Marie Raperto, The Hiring HubLooking for a job is complicated.  From your first contact, everyone is looking at you.  It can be nerve-wracking and it's easy to slip up.  There are a number of mistakes that candidates make.So take a deep breath and watch out for these 8 blunders.

1.  You only look for jobs on online boards.  Remember, most jobs are found through networking and recruiters.
2. Your resume is not customized.  A hiring manager wants to see the skills they want.  Don't list everything on your resume.   If they see the skills they want, you will get an interview and you can go in-depth then.
3. You didn't prepare.  Researching the company, looking for recent new articles, reviewing backgrounds of employees on LinkedIn are all part of the search.  You want to show a hiring manager that you know what they need and that you have those skills.
4. You didn't review your online profile.  Make sure your LinkedIn profile mirrors your resume and your job search objectives.  Remove any social media posts that could be viewed as unprofessional.
5. You 'bug' the hiring manager or HR.  Don't keep applying for every open position.  If you don't hear back, try one more contact, then drop it.
6. You are not honest and not accurate.  Don't lie or exaggerate and proof, proof and proof.
7. You didn't send a thank-you note.  Even if you are not interested, a thank-you note is a must.  It should be sent within 24 hours, the sooner the better, and email is acceptable.
8. You don't know what you are worth.  You never know when salary will come up and every hiring manager wants to make sure a deal can be done.  Make sure you have your number in mind or, at least, a range.

Everyone makes mistakes.  Just remember to follow the basic rules so you can get to the next step in the process.