Top 5 Mistakes People Make Before Searching for a Job

Aug 30, 2022

When people are ready for a change, they make it happen – and not a moment before. Whether you’re in the market for a new position or not, you should always be thinking about your next career move. Before you start your search, here are the top five mistakes you can avoid to help save you time and stress during your job hunt. 

1. You might not like your job, but you also don’t know what you like.

It happens more often than you think – people stay in jobs they don’t like because they don’t know what they want. And sometimes staying in a job you don’t like is easy – golden handcuffs, for example. When a great salary and benefits don’t outweigh your passion for your job, it’s time for a change. 

Fortunately, there’s a way to find out what you like – and writing down what you like is a great place to start. It seems like a simple step, but making a list of likes and dislikes is tremendously helpful for two reasons:

It’s an inventory. When you can see what you like and dislike about your work, it can make it easier for you to realize what you want.

It’s your blueprint. When you’re analyzing new opportunities, always go back to your list. Is a particular opportunity checking all your “like” boxes? Pursue that opportunity. 

2. You’re not networking – now. 

The best time to find a job is when you have a job. This adage makes sense on several levels. One, when you’re working, you’re networking. You have coworkers and colleagues who know people who know opportunities and can connect you to them.

And second, when you have a job, you have leverage. Your current position gives you the power to negotiate a higher salary, better benefits, and flexibility. Make a potential opportunity make you an offer you can’t refuse. 

3. You’re not prepared. 

Before you start looking for a job, you need to make sure your resume or CV is up-to-date, your social media is cleaned up, and you’ve created a list of talking points to help you articulate who you are and what you’re looking for. 

4. You’re not doing your research. 

Sometimes we’re so eager to make a change that we’ll jump into opportunities without properly vetting them just for the sake of change. When it comes to your career, a little homework goes a long way. Make sure that the positions you’re applying for are ones that you’d like to do at companies you’d like to do them for. For example, be certain that your values align with the company’s culture. 

5. You're burning yourself out. 

Positive energy yields positive results. Looking for a new job can be super stressful. If you have a job, looking for a new job can feel like an additional full-time job, especially if you’re not prepared. If you don’t have a job, spending all of your time searching for the next one can get overwhelming fast. 

Two things:

  1. Take one step at a time. One week, prepare your resume. The next week, work on cleaning up your social media. The process will feel more manageable when completed in small tasks and completable tasks will give you the satisfaction and momentum to keep moving forward. It’s all about small wins.
  2. Take a break. Go on a vacation or tag an extra day to your weekend and stay home. Whichever you choose, a little time away can help restore your mental health, regain your motivation, and refresh your perspective. 

If you’re looking to make a change, Inline can help. For 20 years, our recruiters have placed top candidates in top jobs. Ready to make a change? Let’s talk.

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Physicians, Nurses


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