It's been a few days since the Niners lost to the Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII. In a recent post, I noted some of my favorite commercials and other fun items about the Super Bowl. I favored the Niners to win, but congratulations to the Ravens. They played a flawless game compared to the Niners. SF blew several opportunities throughout the game. It wasn't just the very last pass into the end zone that ended their championship run - There were mistakes made all evening. It does make me think, though. What big game job search mistakes do job hunters make everyday? How many times does a job seeker get to the Red Zone only to miss a pass, shank a punt, or worse, throw an interception?
Big Game Job Search Mistakes
My take on the Niners loss - They Failed to Close the Deal. They did not execute well in the Red Zone (the 20 yards closest to the goal line - for you non-football fans). They also "dropped the ball" several times. If we compare epic Red Zone failures and Epic Ball Drops to Job Search, here's my list.Epic Ball Drops
- Not effectively answering the interview question, "So, tell me about yourself." Hello! Everyone, including myself, should know how to answer this question in two minutes or less.
- Not following up with a connection or interviewer within 24 - 48 hours following a call or in-person interview.
- Telling your salary requirements too early in the process.
- Thinking more about how to keep your unemployment benefits than getting the job.
- Deciding that your job target is "open." An open to anything job target is not a job target.
Failed Red Zone Attempts
- Remember to ALWAYS express the value you bring to an employer. Express to them what problem you can solve and how?
- Not asking if anything concerns the interviewer about your candidacy and addressing any issues in a professional manner.
- Not asking for the job. If you want the job, tell them.
