Daily Archives: October 21, 2011

Top Job Search Time Wasters And Tips to Avoid Them: Part 1

Job search time waste 1_Oct2011_webLooking for a job can be a full-time job in and of itself. Finding a job in today’s market is more than just posting a résumé and waiting for a call. It’s a combination of old-fashioned résumé sending, online brand building, and networking. There are many rules to remember when looking for a job and it’s important to remember your job search can’t be tackled in just a few hours.    

If you’re unemployed, it can be easy to get distracted by so much that can drag down your productivity and progress during your job search. Here are a few common time wasters job seekers fall into and how you can crawl out. 

Sweating the Small Stuff

The job market still isn’t the strongest and it can be easy to get frustrated when you aren’t finding any leads, but don’t fret over a transferable skill you forgot to highlight in your cover letter or the formatting and framing of your résumé. Worrying doesn’t achieve anything. It isn’t easy, but you can choose not to worry.

Worrying over what you have no control over only hurts your time, energy, and confidence, which you might need if you get called for an interview. Use the energy for something more productive by making sure your next letter or résumé is how you want it or prepare yourself for pointing out your neglected information in your interview.

Social Media Snare 

We are more connected than ever thanks to social media networks like Facebook. At any given time, we can turn on our computer and chat with friends who could be on the other side of the world. Networking sites like Twitter and LinkedIn are great tools for connecting and networking with individuals who can help you find a job, but it becomes tempting to chat with a friend from high school or answer an instant message from distant family instead of connecting with your local industry expert. Consider taking time out of your day to see your friends and family in person and keep some time on social media sites directly for searching job opportunities to your advantage. Recruiters are checking social sites for candidates, so show your industry that you are looking for and keep posts relevant to your job search.

Email Entrapment

Email can take too much of your time if abused. Checking your email every hour to see if an employer has responded is only slowing you down. The hiring process isn’t as fast as a simple email, and checking your account too often will make it easy for you to read other, less productive emails. Try to check your email about three times a day, once in the morning, at lunch, and at the end of the workday. 

Web Surfing Syndrome

The Internet itself can become a major distraction as well. Having access to a source of almost limitless information can make it easy to research the origin of the waffle instead of researching the company you are applying to. Try copying or printing some job descriptions and go to a local coffee shop, library, or book store with no internet and work from there. You’d be surprised at how much you can finish without the temptation of distractions.

Remember these tips and tricks during your daily search or when you are about to start looking for a new job. Keep an eye out for part two where you’ll learn about avoiding time consuming mistakes that slow down your job search.