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By Tory Johnson

To survive the job search process in this recession, there’s no room for error. You not only have to be qualified, but you also need to be a really good jobseeker. Avoid making candidate-killer mistakes and you’ll survive these challenging times.

1) Submitting a one-size-fits-all resume.
Do not use the same resume for every application. Instead, customize this all-important document for each position by comparing the relevant keywords in the job posting to those in your resume. More matches increase your chances of reaching a recruiter.

2) Applying to multiple positions within the same company.
Even if you’re dead set on getting into a specific organization, don’t throw lots of gum, hoping that something sticks. Automated applicant tracking systems flag—and reject—excessive submissions because nobody is qualified to perform 13 different jobs within the same company. Stick to a maximum of three similar roles, tops.

3) Waiting for them to call you.
Don’t sit by the phone waiting for HR to call. You’ve got to make it ring by following up on every resume submission. Find an internal referral—the leading source of new hire leads at every large employer—using local networks such as LinkedIn.com, Facebook.com and Twitter.com.

4) Assuming you're only qualified to do what you've always done.
If your industry is hurting, don't limit yourself to pursuing only one field. Figure out which skills to leverage in another direction. Teachers, lawyers and nurses are among the top recruits for financial advisors. While those career paths are very diverse, they’re all about building and nurturing relationships, along with problem solving—the foundations of successful advisors.

5) Winging it when explaining your gap.
If you've been out of work for six months or more, expect to be asked what you've been doing during that time. Saying you’ve been jobsearching is not impressive. It means you’ve attempted something unsuccessfully for quite some time. Even though we're in a recession, that’s not a good enough answer. Instead share a story about how you've spent the time: focus on a volunteer initiative you've taken on, the books you're reading, or the classes you're taking. Have something positive to account for your time.

6) Using generic statements about your experience.
If you’re like many jobseekers, you’ll tell an interviewer that you’re a team player. If pressed for details, how would you back up that label? The worst response: “I'll say yes to lending a hand any time. I'm always happy to do anything for anyone.” That's not a team player; that's a pushover. Instead, focus on a specific example of a time you brought together a group. Or a time when you listened so effectively that you were able to understand—and overcome—the concerns of your department to bring about consensus. Be ready to cite anecdotes from your work history.

7) Fidgeting.
Poor body language—averting your eyes, shifting in your seat, playing with your hair—diminishes your confidence. It also distracts from the conversation and makes the other person somewhat uncomfortable. Instead, offer a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, stand and sit tall and always smile. That’ll bolster your presentation.

8) Revealing too much personal information.
Don’t share your mortgage woes or childcare challenges. Focus on what you bring to the position and the organization, not on what the job means to your personal finances.

9) Having unrealistic salary expectations.
If you've been out of work for months and you’re holding out to match your pervious salary, you may be doing yourself a disservice. This doesn't mean you can't negotiate within reason, but you must be realistic given that employers are watching every penny and they've got plenty of available talent to choose from.

10) Neglecting to ask key questions.
Even though you'll spend most of your time selling yourself, don't cede all the decision making to the other side. You've got to evaluate the prospective employer too. Two questions you must ask: Why is this position vacant? (Maybe someone was promoted from within, which could be a good sign. Or maybe turnover is a huge concern. You don't want to find out on Day One that you're the fifth person in six months to sit at that desk.) The other question: If you could change one thing about the culture of this department or company, what would it be? (This is a polite way of asking what's wrong with the place without being rude. It will offer you valuable insights.)

Tory Johnson is the CEO of Women For Hire. Visit her online at www.womenforhire.com.

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