What actions should a job candidate avoid at all costs? Jim Pawlak, former Ford Motor Company executive who writes the syndicated "Career Moves" column, provides a list that anyone looking for a job should find helpful. His list uses David Letterman's countdown methodology: 10. NEVER put your job hunt into neutral because you expect a job offer. If that job doesn't materialize, you will have lost both time and momentum. 9. NEVER forget to read the business sections of your local paper, business magazines, trade publications, etc. You must know who's who in your field. 8. NEVER forget the way to the library. Reference librarians can point you in the right direction more quickly than a search engine on the Internet can. 7. NEVER let your network die. Plan to make a few contacts every day. Set a realistic weekly goal for making new contacts. 6. NEVER talk too much during an interview. The more you talk, the more you'll fall victim to "foot in mouth" disease. Choose your words carefully. Ask the interviewer to clarify vague questions, and be sure to ask questions of your own. 5. NEVER leave your family and close friends out of your job search. They are your fans and cheerleaders. 4. NEVER send cover letters that don't sell your qualifications for the position. Consider using a two-column "Your Requirements/My Qualifications" approach. 3. NEVER develop a resume that reads like a job description. Promote your accomplishments. 2. NEVER rely solely on ads to find your next job. Although ads account for nearly 30 percent of all job placements, networking accounts for over 50 percent. 1. NEVER become discouraged! Getting down on yourself only lengthens your job search. [Source: Jim Pawlak, "Ten Top Things a Job Hunter Should NEVER Do," CareerMoves (Accessed 10 March 2003).]
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