Marie Raperto, The Hiring HubJob search traps are a reality.  Unfortunately, the internal hiring process is out of your control.  You can't make hiring managers call you back quicker or make decisions faster.  The hiring process can be quite long and frustrating.  But you can be making it more stressful without realizing what you are doing.  PayScale has identified 7 job search traps to avoid:

1.  Trying to go it alone.  With 80%+ of jobs being filled, through networking, asking for assistance is important.  Not everyone will be helpful or know of a job opening but some will be able to answer questions about a company or have connections.
2.  If it sounds too good to be true...  Getting a job offer is exciting but beware.  Watch for the warning signs:  The salary you are offered is way too high; you were not called for an interview or never met the people you would be working with; nothing has been put in writing; you have been asked to put money upfront; your instincts are telling you something is wrong.
3.  Picky/Not picky enough.  It's important to think job offers through. Accepting any job may not be the best thing to do.  If it's not right, you will be right back where you started.  Of course, there may not be a stream of job offers coming in.  Do your homework.
4.  Don't count on others to manage your career.  Work with recruiters and for assistance but it's up to you be manage the process.
5.  Putting your search on hold.  Hiring decisions can be lengthy but, until the you sign on the dotted line, it's not a done deal.  Keep looking.
6.  Applying for the wrong jobs.  Answering jobs that don't fit your background or skills is a waste of time.  In fact, it will just make you feel more frustrated when you don't get answers or the job.
7.  Not asking for feedback.  Not everyone will let you know why you didn't the get job, ask anyway.  Thank the company for considering you but was there anything the other person had that didn't.

Finding a new job can be difficult so don't sabotage yourself.