8 Bad Job Search Habits to Break Now

8 Bad Job Search Habits to Break Now8 Bad Job Search Habits to Break Now2Being a good job seeker takes practice and examining the habits you have that may be holding you back from being successful. If you have found yourself wondering where you are going wrong in your job search, consider the following bad job search habits that can harm your job search success.Here are eight bad job search habits to break now to be successful in your search.Adopting form letters as a way of job searching.While form letters may provide a quick solution to getting as many resumes out as possible, it is leid a practice to adopt if you want to be successful. In a job search, the quality far outpaces quantity.Rather than send form letters, customize each and every cover letter, resume, and portfolio you send out. Include company names, the job title of the position you are applying for, and keywords that related to the job.Being void of a personal brand.When you dont know what you stand for, it is hard t o convince someone else that you are what is needed. Before jumping into your search, think of your professional image and experience. Once you figure out your image and your professional goals, turn it into a personal brand that companies will be interested in having in their portfolio.Neglecting social media.With social media being a huge job search tool, neglecting its use can easily spell disaster in a job search. notlage only do social media channels offer access to job listings, many recruiters use social media to find ideal candidates for unadvertised positions.If you are just getting into social media, take it slow. Make sure your accounts are up to date and reflect the image that you want to give employers. Once you get your footing, consider following employers you are interested in and joining groups to get your personal brand out there.Not taking an interest in jobs or the companies hiring.In addition to fantastic experience and skills, employers are looking for candidat es who are passionate about the company and the mission. If you dont take an interest in the company and the job, it wont make a good impression.Before sending off your cover letter and resume, as well as before the interview, make sure to read up on the job description and do some company research. Learn about the companys mission, and relate your experience to the companys needs.Bashing old employers and coworkers.It doesnt matter if you leave on good terms or bad ones, bashing old employers and coworkers is never a good idea. Rather than hurting yourself by bashing old employers, dont offer up any stories. Simple state that you parted on amicable ground and you are a better person for the experience. Then, move on.Job searching only by job title.While you may identify with a specific title, each employer can have a different title for the same job duties. When you focus only on job titles, you narrow your search too closely and may miss opportunities that would be a perfect match for your experience.Instead of focusing on the job title, consider searching by industry and desired flexibility. You can also use keywords or search by company.Overselling yourself and being pushy.Its one thing to be confident and show that you are the one for the job, and a completely different thing to oversell yourself and be pushy. Rather than bully employers into seeing your side of things, create scenarios that show you are the best fit for the job. Not only should you believe in the company, and have taken time to customize your documents, you should show them in facts how you can help them meet their goals.Avoiding the search and only doing the minimum.Spending a few minutes each day on your job search may feel like that is all you can manage. However, to be successful in a job search, you must invest focused time. Try to spend uninterrupted time each day to find jobs and companies that you are interested in. Set goals to meet each day, week, and month. Focus on meeting th ose goals step by step.Although these habits seem harmless, in a competitive job market you should try your best to put your best foot forward. Take tiny steps to address your bad job search habits, and change them to habits that will provide success in your search.Readers, do you have any bad job search habits? What have you done to become a successful job seeker? Share your tips with us below