10 Mistakes Job Seekers Make ... And How to Avoid Them - Jobs/Vacancies

10 Mistakes Job Seekers Make … And How to Avoid Them Many people make significant job search mistakes and never even know about it. These blunders are easy to make, and they can cost you the job offer. Below, I reveal 10 of the biggest mistakes, and explain how to avoid them. Mistake #1: Ignoring Online Job Postings: Ignoring job postings is a huge mistake. Some of the best chances for jobs from ads are on job websites and web sites of the specific companies you wish to work for. Mistake #2: Mailing Unsolicited Resumes: Unsolicited resumes are considered garbage, scrap paper and wasted effort. Secretaries kill them, HR managers file them away, and hiring decision-makers pitch them. I advocate abandoning this job search tactic completely. Mistake #3: Looking Only for Job Openings: Searching only for companies with “openings” is an obsolete job hunting method. The best jobs are rarely listed “vacancies” or “openings.” Rather, many good positions are created for the candidate, often at the interview. The key is to shift your focus from “openings” to “opportunities” (which exist nearly everywhere). Remember: every company is hiring all the time, if you have what they need when they need it! Mistake #4: Ineffective Networking: Networking should be the primary focus of every job search – occupying about 90% of your time. However, I find that most people go about it the wrong way – by talking too much and by asking for jobs. The best networkers are big listeners rather than big talkers. They have a clear agenda, and are not shy about asking for feedback and guidance. Remember: networking is more about giving than it is about taking, so always come from an attitude of generosity. Mistake #5:  Leaving Yourself Open to Too Many Kinds of Jobs: Another key to a successful job search is to focus on finding the RIGHT job – not “just any job.” Critical factors to consider include satisfaction, growth potential, location, cultural fit, great co-workers, a pleasing environment and competitive compensation. When the job market is really tough, it’s imperative to be more focused than ever. Mistake #6:  Being Unplanned in Your Search: Most people spend more time planning a vacation than planning a job search. I suggest the following tips to conduct a proper job search: a well-thought out methodology, daily solitude and planning, space in the home dedicated to the search, a tracking tool to measure your progress, and a system for accountability. Mistake #7:  Doing it Alone: You pay a mechanic to change your oil; an attorney to create an estate plan. Why would you not invest in professional help with your job search? Career Coaches provide objective guidance, help you articulate your value, and provide a proven system for job search success. Many offer excellent advice on salary negotiations – often exceeding the job seeker’s expectations. If you can’t afford a Career Coach, take advantage of low-cost or free support from non-profit groups, universities, municipal programs, and so forth. Mistake #8:  Letting Others Control Your Job Search: I suggest working with a small selection of professional recruiters – they can serve an important role in your search. But you’ll need to maintain control over the whole process. Of course, it is best to conduct your own research and target the right companies yourself. Remember: only you can “sell yourself” effectively and land a job. Mistake #9:  Not Preparing Well Enough for Job Interviews: When you boil it down, all job interviews are comprised of five basic elements: articulating your value, conveying your knowledge of the company, asking intelligent questions, negotiating compensation, and following-through. Each of these items has to be practiced in advance, so you can “ace” the job interview. “Winging it” just won’t do! Also, be sure to do extensive research on the company and the interviewer ahead of time. Mistake #10:  Not Knowing Your Market Value: You must research and assess your value in the marketplace, so you’ll be able to negotiate effectively. Never disclose your salary requirements – always get the employer to name the salary or range first. The time to talk money is when the employer has made it clear that you are their top candidate, and after they make an offer. It is very easy for even the savviest of job seekers to make these mistakes. By learning how to navigate these potential pitfalls from the outset, your job search will be more productive and yield more positive results!

 

FOUR NIGERIANS EMERGE BEST GRADUATING STUDENTS AT DILLARD UNIVERSITY, USA

A Nigerian lady and three men were named as best graduating students at the Dillard University New Orleans, U.S.A. The ceremony for 226 graduates was held at the University Auditorium and had the First Lady, Michelle Obama in attendance. All eyes were on Twenty years old Merrilyn Akpapuna.

The Delta state born bright mind has obtained the highest distinction, Summa Cum Laude in Psychology. The topic of her research project was sexual harassment. Akpapuna won the award for highest academic achievements for the college of Arts and Sciences and another one for college of General Studies. She plans her postgraduate study at western Michigan University this autumn. The graduate who was also the valedictorian.

Victor Ogburie(Abia State)- Computer Science major with minors in Physics and Mathematics. Academic Award: Salutatorian - Summa Cum Laude.

Stephen Ogidi Igwe(Abia State) - Biology Major. Academic Award: Salutatorian - Summa Cum Laude. Emole Anya Dimgba(Abia State) - Computer Science Major with minor in Physics and Mathematics. Academic Award: Salutatorian - Summa Cum Laude.

 Michelle Obama described the graduates as a "sea of young geniuses" she told them they have opportunities and skills that their parents and grandparents never could have imagined. She also remembered the Chibok girls, who now suffer for wanting education and wanting to go to school.