bill ca.linkedin.com/in/talentproof www.twitter.com/talentproof

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Introduction <ul><li>You may be eager to start pounding the pavement, or you may be stuck in a rut. You may currently be working or you may be unemployed. Whatever your frame of mind and whatever your situation, while looking for a job, it’s important to first step back and take stock. Look at your reality, but think about your possibilities. You WILL find a job, it’s just a matter of both time and effort. Trust that the job you want is out there, and believe that you will be successful in attaining it. Getting started might well be the most daunting part of the whole process, but if you get started on the right foot the rest will follow. </li></ul>

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#10 – Not Committing Time and Effort <ul><li>Looking for a job is a job in itself. What you put in is what you get out. As with anything in life, you have to be prepared to make a commitment of time and effort if you want to see the results. </li></ul><ul><li>ReadySet Hired! A Practical Guide to Finding a Job. </li></ul><ul><li>I recently co-authored the book ReadySet Hired! which takes you through all stages of the job search process, from beginning to end. Easily manage your job search through a 10-step process supported by coaching comments, quick tips and dozens of online resources. </li></ul><ul><li>Available FREE! at www.readysethired.com </li></ul>

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#9 – Being Inflexible <ul><li>Be open to consider opportunities that might not exactly fit your criteria. You don’t want to compromise too much, but you also don’t want to discount potentially great jobs with rigid notions of what you’re looking for. </li></ul><ul><li>ReadySet Hired! A Practical Guide to Finding a Job. </li></ul><ul><li>I recently co-authored the book ReadySet Hired! which takes you through all stages of the job search process, from beginning to end. Easily manage your job search through a 10-step process supported by coaching comments, quick tips and dozens of online resources. </li></ul><ul><li>Available FREE! at www.readysethired.com </li></ul>

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#8 – Not Developing Your Network <ul><li>Networking will help you access the hidden job market. Don’t limit your opportunities by focusing on only known jobs. Establish your network now and continue to build it throughout your career. </li></ul><ul><li>ReadySet Hired! A Practical Guide to Finding a Job. </li></ul><ul><li>I recently co-authored the book ReadySet Hired! which takes you through all stages of the job search process, from beginning to end. Easily manage your job search through a 10-step process supported by coaching comments, quick tips and dozens of online resources. </li></ul><ul><li>Available FREE! at www.readysethired.com </li></ul>

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#7 – Not Having References <ul><li>Start organizing your references early. Make sure you speak to them and get their support well in advance of needing to supply their names and contact information to the hiring manager. </li></ul><ul><li>ReadySet Hired! A Practical Guide to Finding a Job. </li></ul><ul><li>I recently co-authored the book ReadySet Hired! which takes you through all stages of the job search process, from beginning to end. Easily manage your job search through a 10-step process supported by coaching comments, quick tips and dozens of online resources. </li></ul><ul><li>Available FREE! at www.readysethired.com </li></ul>

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#6 – Not Knowing Your Market Worth <ul><li>Do some research to validate your market worth. Doing this up front will help focus your job search and help you later in the interview and job offer negotiation stages. </li></ul><ul><li>ReadySet Hired! A Practical Guide to Finding a Job. </li></ul><ul><li>I recently co-authored the book ReadySet Hired! which takes you through all stages of the job search process, from beginning to end. Easily manage your job search through a 10-step process supported by coaching comments, quick tips and dozens of online resources. </li></ul><ul><li>Available FREE! at www.readysethired.com </li></ul>

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#5 – Not Taking Action <ul><li>If you’re waiting for the perfect job to fall in your lap, you might be waiting a long time. The job market is competitive – you have to be proactive and get in the game. Being passive won’t get you hired. </li></ul><ul><li>ReadySet Hired! A Practical Guide to Finding a Job. </li></ul><ul><li>I recently co-authored the book ReadySet Hired! which takes you through all stages of the job search process, from beginning to end. Easily manage your job search through a 10-step process supported by coaching comments, quick tips and dozens of online resources. </li></ul><ul><li>Available FREE! at www.readysethired.com </li></ul>

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#4 – Not Asking For Help <ul><li>Talk to friends, family, colleagues, recruiters, counselors – anyone who can give you advise and leads in your job search. Don’t be too proud to ask for help and guidance – use all the resources available to you. </li></ul><ul><li>ReadySet Hired! A Practical Guide to Finding a Job. </li></ul><ul><li>I recently co-authored the book ReadySet Hired! which takes you through all stages of the job search process, from beginning to end. Easily manage your job search through a 10-step process supported by coaching comments, quick tips and dozens of online resources. </li></ul><ul><li>Available FREE! at www.readysethired.com </li></ul>

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#3 – Having A Poor Attitude <ul><li>You have to approach your job search in a positive frame of mind. A defeatist attitude will hinder your progress, preventing you from taking action and making a good impression. </li></ul><ul><li>ReadySet Hired! A Practical Guide to Finding a Job. </li></ul><ul><li>I recently co-authored the book ReadySet Hired! which takes you through all stages of the job search process, from beginning to end. Easily manage your job search through a 10-step process supported by coaching comments, quick tips and dozens of online resources. </li></ul><ul><li>Available FREE! at www.readysethired.com </li></ul>

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#2 – Not Having A Resume <ul><li>You need to spend time capturing your credentials and experience in a well-crafted resume. Chances are you’ll be revising it throughout your job search, but you have to start from somewhere. </li></ul><ul><li>ReadySet Hired! A Practical Guide to Finding a Job. </li></ul><ul><li>I recently co-authored the book ReadySet Hired! which takes you through all stages of the job search process, from beginning to end. Easily manage your job search through a 10-step process supported by coaching comments, quick tips and dozens of online resources. </li></ul><ul><li>Available FREE! at www.readysethired.com </li></ul>

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#1 – Not Having A Plan <ul><li>Your plan doesn’t have to be elaborate. Whether you capture notes in a spreadsheet or on the back of a napkin, write down your job search goals and objectives. Be sure to include actions and timelines. </li></ul><ul><li>ReadySet Hired! A Practical Guide to Finding a Job. </li></ul><ul><li>I recently co-authored the book ReadySet Hired! which takes you through all stages of the job search process, from beginning to end. Easily manage your job search through a 10-step process supported by coaching comments, quick tips and dozens of online resources. </li></ul><ul><li>Available FREE! at www.readysethired.com </li></ul>