What NOT to Do When Job Searching

What NOT to Do When Job SearchingWhat NOT to Do When Job SearchingWhat to do and what bedrngnis to do when job searching can feel like a minefield of unknowns, but it really doesnt have to be so complicated. Throughout the application process, there are several seemingly small points of contact that occur between a company and an applicant. Its important to keep in mind that each of those points of contact helps an organization decide whether or not you are a good fit.Heres what NOT to do while job searchingDo not stalk the hiring manager.You found a job listing that is tailor-made just for you. In your zealousness to connect with the hiring manager, you email and call the personrepeatedly. But theres a fine line between being eager and a borderline stalker. If youre not getting responses to your communications, limit yourself to three or four calls or emails in a two-month time frame. If you do get a response, read it carefully. Is it encouraging further check-ins? If a person says they will reach out to you, its best to continue your job search.Dont ask about compensation too soon.It would be awesome if every job description included salary and benefits info. Unfortunately, very few do. And while that information can certainly be a deciding factor as to whether a job could be a financial fit for you, you shouldnt ask about compensation too quickly. Wait until youve gone through at least two rounds of job interviews before broaching the topic. Remember, your focus should be on explaining what you have to offer the company, not what theyre going to pay a potential employee.Dont get defensive or argumentative.One of the biggest complaints among job seekers is not hearing back from a company after an interview. So if a company is willing to take the time to send you a musiknote letting you know that you were not selected for a job, accept it graciously. Its even fine to ask if there is any feedback they could give you to help you be a better job seeker. Even if y oure upset that you didnt get the job, try to keep your cool and avoid getting defensive. Telling the recruiter theyre wrong, or trying to go over that persons head isnt going to win you any brownie points or cause you to be reconsidered for the job.Dont make simple mistakes.It can be really hard to see your own mistakes sometimes. Thats why you should read (and reread) any parts of your job application before submitting it, like your cover letter, resume, or any corresponding emails. If youve read through your own work so often the letters are swirling together, ask another person to proofread it for you.As for the actual job interview, dont be late. Even a few minutes could be counted against you and docked from your interview time. And make sure that you dont dress inappropriately for the interview depending on the field and position youre applying for, a suit or casual geschftliches miteinander dress will usually do just fine.Dont forget to read everything.From the job descripti on to emails with a potential boss, its important to read all correspondence relating to your job interview carefully. For starters, the job listing may have very specific instructions for applying that, if you dont adhere to, might get your application rejected by the applicant tracking system (ATS). If do you receive any communications from the company, read them well, too. Try not to ask a question that has already been answered. If you inadvertently do, apologize and be extra careful moving forward.Dont mass email the company.Its not a good job searching strategy to send the same email with your resume to every person in the company. It will either get deleted or re-routed- several times- to the appropriate person who wont appreciate the deluge in their inbox. Apply for the position once via the method requested in the job description, and then continue your job search as usual until youre contacted for an interview.Dont narrow your options.While creating aprofile on a job site like is a great starting point, dont stop there. You have to actively seek out potential job opportunities wherever you can find them. Look to company websites, alumni networks, and LinkedIn for your job search resources. The wider you cast your net with a specific job in mind, the more likely youll be to find the right position.Start Your Job SearchJennifer Parriscontributed to this post.