Instead of spending a day at search firms, attend a conference or networking event, says Bayer, where you have the opportunity to make personal connections.
7. Stop reading about the economy
Bayer cautions job seekers against paying too much attention to news about the economy because the news is so bad. "It makes people discouraged when they need to stay optimistic," he says. "Discouragement is the biggest obstacle to finding a new job."
What's more, prospective employers can sense discouragement and negativity in candidates, he says, and it turns them off.
"If they sense that you're negative or in a panic, they're much less likely to think that you're a good candidate," says Bayer. "They want someone who's resilient. They don't want an employee who's discouraged and negative and who will hurt morale."
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