In our previous blog post, we explored “3 Ways to be Proactive About Your Job Search.”
And more than likely, you’ve read plenty of articles and blog posts regarding how to conduct a job search. However, what about things you should NOT do?

In many instances, not doing the wrong things is just as important as doing the right things. In fact, the argument could be made that it’s more important.

Below are four ways to NOT conduct a job search:
#1—Send out “resume blasts.”
You may have heard of this one: sending out your resume to as many companies as you possibly can—whether they have job openings or not. It doesn’t matter if you do this via “snail mail” or via email; it’s a bad idea all the way around. Sure, it’s easy to do and you may think you’ll stand out, but more than likely you’ll stand out in a bad way by annoying hiring managers.
#2—Use just one resume and cover letter.
This tactic is just as lazy as #1 (and really, that’s as accurate of a description as it gets). Yes, it’s easier to use just one resume and one standard cover letter for every single job for which you apply, but just because it’s easier does not mean it’s more effective. In fact, just the opposite is the case. In order to stand out from the masses, you must conduct proper research and then customize your resume and cover letter to each job opening.
#3—Play the “numbers game.”
This is similar to #1. However, instead of “blasting out” unsolicited resumes, you apply to as many job openings as you possibly can. In the worst-case scenario, you do this while also employing tactic #2, using just one resume and cover letter. This isn’t the casino and this isn’t the lottery. This is a job search, and you must approach it in a much more professional and cautious fashion.
#4—Revolve the search around yourself.
Let’s face it: employers don’t care as much about you as they care about filling their need. Employers are not going to offer you a job . . . just because you’re looking for a job. No, you must be able to identify the value that you could bring to a company and then you must be able to effectively articulate that value—both on your resume and during the interview. Focusing on the right things is the key to an effective job search, and what you should absolutely not be focusing on is yourself.

If you’ve ever employed one of these techniques or are currently employing them, this is a great time to stop. They do not increase your chances of finding a great employment opportunity, and they might just be hampering them.