Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like some of the most basic mistakes people make when applying to jobs should gradually make their way into comfortable retirement. With so many articles on the internet about how to interview and get the job you want, it’s surprising so many people still make the following errors.
Resume Typos
I wish I didn’t have to include this but not only do I have to include it, I have to put it first. Running a spellcheck and taking the time to carefully read your resume are critically important. While one stray error won’t always get your application tossed aside, some discerning hiring managers are looking for any reason to narrow their search. Don’t give them an easy reason to put your application aside.
Consider that when you work with a recruiter, you have a second set of eyes on your resume, making mistakes like these far less likely to make it into a hiring manager’s hands. Plus, recruiters can help you with a lot more than just typos when it comes to putting together a successful resume.
Standardizing
This common mistake rears its head when applicants write one cover letter and send it with every application, changing only the name of the company in the introduction. Don’t make this mistake – write a unique cover letter for each company you’re applying to. If you don’t want to take the time to do so, maybe you’re applying to companies you’re not really that interested in and you should consider crossing them off your list.
We recently saw an applicant send out tweets to all the companies he had applied to, with the exact same language. Each company could click on his Twitter handle and see that he had sent the same message to all their competitors. Don’t get us wrong – using Twitter and/or other social media channels to contact the companies you’re interested in is a great idea. Just be sure to personalize your messaging.
When you work with a recruiter, they take care of all communication with the company you’re applying to, saving you from these kinds of issues.
Lack of Professionalism
Unless you’re applying to be a baker, don’t feel obligated to talk at length about your love of baking in your cover letter. Use interests to set yourself apart from other applicants, but stay focused on the job you’re applying to.
Also, dress for the job you’re interviewing for. Both over- and under-dressing can negatively impact your chances of moving to the next round. Your recruiter can guide you with this – take their suggestions to heart!
Aggressively Following Up
It is absolutely important to follow up, but keep your post-interview communications with hiring managers rare and brief. They should tell you in the interview when they expect to make a decision (and if they don’t, you should ask), so don’t follow-up before then. If the time they mentioned has come and gone, feel free to call once or twice, but if you don’t get a response after that, don’t keep badgering them. The decision-making process can be slow, especially at large companies. Don’t ruin your chances of moving forward by irritating those that interviewed you.
Again, if you work with a recruiter, you won’t have to worry about following up because they take care of all that for you. If you’re interested in finding a job in Colorado, learn more about our recruiting services!
