Each week, Imprimis Group hosts dozens of networking events and small meetings about various business topic. One of them is FENG or Financial Executives Networking Group. I had the opportunity to hear John McDorman from Transition Consulting speak at this month’s FENG meeting. McDorman’s organization provides outplacement services, search services and people training development. He was invited to speak to a large group of financial executives at our office. John spoke on the Top 10 Mistakes Job Seekers Make.

1. Move on with a proper PARTING – Before you can be in the right mentality to begin your job, you must put the past behind you and progress on to the future. Holding on to animosity toward a previous company or supervisor could negatively impact your interviewing abilities or even your attitude once you land a role at a new company. Start with a fresh slate and prepare your mind for new experiences.

2. Gain a proper PERSPECTIVE – Take a step back and reevaluate what your professional goals. Determine what is realistic to achieve and what may require a few more years of experience. Beginning the job search process remembering that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of others who on the same journey.

3. Set a proper PACE – Did you know that 65% of job seekers spend less than five hours per week looking for a job? With online application, cover letters and detailed research, searching for a full-time position can be a full-time and and job seekers should spend 32 hours per week searching for the next position. In a five-day work week, that averages out to around six hours per day, giving you time to take small breaks during the process and return rejuvenated.

4. Be properly POINTED at the right target – Simply throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping it will stick has never been a good method. Job seekers should be intentional with their search and have one single campaign with one single focus. Their objective is to identify their ideal company, position and then target prospects who align with that goal.

5. Prepare a proper PACKAGE – Compared to the popular opinion of creating customized resumes for every job, McDorman recommended that job seekers consider point 4 above and have only have one resume that mirrors the singular campaign. Put your time and energy into creating a strong job application package that serves as a tangible introduction to the skills and experience you can bring to the company.

6. Learn to properly PROMOTE – You are marketing you. No one knows what you capable of more than you. Networking events have always been an excellent way to meet more people and expand your professional circle. Instead of attending every business happy hour or luncheon, be strategic and attend events that align with your job search campaign target and goal. Not only is this cost effective, but it is also save you time in the long run.

7. Deliver a proper PITCH – You have only a few seconds to a couple of minutes to make a first impression. How are you presenting yourself to professional connections? Similar to a sales elevator pitch, active job seekers should create a personal elevator pitch that encapsulates their professional experience and key differentiators in just a few minutes.

8. Negotiate a proper PRICE – You are a creation, not a commodity. After the emotional roller coaster of interviewing, personality test and waiting for the job offer, job seekers have to endure what some may view as the most challenging part – negotiating the salary. Complete online research to find what are comparable salaries based upon the location of the company, title/position and years of experience you offer, so that you present reasonable counter offers, if necessary.

9. Substance a proper PERSERVERANCE – Whether your unemployed and searching for a full-time job or currently employed and desire to make a career, the job hunting process can be a daunting task and a waiting game. Persevere even when things don’t go as well as you hoped and continue to point 10.

10. Remain in proper PRAYER – However you find internal peace, do it. Whether it’s prayer, yoga, a walk around the neighborhood or reading a good book, find a way to not allow your mind to be consumed with the job search task. Find your inner zen.

By Brandi Gorr, Imprimis Staffing Director of Talent Solutions