A job search can be a long process and oftentimes I work with clients to focus on the positive aspects of their search. However, at times, we need to focus on a more negative aspect – our past job search mistakes – in order to learn from them. We can learn a lot by analyzing our successes in a job search but oftentimes we can learn even more by analyzing the things that don’t go right.

Today I want you to think through your job search and the areas where you may have made a, mistake or things did not go the right way. Some examples:

• Did you submit a resume without customizing it for the job
• Did you forget to send a thank you letter following a job interview
• Did you neglect to followup with a contact who could have gotten your resume to a hiring manager

Create a list of the mistakes you have made, whether big or small.  Next categorize the mistakes.  Some may be related to your resume, others to your job search and others to your interviewing process.  When you are in that specific part of your job search, review the list to ensure you don’t make that mistake a second time.

Please note that this is not an exercise to berate yourself. In fact please do not spend time dwelling on the negative feelings associated with the mistakes. The past cannot be changed no matter how much we want to changed. Instead, the purpose of this list is to use it as a learning opportunity and a way to change a few aspects in your job search.

As you plan your search for 2012 think through the areas you want to concentrate on and the aspects of the search you will do differently this time around.