There are tons of advice pieces on what to do when searching for a job. However, there are mistakes that you may be making that undermine all of the hard work you’re doing. Here are four job search mistakes that are ruining your chances. We’ll also explain how and why these mistakes hurt you.

You Assume It Is All Online

One of the worst mistakes you can make is to assume that it is just between you and your computer, or you and the internet. If you want to network with people, go ahead and send an email, but follow it up with a phone call. Send resumes to the company holding a job fair but go to the job fair as well. Meet with the best prospects over lunch and reconnect; they’re more likely to refer your resume when there has been a literal personal connection.

You Put Too Much On Your Resume

If your resume is several pages long, it is too long. If your resume reads like a term paper, you have too much information on it. Get rid of the section that says why you’re applying for the job; that’s obvious since you’re applying for the job. If you want to connect with the recruiter or personnel manager, do that in your cover letter without making that too long, either.

Focus on the key duties and responsibilities you had, the job title and specific successes you had in that position. Only list interests and volunteering on your resume if it is relevant to the position. For example, a parent returning to the workforce could mention working as the fundraiser for the local school while applying for a fundraising or budgetary position in the for-profit sector. If your hobby is technical or scientific, that could be a way to highlight expertise and awards that make your resume stand out from the competition.

You’re Only Applying Through Traditional Methods

It is a major mistake to only apply through traditional methods. Mailing a resume to post office box listed in the newspaper is a dead end. Don’t just send resumes to the website or fill out an application form. Go to the store that’s hiring and try to meet the manager or assistant manager, then talk to them about the job.

You Only Apply at the Big Companies

One of the worst mistakes you can make is to look for the top few companies in your area and apply to them when there are literally hundreds of alternatives. Visit sites like TheJobexplorer.com to find the real jobs at many smaller firms that you would otherwise have to dig to find on online websites.

Be careful of applying to jobs with recruiters since they may be trying to fill the same positions at the big companies you’ve already applied to. Instead, look for a variety of positions you’re qualified for at many different companies.

Conclusion

All these mistakes can have a negative effect on your job search and make it seem impossible. The good thing is that they can always be easily corrected, which could bring you almost immediate results.