By Joshua Bjerke,

Sometimes it isn’t the job market that is keeping you from landing a job: sometimes, it’s you, the job seeker. In fact, some job-hunting behaviors can actually make you appear lazy in the eyes of potential employers, and that perception can haunt even the most dedicated job hunt.

Not being aware of what makes you a lazy job seeker will likely diminish your chances of getting the job you want. The challenge here is to rethink the way you apply for jobs in order to become more self-aware and efficient.

Here are some lazy job seeker mistakes you should avoid at all costs:

1. Not Spending Enough Time in the Search

A major error that some jobseekers make is not spending enough time searching for a job online. In most cases, the odd hour here and there is just not enough to find the job vacancies you are interested in, tailor your CV/resume and cover letter for the specific role, and apply for the position. Make a plan that dictates the number of hours you spend searching for a job each day and stick to that schedule.

2. Making Clumsy Mistakes in Communications

Making clumsy mistakes is one of the more obvious and easily avoided lazy habits of job seekers. These mistakes include things such as not checking the name of the company, misspelling a recruiter’s name, or applying for a position that is different from the one described in your cover letter. Make sure that you proofread your cover letter and CV/resume before submitting your application.

3. Asking Irrelevant Questions

If you are not sure of what questions to ask during a job interview, don’t ask any.  It is better to say nothing instead of asking unnecessary and irrelevant questions. Asking questions with easily obtainable answers or those with little to do with position are definite no-nos. The interviewer will take this as a sign that you haven’t bothered doing any research prior to the appointment.

4. Misusing Social Media

Another important mistake job seekers make is misusing social networks. Instead of using LinkedIn or other professional networks to connect with people within their industry, they tend to rely on vague status updates on Facebook or Twitter (e.g., “looking for a job” or “seeking employment”). However, real networking takes a considerable time commitment and the initiative to approach industry professionals and strike up a mutually beneficial professional relationship. Though LinkedIn on its own won’t land you a job, if you have a profile, you can follow these tips to enhance your network:

• Follow companies that interest you.
• Connect with people within your industry.
• Join lots of groups relevant to your field.
• Start or join a conversation as part of a group.

If you are serious about finding a job, you can’t afford to slack off in critical components of the job search. Conducting a successful job search takes some skill – skill that can be mastered with continued practice and proper guidance.