Introduction

^{Are you a young job seeker feeling lost and overwhelmed during your job hunt? Don't worry, you're not alone! Many young professionals struggle with the job search process, from unclear career goals to outdated resumes and inconsistent networking efforts.}

^{This comprehensive guide is designed to help you avoid the most common mistakes made by young job seekers, and provide you with practical tips and valuable insights to help you succeed.} 

#1 Not having a clear vision of who you are/what you want

<sup>Problem: You would be surprised how many candidates don't have a clear vision of what they want in their career or know themselves well enough. Most candidates want a job for the sake of money and employment. These candidates struggle to sell themselves to recruiters, hiring managers and even their networking efforts.

The most successful candidates have a clear vision and set goals for their career, as well as a solid understanding of the steps required to achieve them. Additionally, they possess a deep self-awareness, recognizing their strengths and weaknesses and how they can contribute to their career goals. By having a strong sense of direction and a comprehensive understanding of their own abilities, these candidates are better equipped to impress potential employers and make strategic career moves.

Solution: It's time to take control and define your career vision! Don't make the mistake of neglecting this crucial step. You are a unique and talented individual, and it's time to showcase that to recruiters and hiring managers. Take a moment to reflect on your aspirations, strengths, and experiences. What sets you apart from other candidates? Embrace your strengths and use them to your advantage. By doing so, you'll set yourself apart and confidently pursue the career you truly want.
 
- What makes me unique from other candidates?
- What do I have to offer? is it a skill? your drive? your experiences?
- Do you know your strengths and weaknesses? and play to your strengths?</sup>

#2 Not Updating resume or documenting regularly

<sup>Problem: Most job hunters only update their resume when they're looking for a job or an opportunity arises. They are often scrambling to update the resume, gather references and just begin to network. Another issue with this is that they forget some of their achievements, highlights and as a result the quality of the resume & their sanity suffers.  

Solution: Don't fall into the trap of only thinking about your resume when you need a job - this can lead to forgotten achievements and unnecessary stress. Instead, set aside regular time to update your resume, whether it's every other week, monthly or another frequency that works for you. By making it a regular habit, you'll avoid the last-minute rush and ensure that your resume accurately showcases your talents and accomplishments. And the best part? These regular updates will only take a few minutes and leave you stress-free, allowing you to focus on pursuing the career you truly want.calendar or reminder app to keep yourself accountable. This can be bi/weekly or monthly. The best part of doing this, it will only take a few minutes and stress free, as you're adding minor improvements.

The next time an opportunity arises or in case of job loss. You will have an amazing resume to start applying!</sup>

#3 Only Networking When they're job searching

^{Problem: Most job hunters only start networking and reaching out when they need a job. I remember a colleague of mine, he only ever reaches out when he needs a job, will I help him? likely not. (Only extracts value, rarely provides me with value)}

^{Solution: Don't wait until you need a job to reach out to your contacts - this approach can be ineffective and leave you without the support you need. Instead, make a conscious effort to build and maintain meaningful relationships with your professional network, sharing value with them as you seek to gain value. By fostering these connections over time, you'll have a reliable support system that's willing to go above and beyond to help you in your job search whenever you need it. So start networking now, and enjoy the benefits of a strong, supportive professional community for years to come!}

#4 Not having a strategic career plan

^{Problem: Many job hunters make the mistake of applying to every job they see, or constantly changing their minds about what they want in their career. This can lead to confusion, frustration, and ultimately slow down progress towards achieving their goals.}

^{Solution: By treating your career like a game of chess, you can strategically plan your next moves and ensure that you're making progress towards your goals. With a clear strategy in place, there's no need to guess or feel uncertain about your next steps. Instead, you can move forward with confidence and purpose, making progress towards your dream career. So take the time to plan your strategy and start making moves that will help you reach your career goals faster than ever before!}

^{Ask yourself these questions:}

^{- What is my career plan for the next 5 years?} 

^{- What are the steps I need to make to get there?}