It’s a jungle out there in the wild, wild world of job searches these days. With so much competition and so few jobs to be had, the last thing you want to do is sabotage your job search efforts. That’s why it’s important to know these six things you might be doing that can really stall your job search efforts.

1)   Waiting for the perfect job to come along. Right now, there is no such thing as a perfect job. Some jobs are better than others, but most jobs these days require some sort of give and take by the job seeker and the potential employer. Sometimes a bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush. In this job market, it doesn’t make sense to avoid a perfectly acceptable job in your field – even if it isn’t the job you think you deserve and are qualified to do. The bottom line is that it is better than having no job at all. In fact, it looks better on a resume to take a “lesser” job and have some employment, than to have a long stint of unemployment. That’s something you want to consider before the job market turns around.

2)   Developing a negative attitude. It’s easy to get discouraged. But you need to find a way to channel a positive attitude even when discouragement strikes. Attitudes are contagious and they come across in applications and interviews. You want to remain positive so that you don’t accidentally damage your chances at getting the job you want.

3)   Failing to follow up. For some employers, it’s a big test to see who will be persistent enough to get the job. Following up after you send a resume and after interviews is a great way to move your name to the top of the list. Passivity simply doesn’t get the job done in today’s competitive job market. You have to go out of your way to stand out from the crowd – one way you can do this is by following up.

4)   Going it alone. No matter how resourceful you are, two heads are better than one – especially if you turn to someone who has connections in your industry. There are a ton of staffing agencies that specialize in a broad range of positions and industries. Let them do some of the heavy lifting for your job search.

5)   Falling short of impressive in the interview. The interview isn’t all about what you say and how you respond, though you can certainly prepare to “wow” with these things too. Failing to dress appropriately, research the company, and present yourself as a professional can end a company’s interest in you fast.

6)   Applying above your head. It’s great to want to move up as you explore new career options, but if you go too far beyond your experience you’re shooting yourself in the foot. Apply for jobs you’re qualified to hold; then work on advancement once the job is yours.

Finding a job in today’s market is possible. It’s much easier to do if you aren’t stepping into any of these pitfalls to the job search process. If you are conducting a job search in the Chicago or Northwest Indiana areas, consider the advantages of working with the employment professionals at Davis Staffing.