As a career coach, women – particularly Black women – ask me the mistakes they’re making in their search for a new job. They are frustrated and at their wits end because they feel they are following the right steps, but have nothing to show for it. To accept a job you need offers – but they aren’t even getting interviews.

A former client of mine (I’ll call her Michelle to protect her privacy), was referred to me because she had been looking for a job with little success. After spending an hour together I was able to identify 3 mistakes she was making and offered her the guidance she needed. A few weeks later she started getting interviews, and I’m happy to report she is now working at a job she absolutely loves.

In this post I will address the same 3 job search mistakes you’re making so that you can start getting called for job interviews and receive job offers like Michelle.

Mistake #1: Your Resume Is Too General

One size fits all is great if you’re trying to buy a scarf or hat, but not when it comes to your resume. Using the same resume to apply to 20 different jobs is a quick, but lazy approach.

You know that feeling when you get a birthday card that you know the giver has just pulled from the shelf at a grocery store, signed and placed a stamp on it? That’s how a recruiter feels when reviewing a resume that has a cookie cutter feel to it.

Solution To A General Resume:

Customize your resume for each job you apply for.

20 jobs, 20 unique resumes.

Now this doesn’t mean the entire resume has to be redone, simply customize the content for the job you apply for.

For example, if you’re applying for a Medical Office Manager position, you’d include work experience on your resume showing you’d be a good fit for the job.

Mistake #2: Relying Only On Job Search Websites

If I asked you the top 3 job search websites, they’d probably roll off your tongue easily. But guess what? Just as quickly as you said them, others are doing the same. They are your competition!! Check out these stats:

Indeed.com has 250 million unique visitors every month.

Careerbuilder.com has 125 million profiles of people looking for work.

Ziprecruiter.com averages 25 million unique people searching for jobs each month.

I’m not bashing these sites, but know that if creating profiles on them is the only strategy you’re using to find a job, as the expression says, you are a single tiny drop of water in a large ocean.

Solution To Only Using Job Search Websites:

Take a strategic approach and seek the companies and organizations you want to work for and apply directly via their websites. Trust me, not many think to do that. It’s a game changer!

Mistake #3: Your Social Media Presence Is Scary

I’m going to step on toes with this one, and might even hurt some feelings.

Your beer, booty and blunt pics have no business in cyberspace.

Yep, I went there.

What you put on social media never goes away.

And recruiters are checking you out – and judging you be what they see.

You have the right to live your life as you see fit. But what you post on social media will bite you in the butt (pun intended).

Solution To Your Scary Social Media:

This one is simple – delete that mess!!

Delete the photos that don’t show the professional you.

Imagine it’s the night before you or a loved one is scheduled to have a life changing surgery. You’re flipping through Instagram to calm your nerves, only to see the surgeon getting it in like Snoop Dogg.

How does that feel?

Employers only hire people who make them look good. If what they see tarnishes their brand, you will NEVER get called in for an interview. I have a post on cleaning up your digital footprint where I address this in detail.

Correcting these mistakes will definitely get you headed in the right direction so that you start getting called in for interviews.

For more tips on how to get the job you want, check out my masterclass 6 Steps To Getting The Hell Out Of A Job You Hate. This 30 minute class will cover what you need to get the job you richly deserve.