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It’s no secret that the job search process is arduous. It takes a lot of time and energy. So, it’s especially important to watch out for things that, routine for the most part, could sabotage your job search effort if not done right. These are things that are easily avoidable, yet they have tripped up many job seekers who were not careful.

One thing, for example, is not completing required paperwork – leaving spaces blank on job applications or putting down dates and places that are not consistent.

Another problem is when people put down references without checking with the references first, and talking with them about what they will say, what they are qualified to talk about with regard to your skills.

Another situation arises when job seekers don’t realize how extensive background checks will be. This may vary according to the employer, but job seekers need to be aware that employers may conduct criminal background checks using difference sources.

Yet another avoidable problem crops up around the circumstances under which the applicant left his or her previous job. Often, if a person was fired, they will try to fudge on this one. This can get a person into trouble, however, because it is very easily verified whether a person quit or was fired from a job. Now, it is true that more recently companies have not been as diligent as possible on verfying this information, mostly because they are concerned about defamation lawsuits. But there is nothing illegal in a company revealing whether an employee was fired.

Related to this are instances where applicants shade the truth, such as changing the title of their job to make it sound more impressive. But this is another landmine that will blow up in the applicant’s face most of the time. First of all, some adroit questioning by the hiring manager will soon discover if the person is being truthful or not and whether the person actually knows what he claims to. Also, the hiring manager can simply Google the applicant’s name to find out what the person’s job title was.

Another way a person can easily sabotage his or her job search is by not networking properly, by failing to remember that networking is a two-way street. You need to give in order to get. If you emphasize only yourself and see other people only as a means to an end, you are unlikely to foster much of a network. To network well, you have to also show how you can help the other person as well, show that you have something to offer.

If you are looking for work, send your resume to a recruiter at Winston Resources. We can help you get connected with some of New York City’s best employers. Contact us today.


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