Great post Shanna. I especially like how you warn candidates of applying via online portals and point them to more direct channels. I can tell you from running talent acquisition for both startups and Fortune 100 companies that applying via an online portal is one of the least effective methods to getting hired. If you’re having trouble finding direct connections to potential employers I’d recommend finding a well regarded recruiter in the area, it’s our job to do the hours of research and follow-up to build the relationships these introductions need.

Also, staying organized is key. This is one of the biggest mistakes I see candidates making. If you can’t manage multiple interviews in an organized manner why would you expect a potential employer to ask you to manage multiple projects at once? The smallest mistake, from the spelling of an interviewers name to the date a skills assessment is due, will keep you from the job really want.