If you are looking for a job in today’s market, you are in luck! With unemployment at a record low, there are plenty of opportunities to choose from. There are so many openings, in fact, that employers have had to change their tactics when it comes to hiring talent. This means that you can expect to see faster hiring decisions and stronger offers.

In other words, the job market is hot! So, why haven’t you landed a new job yet?

While hiring is certainly up, looking for a job can still feel like a full-time job. It requires a lot of time, effort, and patience. If you feel that you aren’t making any strides, it’s quite possible that you just haven’t found the right fit. However, it’s also possible that you are getting in the way of your own success.

No matter the reason, don’t fret! There are several ways to change your approach in order to be able to take advantage of this hot job market. Start by crossing these mistakes off your list:

Ghosting

For many years, ghosting was something that many hiring managers did to job seekers. With the scales in their favor, they could afford to leave top applicants hanging. Now that the tables have turned, many job seekers are returning the favor. Instead of formally quitting or telling a hiring manager they’ve changed their mind, professionals are simply not responding or showing up.

Although ghosting is becoming increasingly common, that doesn’t mean you should do it. Not only can it set the company back in terms of time and money, but you can damage your reputation in the process. If word gets out that you were disrespectful, it can cost you future opportunities. You never know who knows who or when you will encounter the same hiring manager again.

Casting too wide of a net

In a candidate-driven job market, you might see new opportunities pop up every day! While it may be tempting to apply to as many of these jobs as you can, doing so can do more harm than good. Not only can this type of strategy leave you feeling overwhelmed and disorganized, but it can lead you to apply to jobs that you ultimately aren’t that excited about.

The ability to be more selective is one of the benefits of looking for a job in a candidate-driven market. Take advantage of it by focusing on opportunities that align with your career goals and values.

Not doing your research + interview prep

It can be easy to take a more laid-back approach when looking for a job in a candidate-driven market. However, not doing research on the company you are interviewing with is one mistake that screams a lack of professionalism. Even if you are not entirely invested in the position at hand, you still need to fully show up to the interview. This involves doing some thorough company research and interview prep. Read also:  Ways To Fail An Interview

Not sending thank you notes

You may think that thank you notes are outdated in today’s fast-paced world. However, they are still a very important part of the interview process. In fact, many hiring managers will not move forward in the process with you until they receive a thank you email. Why? Not only do they show you respect the interviewer’s time, but that you are interested in working with the company. In a job market full of ghosters, sending a quick thank you note can indicate that you are well-mannered, organized, and excited to move forward. Read also: 3 Reasons You Need To Write A Thank You Note