Are you sabotaging your job search?

There are many minefields in the path of job searchers today. Are you successfully navigating them and reaching your job search goals? Here are 5 missteps that could blow you out of the running for a potential job:

1. Not asking a few questions at the end of an interview. Interviewers want to know you are interested in the job and asking questions shows you are motivated to know more. There are resources available to help you. Check Google for information about the employer and the industry. These websites can give you a glimpse into the corporate culture – Vault.com and Glassdoor.com.

Keep questions basic at this point (more along the lines of job scope, company expectations, etc.) Hold questions about benefits and compensation for a later interview.

2. Not monitoring digital dirt. Don’t ignore your online footprint. The first thing a recruiter or hiring manager will do after they have read your resume is Google you. First of all, you do want to show up in a Google search, because if you don’t you might be perceived as a fossil without leading-edge or up-to-date technical skills. Second, the next place a prospective employer will go is LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. If you have not set your security preferences correctly, everyone and anyone can see what you write on these social media sites.

Being proactive can help you manage your online presence. Create a Google+ profile so you will come up in Google searches. Post professional comments on industry-related blogs and tweets. Keep your LinkedIn profile updated. Be vigilant to keep your online profile clean and professional.

3. Not thanking your network. It is essential to the care and feeding of your network to thank those who have participated in any way to your success in finding a new job. Your expression of appreciation is not only good manners, but continues to build rapport. Common courtesy goes a long way with others. Remember to treat others as you would like to be treated.

4. Not proofreading job-search materials. We all make mistakes. I know in the past I’ve typed manger, meant to type manager, looked at it once, and didn’t see that the word was missing an “a.” If I had not proofread the document several times (I recommend three) and let the resume go out with that typo, it could have been very bad for my business.

The stakes are just as high for you. It could cost you a chance at a job because some recruiters and hiring managers automatically reject a resume with typos. It tells them you may not be as thorough as you may profess to be. Small errors can add up to costly mistakes for an employer.

5. Not knowing what type of job you want next. Inevitably you will be asked by someone you are interacting with, “What type of job are you looking for?” Even if you don’t know exactly, have a response prepared that is clear and concise. This response should be delivered with confidence so the other person will hear your confidence in your voice and mannerisms. What you say will be secondary, yet as important. Have career goals in mind that you can share with others. If you don’t know what you want, how will you expect others to know? Don’t inhibit their ability to help you.