For far too many people, conducting a job search is a hit or miss process: they send out a stack or resumes hoping they hit the right desk, and praying that the only misses are the opportunities they didn’t want anyway. But it is a mistake to think that just because you pass the early screenings, land the interview, and possibly even get an offer letter, that the position is the next best move for you. How many times have you (-or someone you know) taken a job, ecstatic about the new role, only to do a 180 degree spin after the “honeymoon phase” is over? Three to six months into the new job, you have a dreaded sense of déjà vu and start estimating how long it will be before you are forced to make another move.

A successful job search campaign requires energy, focus, dedication and a positive attitude. You also need to a solid strategy and the right tactics to ensure that you not only get the job, but that you get the right job. Here are five things to add to the “Don’t List” as you conduct your job search.

1. Forget about doing research. Proper research in a job search can require a lot of energy, time, and focus – however the reward is big. Make sure you understand the difference between browsing and searching. Browsing is general – just seeing what’s out there. A real job search is based on your skills, experience, and targets the industries and companies you want to work in. Take the time to find companies with values that are aligned to your own and potential opportunities and experience that will help you get to the next place on your career path. Would a small company be better? Or is it important to find a company that has a leadership development program for minorities? Or maybe it is really important that you work for a company that heavily reinvest in and participates in the community. You can uncover answers to these questions before you even submit your resume.

2. Ask the wrong questions or no questions. An experienced interviewer will expect you to have questions about the position you are applying for. Having genuine questions show that you are a) interested and b) that you have been thinking about the job. Go past the typical questions most candidates ask in the interview in order to get the information you need to make a decision. Avoid closed ended questions that don’t help you understand the people, environment and role. Don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer about their experience with the company. And be sure to find out exactly what it will take to be successful in the new role. Some new questions to add to your list:

• What’s the culture like here?
• What do you like most about working for the company and with this team?
• What are the top 3 traits a person needs to be successful in this position and why?
• What skills and experience are missing in your current team?
• Can you describe a typical work-day or project?

3. Respond to the offer out of fear and desperation. Even in you really need a nod a job – or more likely your bills and bank account need a job – you still don’t have to respond to an offer out of fear or desperation. Approach the offer as a strategic decision to get what you need. You may feel pressured because it is your first job offer in a really, really long time. And you may be at a place where you need to take the job. If it not your ideal next best career move, make sure you have a plan for what you will get out of the experience and maybe how long you will plan to stay in the role. Otherwise, after the initial feelings of gratitude and the honeymoon phase is over, you may start to feel like you are serving a sentence. Framing your acceptance of a position that may be less than ideal as a strategic temporary move that get’s you closer to what you want keeps you in the driver seat of your career.

4. Focus only on the money. We’ve hear it before – “money makes the world go around.” But focusing only on the salary increase (or decrease) only can lead you to making a bad decision. Does the extra $8,000 come with additional hours that will upset your work-life balance? Or could it be possible that taking $5,000 less than your target puts you in a position that could lead to future opportunities out of reach where you are right now. Unless getting to a certain salary is your target (getting to a six-figure salary was my goal for about 4 years), take the time to factor in what else is important in your career and life right now.

5. Entirely ignore your core values. Are teamwork and creativity things you highly value in your work environment? Or maybe work-life balance is a top priority for you. Before you say yes to a job offer, take a minute to consider what’s really important to you and then measure the opportunity based on your priorities. A number of my clients have no idea where to start when it comes to defining their core career values. If you are having trouble getting started with your own list, here’s one you can borrow from Suite 101. Having your work aligned with your values makes for a supportive environment that will enable you to thrive professionally and personally.

To summarize, here’s what to do to ensure that your next job is your next best career move:

• Do your research to find the right opportunities.
• Come to the interview prepared to ask the right questions.
• Respond to the job offer from a place of confidence.
• Clearly identify the values you want your next opportunity to be in line with.
• Evaluate the opportunity based on the big picture, not just the money.

Happy Searching!