When searching for a job, it is imperative that you are on top of your game in order to stay ahead of all of the other competition. The smallest mistakes can completely change the outcome of your chances of a career with your dream company. The article, 5 Job Hunting Mistakes that Scream 'I'm Unprofessional' reviews the most common mistakes that job hunters make while searching for jobs. These “no-nos” can make or break your career. They are incredibly easy to avoid and should be fixed now before it’s too late!

1. Using a Cutesy Email Address for Correspondence

Your old instant messenger screen name inspired email address is no longer acceptable. If you need a new address, a Gmail account will work wonders. Incorporating your name into your email account is also vital so your possible employer knows exactly who they are emailing or who they are receiving an email from.

2. Putting a Silly Message on Your Answering Machine

“Hello?...Oh hey!! What’s up?..Nah, I’m just kidding, can’t get to the phone, leave a message and maybe I’ll call you back.” Yeah, we’ve all had that one friend who has the oh so hilarious voice mail that tricks you into thinking they actually picked up. Don’t let their trickery inspire you to follow their lead. Keep your voicemail message sweet and simple. Make sure to state your whole name, apologize for missing their call and ask for the caller’s name and number and a good time to reach them.

3. Sending Your Resume and Cover Letter Without Proofreading

One of the worst mistakes that you could make as a job seeker is sending in your resume without reading it and correcting errors. Do not get into the over confident mindset that you are going to get every interview that you send your resume out for. The company does not necessarily need you, you need them. Put the effort in to correct your mistakes because with the number of resumes that companies receive, the smallest imperfection will take you right out of the running for a chance to come in for an interview.

4. Winging Your Interviews Instead of Preparing Thoroughly

Even though you may think that you are great at pulling the wool over someone’s eyes, trying to wing an interview and assuming that you can just sneak your way through it without preparing is not the way to go. The chances that you are the first person this person has ever interviewed are slim to none. They will be able to spot your lack of knowledge right off the bat. Make sure to do back up information on the company you are interviewing with and be positive you know how you would fit in with that company. Figuring out the company’s most recent achievements and addressing them in your interview will give you some brownie points as well.

5. Failing to Send Thank-You Notes After Interviews

Sending a thank-you note is not so out dated as you may think. This is your opportunity to acknowledge your appreciation for the time that the interviewer took to sit down and speak with you. Sending a thank-you note can also show that you are actually interested in working for that company. It will set you apart from the other competition who might not send in a letter. Your name will stick out in the interviewer’s mind while theirs will not.

Take the extra time to fix these common mistakes and you will surely see the positive results!

"office worker luchador" courtesy istolethetv via Flickr Creative Commons