Helpful Local Job Search Tips:

I can’t find the web address I found this on. I should have documented it at the tiem I saved these notes. Sorry original author.

Don’t pass the opportunity to be in the zone. One of the most common local job search mistakes is keeping your options limited. For instance, there are those local job search applicants who apply to one position and completely wait it out before finding another opportunity in case of a rejection. Here is the thing, you are wasting a lot of time where you could have been more active in your local job search! If you get the interview, it does not automatically mean getting an offer, so while the wheels have yet to turn in one prospect, the best thing to do is keep moving and continue with the local job search with other companies and openings. The worst thing that can come out of this is you’d have to decide between offers in the end!
Take job descriptions seriously. This is a very common local job search mistake entry level people often make. When they see job descriptions, they are very quick to turn their nose up on it once they realize it is not an offer for their dream job or when they find out they do not have all of the qualifications needed. While it is wise to know what your skills are worth, there is also a lot of wisdom in going for interviews because it gives you good experience. Being flexible is the key to a successful local job search. Going around like you are some mummy in a terrible cast is surely not the way to local job search gold.
Thank You notes. A thank you note is your last chance to remind the hiring manager of your brilliance and while it can be easy to go overboard, it is a must to not come across as desperate with the thank you note. Keep it simple, fresh, and without a lot of “deep thought”. Make your thank you note perfect for the local job search by keeping it short and sweet, around four to eight sentences maximum.
Add references with care. You have to assume that the hiring managers will contact the references that you write in your resume so make sure you pre-screen them to avoid disasters. The last thing you want on your local job search is for a reference to say something bad about you. It is best to write former employers or managers, and while the occasional colleague is okay, make sure you do not go in filling the reference section with your friends who cannot do anything to help you land the position you are after in the local job search.