Job hunting can be overwhelming sometimes. From the fear of being rejected to the fear of not being qualified enough for the job, we often get carried away by these things that we forget the little things that truly matter. There are job search mistakes job seekers often make, and these can cause more damage to the job-hunting process than they can fathom. Identifying these mistakes is an excellent way to increase your chances of getting a job.
There are so many job search mistakes you never want to make, but today we’ll be looking at seven of them.
Having an inadequate resume
Having a good resume is the bedrock of any job application process. Without a resume that stands out, you’ll be quickly eliminated from the job application process.
Now the question is, “how do I identify an inadequate resume?”
An inadequate resume lacks essential information about your skills, experience, education, and reference. This is easy to spot by the ATS if you don’t include relevant keywords related to the field/job position you are applying for.
A resume can also be considered inadequate if the resume contains excessive information that isn’t relevant. For example, if you put in work experiences like walking a dog in the park or anything unnecessary that can’t be considered a work experience in a professional resume.
Keep your resume as brief and concise as possible so it wouldn’t be too wordy and exceed a page.
Also, check for typos, your resume format, the personal information section (your email address and mobile number), and if your skills and experiences are appropriately highlighted.
Poor job search preparation
When people search for jobs, often, it is done poorly. When looking for a job, having the ability to research the company you are applying for is important.
Read about the company’s work culture, benefits, salaries, mission, vision, executives, and whatever information is essential.
Doing this gives you the knowledge you need to scale through the interview process, whether it’s physical or virtual.
This shows you are genuinely interested in the position and working in the company.
However, it’s unfortunate that most job seekers overlook this, making irreversible job search mistakes during the interview.
The Internet is a powerful tool for getting information about anything and everything. So, browse interview questions related to the job position you are applying for that may come out. Avoid tricky interview questions by studying interview techniques. And practice interview etiquette, like knowing your posture, not talking too much, and not being too shy to express yourself.
Lack of follow-up messages
Many job seekers forget to send follow-up messages to companies they apply to. Job search mistakes like this may seem irrelevant to some job seekers but can negatively impact their job search process.
Follow-up messages are pretty important. No matter how skeptical you may be about reaching out to the company, don’t hesitate to do it because you have nothing to lose. The only time a follow-up message isn’t necessary is when you’ve received a rejection letter.
Job sites like Indeed usually send emails to their job seekers urging and encouraging them to send a follow-up message to a job they applied for. The purpose of this is to eliminate the chances of you being forgotten. So always make yourself present.
It’s even better to send a follow-up message and know your fate than stalling and being hopeful when the company has already onboarded someone else.
You have nothing to lose.
Ignoring Feedback
The moment that rejection letter enters your email, that painful mind-shattering feeling comes in. Often, we don’t even read past the first sentence saying, “we apologize at this moment” or “we regret to inform you.”
Those words are already so disheartening, and we are already laden with disappointment that we often don’t read the feedback following the rejection sentence.
Some companies give reasons for not continuing with your application in the subsequent recruiting process, while others don’t. But as a job seeker, ignoring feedback from recruiters is a job search mistake you should never make. Feedbacks are important. It helps you navigate your job search and see where you may be lacking and why you keep receiving rejection emails.
Feedback lets you know why recruiters are not moving forward with your application. If the reasons are based on your resume, your interview performance, or your lack of skills, you’d know through feedback. So, when next you receive a rejection email, don’t wallow in self-pity and disappointment; read through the whole email and pick tips and reviews that could help your land your next job.
Also, if you didn’t get any feedback in your rejection email/letter, it’s okay to ask for feedback on your job application and why you were rejected. Some recruiters may not respond, but some may, and that information could help you. You lose nothing asking.
Banking only on online job sites
Many job seekers bank only on online job sites, and it’s often a mistake that makes their job search process slow. Job sites only make it easier since the world has gone digital. However, your job search should not be limited to online job sites only. Find jobs outside. Submit your resume to businesses looking to hire around you. Reach out to family and friends who can connect you to job opportunities. Network and attend social events where you can find recruiters and get them to notice you.
Don’t just put your eggs in one basket.
Not having specific job search goals
Debt, bills, and any related financial problem can force job seekers into applying for any open job posting. However, this is one of the job search mistakes that job seekers should avoid.
If you are in finance, please apply to only finance-related job listings. The same applies to Tech, Health, Education, or whatever field or industry you genuinely want to work in.
You are likely to land a job in a field or industry in which you are an expert or have past experiences. Applying for jobs in different sectors will leave you stressed out and with a smaller percentage of job success. Besides, you don’t want a job you aren’t interested in. You might not last long, or you could last long but become unhappy.
So tailor your job search to a specific industry which will give you a higher chance of landing a job. Take your time to craft an outstanding resume and study everything related to your field. Any recruiter who sees you have the knowledge and ample information about a particular job position or industry will likely navigate to your application and put you among their top candidates for selection. This of course doesn’t apply to those transitioning careers.
Related: 6 things to do before starting your job search
Over-exaggerating your skills and experiences
A lot of job seekers are fond of making job search mistakes like this one. Yes, I know you want to sell yourself, and nobody is restricting you from doing so. However, it’s best if you pipe the exaggeration down a little bit. Some recruiters are likely to see through the lie. Especially if you don’t have references and they reach out to the company you claimed to have worked for.
How embarrassing will that situation be?
Just stick to the truth and be honest about everything, from your skills, experience, education, and so on. You only have to write them in a way that is professional and shows you know what you’re doing.
I always tell people that Cover Letters are a great way to sell yourself, and luckily for job seekers, most companies ask for it alongside your resume. Utilize it!
Research shows that most companies are drawn to reading Cover Letters to find candidates who stand out. Some recruiters are interested in personalities rather than skills and experiences. So just be you! You might be the person a company is looking to add to its team.
Conclusion
Identifying these job search mistakes and avoiding them may not get you a job, but it won’t be the reason you didn’t get a job. Hopefully, the next email you will receive will be a congratulatory email or an offer letter.
