When searching for a job, it’s easy to get caught up in the process and make simple mistakes that could hurt your chances of landing interviews and job offers. Being aware of common pitfalls and how to avoid them can help your job search be more successful. Here are some of the top mistakes to watch out for and tips to improve your approach.
Not Having a Strong CV
Your CV is one of the most important parts of your job search. It’s often the first impression a potential employer will have of you. Even if you use a quality CV maker template, making mistakes on your CV can immediately disqualify you from consideration.
Some common CV mistakes include:
- Typos and grammatical errors – Proofread thoroughly and have others review it too.
- Unclear formatting – Use clear headings, bullet points, and white space.
- Irrelevant information – Only include details directly related to the jobs you’re applying for.
- Gaps in employment – Briefly explain any resume gaps so they don’t raise questions.
- Lack of quantification – Use facts and figures to quantify your achievements.
- Outdated contact info – Double check your email, phone number and postal address are current.
Having a strong CV is essential for a successful job search. Take the time to perfect this document and ensure it puts your best foot forward.
Not Customising Your Applications
While having a strong generic CV is useful, failing to customise your full application for each role limits your chances of success. Hiring managers can easily spot generic applications that haven’t been adapted for their open position.
Make sure to:
- Tweak your CV – Highlight different skills and experience to match the job description.
- Update your cover letter – Reflect the company values and requirements in your letter.
- Do your research – Find out key facts about the company to mention.
- Answer the questions – Follow any application instructions carefully.
The extra effort will demonstrate your true interest in the company and role.
Applying For Too Many or Too Few Jobs
How many jobs should you apply for? Applying for too many roles can be just as detrimental as applying for too few. Spreading yourself too thin across many applications makes it hard to customise properly. However, only applying for one or two dream jobs may not be realistic.
Aim to apply for 5-10 roles per week that are a good match for your skills and interests. Focus on quality over quantity in your applications. Sign up for job alerts to find new relevant openings to apply for regularly.
Having An Unprofessional Social Media Presence
A sloppy social media presence can ruin your job search. Employers may look up applicants online and make judgements from photos, posts and comments.
Now is the time for an audit of your social media profiles. Check for any unprofessional images, content and interactions. Increase your privacy settings if needed. Google yourself to see what comes up and address any issues.
Even if you have a private profile, be cautious about what you post during your job search. You never know when an acquaintance may share your posts with a potential employer. Play it safe and avoid anything controversial.
Not Preparing For Interviews
Congratulations, your applications have earned you an interview! But without preparation, you may not progress past this stage. Failing to practice your answers or learn about the role and company in advance can lead to bombing the interview.
Make sure you:
- Know your own resume and qualifications inside out
- Research the company, products/services, mission and issues
- Review commonly asked interview questions
- Prepare stories to showcase your skills and experience
- Practice aloud to polish your responses and delivery
- Plan your interview attire in advance
With thorough preparation, you’ll feel confident and ready for any questions that come your way.
Not Following Up After Applying
You submitted a great application, but radio silence followed. What should you do next? Follow up! Don’t let your application get lost in the mix.
About a week after applying, it’s appropriate to get in touch:
- Email to reiterate your interest in the role
- Make a phone call to try to speak with the recruiter or hiring manager
- Check whether they received your application materials
This shows initiative and determination. Keep following up respectfully until you receive a final response. If ultimately unsuccessful, ask for feedback on your application.
Job searching can be complex, but being aware of potential pitfalls will help you avoid them. Craft an amazing CV, customise your applications, apply to suitable roles, clean up your social media, prepare thoroughly for interviews and follow up. By avoiding these common mistakes and putting your best foot forward, you can feel confident in a successful job search.