The days of “safe” jobs are officially over. Layoffs, forced retirements, and agency closures under the new Administration have left thousands of employees scrambling for their next move. As a result, the unemployed find themselves unprepared for the brutal reality of today’s job market. Job search strategists warn that waiting until you’re unemployed is the worst mistake you can make. It’s among seven common (and costly) job-hunting mistakes that many seekers make.
7 Job-Hunting Mistakes That Could Cost You Big
I spoke with career experts Raymond Lee, founder of Careerminds and Amanda Augustine, resident career career expert for Careerminds. Lee told me, “This is not business as usual. We’re in the midst of the biggest federal workforce shake-up in decades. If you don’t take control of your career today, you might not have a choice tomorrow.” Here are seven job-hunting mistakes to avoid:
Mistake #1: Diving In Without Defining Your Job Goals. The authors say that a well-defined job goal is the foundation of a successful job search. “Every step you take—from tailoring your personal branding materials to tapping into your network—should be guided by a clear objective,” they add. “Yet, many professionals skip this crucial step, diving straight into updating their resumes and reaching out to connections.”
The authors stress that simply saying, “I’m looking for a new job” is too vague to be actionable. Instead, they suggest that you take the time to reflect on your past experiences, identify your greatest strengths and research the job market. “A thoughtful, realistic job goal will help you focus your efforts and position yourself for the right opportunities.”
Mistake #2: Waiting Too Long to Refresh Your Resume and LinkedIn. “It may seem counterintuitive, but the best time to update your resume and LinkedIn profile is before you need them,” Lee and Augustine explain. “Waiting until you’re actively job hunting—or worse, unexpectedly unemployed—can leave you scrambling to recall key details and achievements.”
The duo recommends making it a habit to update these critical job-search materials regularly and to consider maintaining a brag book in a Google doc or app like Evernote where you document your promotions, new skills and accomplishments in detail as they happen so you’re already prepared to update your resume and LinkedIn profile. “A little proactive effort now can make all the difference when opportunity knocks,” they caution.
Mistake #3: Using the Same Resume for Every Job—Especially When Changing Industries. The authors strongly recommend if you’re transitioning to a new industry—especially for those federal workers who are seeking work in the private sector—make sure to customize your resume.
“Industry-specific jargon may not resonate with prospective employers outside your field, so translate your experience into terms hiring professionals in your target industry will understand and appreciate” they suggest. “Highlight transferable skills, reframe accomplishments in a way that aligns with private-sector priorities, and replace government-specific language with terms used in your target industry.”
Mistake #4: Neglecting Your Network. The authors stress that your network is one of your most valuable job-search tools, but if you’ve lost touch, reconnect and build new connections—before you need a job. They advocate reaching out to former coworkers, mentors and friends to catch up and strengthen relationships. They offer other tips like setting up coffee chats, lunches or Zoom calls to check in, exchanging insights and exploring opportunities to support one another.
“If you’re currently employed but on the hunt for new work, quietly let trusted contacts know you’re exploring options, and treat these conversations like informational interviews to gather job market intel and potential leads,” they add. “Just be mindful—keep job-search activities off company time and equipment to avoid putting your current position at risk.”
Mistake #5: Failing to Financially Prepare. Losing a job can be scary when you don’t have a financial cushion to get by. Lee and Augustine cite a Careerminds survey reporting that nearly one-half of professionals (48.6%) couldn’t survive more than three months without a paycheck, yet the average time to land a comparable job is at least five months. They note that statistics are even worse for Millennials (59%) and Gen Z (70%). If you’re job hunting—or even suspect a layoff—they advise developing a plan to secure your finances for peace of mind.
They encourage you to reassess your budget, cut non-essential expenses and explore temporary income sources such as consulting or other gig jobs to earn extra cash. If you’ve been laid off, they propose carefully reviewing your severance package and benefits and research your unemployment eligibility and plan accordingly.
Mistake #6: Staying in Your Comfort Zone. “Looking for a new job can be stressful and uncomfortable, so it’s natural to gravitate toward the methods that feel easiest,” the authors acknowledge. “But sticking to just one approach that feels safe can drastically limit your opportunities.” They recommend harnessing the “power of three.” (1) apply for jobs online (2) engage with recruiters and (3) double down on networking efforts.
Mistake #7: Thinking Your Job is Safe. The authors emphasize that no one is immune from job loss in today’s market, whether you work in the public or private sector. They mention that Careerminds found most respondents working in the private sector feel secure in their jobs, but they expect to see a trickle-down effect to other industries throughout the year. “In uncertain times, it’s imperative to operate at your best and prepare for the worst–as they say, luck favors the prepared.”
A Final Takeaway On Job-Hunting Mistakes
The American job market is in a “wait-and-see mode,” but it’s important that job seekers have a plan in the face of economic uncertainty. The average consumer is nervous about making ends meet in the future. Many are choosing side hustles to earn extra income in the face of economic threats.
Lee and Augustine advise that you explore opportunities both inside and outside your current employer and field. “This includes, but is not limited to, internal transfers to more stable departments, lateral roles in other industries and complete career changes that capitalize on your transferable skills and knowledge.” They also suggest that you research potential career shifts, identify skill gaps, strengthen your network and update your resume and LinkedIn. Taking these proactive steps now can offset job-hunting mistakes, plus give you the flexibility and confidence to navigate whatever comes next.