Career Suicide: The Top Five Mistakes Job Candidates Make

Searching for new job? If so, it's imperative that you're aware of the five common blunders employment candidates often make. By avoiding these mistakes, you'll ensure that your resume goes to the top of the applicant pile.

1. Overlooking the importance of networking

According to recent statistics, approximately 80 percent of jobs are found through networking. Eighty percent. You do yourself an enormous disservice if you refuse to tap into your personal networks. Instead of trying to go at it alone, consider the old adage, "Man is not an island." Shoot quick e-mails to former coworkers and ask whether their current companies are hiring. Also, don't discount social networking websites such as Facebook and LinkedIn. Scroll through your friends' webpages and see where they're working. That way, if you apply for a position at one of their offices, you'll have an edge over the competition. For additional tips on how to network like a pro check out our article on the topic.

2. Job-searching at work

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it happens more than you think. Employees get so lazy and disgruntled with their current positions that they begin job-searching at work. Note: There's no way to acquire a pink slip faster than getting caught applying for jobs on the job. After all, you want to leave your position because a new company hired you - not because you got canned.

3. Using only one of the "big-three" career websites

Don't get me wrong: CareerBuilder, Monster and Yahoo! HotJobs can be extremely beneficial job sites. But, don't limit your search to only the "big three." Consider utilizing lesser-known career resources such as Craigslist, Indeed and Simply Hired. By casting a wider net, you'll be more likely to discover a position that interests you. Also, don't overlook the newspaper classified ads. Although they might be considered archaic in today's technological world, they still contain a variety of positions in your local area.

4. Using outlandish tactics to get noticed

Job candidates are often so eager to get noticed that they resort to extreme measures. In fact, a friend of mine recently forwarded me an e-mail from a guy who applied for a position she posted. Not only did the candidate use flowery, over-the-top speech, he wrote his resume in a "who, what, when, where, why" format. As the hiring manager, my friend had to laugh at his creativity - but she trashed his resume. The morale of the story? Make sure that you're getting noticed for the all right reasons - your unique skills, job experiences and glowing references - not your outlandish tactics.

5. Speaking negatively about your last job during an interview

Employers don't want to hear about how your last employer treated you unfairly or how severely underpaid you were. If you speak negatively about your previous employer, the company you're interviewing with will think that you'll badmouth them, too. Regardless of how poorly you were treated at your last job, refrain from trash-talking. Instead, spin a negative situation into something positive by commenting on what you learned through your previous experiences, and how you will be able to utilize these skills in the future.

Have you ever committed any of these job search mistakes? If so, please share your stories and discuss how you handled the situation.