At Murray Resources, leading Houston staffing agency, we strive to help job seekers find employment more efficiently and effectively. With almost twenty-five years of experience in the recruiting industry, we’ve amassed a working knowledge of techniques that prove advantageous on the job hunt, and others that fall flat.

We’ve compiled a list of the 10 most common mistakes job seekers make with the hopes that you’ll avoid this slip-ups when preparing your own applications:

1) Not Following Application Instructions

This mistake can end your chances at landing an interview before the race has even begun. Employers often will include specific instructions on their applications to see how well candidates pay attention to detail. When you are filling out an application, thoroughly read through the material and make note of any special instructions or requirements. Once you think you’ve completed an application, be sure to double check everything before submitting it.

2) Giving Up Too Soon

Especially in times of economic duress, this is a mistake we see happen far too often. Tired from what has felt like a long and laborious job search, candidates will throw in the towel before the application process is complete. You may be the perfect candidate for a job but if you give up too early in the game you’ll never know it. Persistence is crucial in any job search, and ultimately will pay off when you find the company that’s just the right fit.

3) Keeping a Job Search Too Narrow

Flexibility is important when you’re trying to find a position that meets your needs. In a competitive job marked, consider broadening your search to include other positions you may not have considered before. For example, if you have experience as a copywriter for an advertising agency, you may also consider marketing or media buying positions as well. Think outside the box when it comes to transferable skills you’ve acquired throughout your life.

4) Focusing On Salary

It’s tempting to try to find a job that pays the highest salary, but there are a number of other factors that are crucial to ensuring your success with a company. While compensation is important, you should also consider the company culture, your coworkers, the company’s history and growth opportunities within the organization as well. Your salary should not be the only deciding factor when it comes to choosing the right company to work for.

5) Submitting a Bad Resume

If there’s one thing this Houston staffing agency can’t stress enough on this blog, it’s that your resume is IMPORTANT. Your resume will be your first point of contact with a potential employer, your chance to make the right impression from the very beginning. Grammatical errors, formatting inconsistencies and confusing language can all be huge turnoffs. Before you submit your resume to any organization, you should tailor it to the position you are applying for and double-check for any mistakes. If you want more resume help, check out our past post about 6 common resume typos to avoid.

6) Lacking Accountability

Looking for a job is often said to be a full time job in and of itself. In order to keep yourself on track, enlist someone that can hold you accountable for meeting deadlines and submitting applications throughout your job search. Having a friend, loved one or fellow job searcher to keep you accountable is a great way to make sure you make progress in your search.

7) Listing Out-of-Date Contacts

When you list references on your resume, these contacts should be up-to-date. Nothing says that you are unprepared as clearly as poor job references. Before you add these people to your resume, contact them and let them know that you are looking for a new job and ask them if they will provide you with a good reference.

8) Adding “Filler” Content to Your Resume

When job seekers start feeling like they’re getting nowhere with all of the applications they’ve submitted, resumes began to fill up with more adjectives than accomplishments in an attempt to make a candidate seem more qualified. We know it’s hard, but avoid adding filler content to your resume at all costs. Fluff only weakens your first impression, and makes it look like you’re making excuses rather than presenting yourself as a qualified applicant. Focus the content of your resume on measurable results that will be relevant to the position you are applying for.

9) Neglecting Social Media

Social media has created fantastic opportunities for modern job seekers. In fact, many employers will list an available position on their Twitter feed or Facebook page before they move on to other job search sites. Take advantage of these avenues of direct communication with a prospective employer by closely following and engaging with their social media platforms.

10) Going It Alone

When it comes to your job search, you want to give yourself the best chance at finding your ideal position. To do this more effectively, consider working with a Houston staffing agency who has experience in your industry. Murray Resources has an unparalleled track record of success when it comes to placing candidates in the right positions, and we have the experience and resources that can help set any job seeker up for success.

Are you a talented professional looking for your next career move?

Turn to premier Houston staffing agency Murray Resources for help in exploring your next career opportunity. Contact Murray Resources today to get started.