You have your resume sparkling, your coffee is hot, your internet job searching skills are in action…but wait! You may be about to commit one of these 3 mistakes people innocently make when applying to a job ad. Make sure you do not fall victim to these easily preventable job searching set backs.

1. Apply Without a Plan

There is nothing worse for hiring managers than offering an interview and a job, only to hear that the candidate is not ready to start. Employers expect a standard two weeks’ notice to a current employer. Anything more is usually unacceptable when hoping to secure a new job.

If you apply to positions that require relocation or out-of-town training, you must have a solid plan in place. Without it, you risk leaving your potential employer frustrated—and possibly losing the job opportunity altogether.

2. Not Minding Your Online Presence

One of the first things modern hiring managers do when reviewing an application is check the candidate’s social media profiles and run an internet search. Before you send in that first application, clean up your Facebook, Instagram, and other online profiles to ensure nothing looks inappropriate.

Take advantage of security settings that prevent friends from posting on your wall. These steps help you stay in control of your online reputation.

3. Not Researching the Company

So you get that anticipated response to your application! You then go in for an interview, and it goes great! After waiting for that final call back you decide to learn more about the company you are about to get hired for. You discover that they have a terrible reputation for how they treat their employees. You are now caught in a situation where you have to decide to follow through with the job you have before you (not to mention you have stopped “job searching” while you were interviewing with the company) or go with what your research has turned up and turn down any further talks. It is a completely preventable problem that only takes a quick internet search before hitting send on that resume.

Landing your next dream job is a process that involves many elements. The process all starts when you submit your resume to a job advertisement. Make sure you get off on the right foot by avoiding the above 3 mistakes. Happy job hunting!