5 Mistakes Job-Seekers Make

By Tory Johnson

Get a leg up on your job search: avoid pessimism, generic pitches. There's no room for error in your job search these days - not with unemployment at its highest level since 1992.

Jobs are scarce and the competition is brutal. You've got to look and act the part of the qualified candidate and stand out from the crowd as a top-notch jobseeker.

Some top mistakes to avoid on your job search:

Share with your family - not your future boss. Yes, these are hard times and you may be facing some personal financial woes. But whether you're networking or interviewing, never share mortgage woes, credit card debt or child care challenges with anyone you're talking to about a job. Focus on your skills and abilities and what you bring to the particular position and the organization, not on what the job means to your personal finances.

Don't wait by the phone. Don't sit there waiting for HR to call. Be pro-active: make that phone ring by following up on every resume you've submitted. Internet referrals are the leading source of new hire leads at every large employer, so get involved with social networks like LinkedIn.com and Facebook. (If you apply to company XYZ, go to LinkedIn and search for that company, its location and the job title recruiter or HR manager. Most times a name will pop up for you to call.) You can also Google the name of the company, along with the words "recruiter" or "hr manager" and see if a name pops up because that person has appeared in the media or on an industry Web site. That'll give you a starting point to begin the follow-up. If you think you're too old for this stuff, think again and ask someone younger about it. They'll get you going in a few minutes.

Be specific about what you've been up to. If you've been out of work for several months or more, expect to be asked what you've been doing during that time. Saying you've just been job-searching is not impressive. It means you've attempted something unsuccessfully for quite some time. Even though we're in a recession, that's not a good enough answer. Instead, share a story about how you've spent the time: focus on a volunteer initiative you've taken on, the books you're reading, or the classes you're taking. Have something positive to briefly discuss to account for your time. "Looking for a job" is a non-starter.

While I'm at it, if you're like many job seekers, you're probably tempted to tell an interviewer that you're a "team player." You and the rest of the world! It's too generic because if pressed for details, how would you back up that label? "I say yes whenever anyone asks me to do anything. I'll do anything for anyone." That's not necessarily a team player; that's a pushover in the workplace! Instead, focus on a specific example of a time you brought together a group. Or a time when you listened so effectively that you were able to understand and overcome the concerns of your department to bring about consensus. Be ready to cite specific anecdotes from your work history. This is where many people get tongue-tied -- so you'll be ahead of the pack with examples at the ready.

Do not fidget, shift in your seat, play with hair. Interviewers look for body language that shouts poor confidence: averting eyes, shifting in a seat, playing with hair, chewing gum, or clicking a pen. Those things distract from the conversation and can make the other person uncomfortable. Instead, offer a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, stand and sit tall and always smile. That'll bolster your presentation.

Keep upbeat. This is true not only in any job-related conversation or interview, but even privately. Even though it seems there's little to be hopeful about given rising unemployment and underemployment, measured optimism is essential as you face each day. Optimism alone won't get you hired, but great skills and pessimism will keep you unemployed. In the search process, camaraderie and character can sometimes trump credentials, so the right attitude is essential.

Don't let interviewer ask all the questions. Even though you'll spend most of your time selling yourself in an interview, don't cede all the decision-making to the other side. You've got to evaluate the prospective employer, too. Be curious.

Two questions you must ask: Why is this position vacant? (Maybe someone was promoted from within, which could be a good sign. Or maybe turnover is a huge concern. You don't want to find out on day one that you're the fifth person in six months to sit at that desk.)

The other question: If you could change one thing about the culture of this department or company, what would it be? (This is a polite way of asking what's wrong with the place without being rude. It will offer you valuable insights.)