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The 10 Worst Job Hunting Mistakes

Whether you are a first-time job-seeker or you’re a veteran in your field, it is important that you take the right steps toward landing you ideal job. There’s more to a successful job search than ironing your best suit and printing out extra resumes.

Today’s employers are looking for the best of the best, and one typo on your cover letter can can get you thrown into the “Do Not Call” pile. Avoid these common mistakes to score your dream job.

7. References Do Not Check Out

If you are required to provide references for a recruiter or an HR department, it is absolutely essential that you select professional, qualified referents.

An excellent reference convinces an employer that his or her trust in your ability to do the job is well-placed; a negative, ambiguous, or careless reference will have your employer hitting the ‘escape’ button.

The traits of a good referent are straightforward: they must be credible, and provide a fair and balanced representation of your skills. They must be eloquent, non-confrontational, and emotionally mature. Most importantly, you must have spent significant time in a work environment with them, and you must have directly worked with or for them.