Job Search Do's and Don'ts

What should you do when you're job searching? And what shouldn't you do? There's a laundry list of things that can help your job search and things that can hinder it.

Every part of what you do when you job search, including looking for job postings, writing cover letters, dressing for an interview, sending a thank you note, job searching (or not) from work, and using social media can make - or break - your job search.

1. Don't Blow Your Job Search

Job searching can be tough enough all by itself. There is no need to make it even harder by doing or saying the wrong thing when job searching or interviewing. Here's a list of what you shouldn't do, so you don't have to wonder why you didn't get a call or didn't get the job.

2. Do Boost Your Job Search with LinkedIn

Be sure to use the full power of LinkedIn to assist with your search for a new job. It's important to effectively use your connections and to use the information available on LinkedIn when you're job searching and growing your career.

3. Do Use a Job Search Engine

Job search engine sites, allow users to search all the major job sites, company sites, associations and other online job sites by keyword and location, at the same time. Use a job search engine to speed up your job search.

4. Do Write a Customized Cover Letter

A cover letter is the best way to make a good impression on a prospective employer and a way to show that employer why you are strong candidate for the job.

5. Do Dress Appropriately for an Interview

When you are dressing for a job interview, image really is everything (or most of it). The image you present to a potential employer is the first thing they are going to notice about you - before you even have a chance to say a word or shake a hand.

6. Don't Make These Interview Mistakes

What shouldn't you do when interviewing? Here are a selection of blunders, mistakes and errors a candidate for employment can make. Spend time preparing to interview so these don't happen to you!

7. Do Send a Thank You Note

Writing a thank you letter, or thank you email, after an employment interview is a must. In fact, some employers think less of those interviewees who fail to follow-up promptly. Plan to send out your thank you letters or thank you notes as soon as possible (preferably within twenty-four hours) after your interview.

8. Do Be Careful Job Searching from Work

Given the way companies monitor employees it's not wise to use your work computer or email account for job searching. There are also ethical issues with job searching on your boss's dime (even if you can't stand him or her).

9. Don't Count on Social Media to Get You a Job

The buzz lately is all about Twitter. How Twitter is a great communication tool, which it is. How Twitter is a great way to connect with people, which it is. And how Twitter can help you get a job, which it can. However, you shouldn't count on it to get you a job.