The process of looking and applying for jobs can be monotonous and seem like it is never-ending. Did you know that there are common, easy mistakes to make in this process? By rectifying these simple mistakes, you can improve your chances of landing the best job suited to you.
Not Tailoring Your Application
Always tailor your application to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a Software Engineer position, hiring managers will not be interested in the part-time newspaper round you had as a teenager. Mention relevant key words such as Java or Spring Boot, and provide details of your relevant software engineering experience.
Not Including Additional Information (When Required)
In job applications, you may be asked to provide additional information, the most common being a cover letter. Failing to attach additional information signals the lack of ability to follow instructions, which can be a red flag to recruiters and hiring managers. These additional documents are used to support your application, and can even persuade them to pick you over another candidate.
Being Under/Over Qualified
It is important to only apply for jobs that you will excel in. Being overqualified runs the risk of an employer hiring you and having to re-fill the position once you realise that your expertise would be better suited elsewhere. On the other hand, being underqualified may come across as “desperate” for any job going and wasting an employer’s time reading through a CV that is not suitable.
Not Focusing on Details
Similar to not including additional information, not focusing on details when applying for a new job also signals the lack of ability to follow instructions. This can be telling whether someone is a good fit for a job, before even speaking to them.
Applying to Every Job
Applying for every job at a company may come across as “keen”, but not to hiring managers and recruiters. By doing so, you may come across as desperate for any job. This does not give you the opportunity to showcase how great you are for a specific job, meaning that your CV and cover letter becomes less credible. Instead, you should only apply for the jobs that you believe you will excel in. Like the old saying explains, “A Jack of all trades is a master of none”.
In conclusion, applying for a new job can be tedious, never-ending and stressful. However, take your time and do not make the five common mistakes listed above. Reputation can be hard to repair, so it is important that you showcase yourself in the best light possible in current and future applications. Good Luck!
Written By: Emma Mitchell