When you think of the word job search what words come to mind? Are they words like exciting, fulfilling, more money and more work-life balance? Or are they words like agonizing, frustrating, depressing and overwhelming? And if your thoughts turn to the second set of words and phrases, how might that be affecting you and subtly impressing upon those you talk with in your job interviews?

You see, how you feel about your job search is intrinsically connected to its outcome. So, it’s in your best interest to set up simple strategies that make your job transition easier, faster and more effective. Here are a few common mistakes job seekers make and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1 – Hope the perfect job will “come to you”

This is an easy though fatal mistake to make. It will leave you helpless to do anything but sift through your emails and surf dozens of job boards hoping and waiting to see that dream job you are really excited about. When you finally find it (add insult to injury if you don’t really know what you dream job looks like but you will “know it when you see it”.), you will invest a big wave of energy focusing on creating and sending off the perfect resume… What you might not know is that by competing on job boards for positions – your unseen competition could be in the hundreds or thousands of applicants, many of which might be more qualified than you.

“Hoping” to find the perfect job is not a strategy. Successful people don’t reach their goals by waiting for things to fall into their lap. So, brainstorm on what you are looking for and what motivates you – and write it all down! Get crystal clear and check to make sure it harmonizes with others in your life that your choices will affect. Then learn some job search strategies other than surfing job boards. Your success rate using job boards will be somewhere between 1 and 3 percent. Just those odds alone are sufficient to depress any job seeker…tempting them to believe they are as lackluster as their results would lead them to believe.

Mistake #2 – Wish for someone to “place” you in a job

This is almost the same idea as number one but with slightly different elements. I hear this more from executives that they are hoping to find someone who will “place them” in a job. But let’s give this just a little thought. Do you really want to be just “placed” in a job?

The bottom line is, you will never find a person to bring you enough possible job openings (and then place you in one of them) for you to be happy and satisfied with their service to you. Why? Because no one knows what you are looking for like you! Add to this that even if such a person existed – the majority of us wouldn’t be able to afford to hire them!

 It’s good to have a contact in a few companies – that can introduce you around. After all, we hear that most jobs are found through networking right? Well here is an inside tip: the best “networking” is not done through one or two people that might be able to send your resume to an HR department with their endorsement – in fact that is what I would call a very poor networking experience with very little benefit to you!

No, good networking is when YOU take the initiative to go after what you want vs. being what I call a “passive receiver” in your job search. When we think in terms of someone placing us we are giving away our power.  And if that is your mindset in your job search you will indubitably set yourself up for disappointment.

The solution is to simply commit to taking action and initiative in your job search. Map out a plan to find and connect with your market(s) of choice. Give yourself a timeline if you can that doesn’t put undue pressure on you. Learn proven marketing methods for getting potential employers attention and talk with recruiters, resume writers and career coaches as needed. Know though your ultimate success (and satisfaction with the outcome) will come from your commitment to taking positive action.

Mistake #3 – Don’t ask for help

The opposite of expecting someone else to manage your career transition for you is to try to do everything yourself. In my business there are lots of things to do. And as a business owner I naturally want to control each and every component. But I know in order for my business to thrive I must delegate tasks to others. I have to plan. If I do not I will quickly become overworked, stressed out and that absolutely does not honor or benefit my clients. A job search is no different. If you are struggling or feeling stuck – consult an expert to help you so you can free yourself up to focus on your success. The alternative is to give up or avoid those strategies you don’t know how to do (which might otherwise work brilliantly for your situation!). Neither are good options.

Most people will fall back on what they know when doing it right or better just seems too hard. Fortunately, the career choices we are talking about here are easy to learn and your choice of resources are abundant! What you will gain from investing in yourself (and your career change) will not only help you with your next career move (more interviews, better positions, more money etc.) but will support your entire career! Don’t risk feeling depressed and anxious when you are worth so much more than that. By following these simple steps you will be on the right track to success.  

Tags: 6 figure jobs, dream job, Executive Job Search 100k Jobs, job search tips