Top Mistakes to Avoid During the Job Application Process

Introduction

When you are looking for a job in the workforce of 2015, it is intimidating to put an entry in through Monster or Indeed. There are lots of people applying for the same positions as you, so it is important to make good impression. Applying for a job can be treacherous territory, with the smallest of faux pas scuttling your way to the interview table. In this blog, we will discuss the common mistakes one should avoid in order to maximize their chances of getting a job.

Mistake 1: Not Tailoring Your Resume and Cover Letter

Why Tailoring Matters

The MOST generic resume and cover letter mistake that can be made An employer can see right through this kind of blanket methodology and best believe you will immediately be written off in most cases. By actually caring enough to tailor your application materials based on the job description, you show that you are serious and committed about the role as well as help managersto understand how experiences match with their need.

How to Tailor Effectively

• Analyzing the JD: Know what work needs to be done in order, and which skills are required. Insert keywords listed in the job offer
• Emphasis on Key Experience: If you have a particular experience in your profile quite relevant to the job then highlight it! Remove or play down experience in unrelated roles
• Personalize your cover letter so you address the hiring manager by name and talk how perfect candidate for that specific role.

Mistake 2: Ignoring the Importance of Formatting

Presentation Matters

Well-organized resume and cover letter may appear professional, but it also help the hiring managers read your qualifications easily. Poorly formatted content can be wholly overshadowed, much like a fading actor in front of an upstaging performer.

Tips for Effective Formatting

• Clear Layout: Use headings, bullet points and a consistent set of font styles throughout documents.
• Short and sweet: Your resume should be no longer than a page (unless you have decades of experience). Also, make sure that your cover letter is only one page.
• Select Your Font: Use accredited fonts (Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman) at a size of 10 to 12 point.

Mistake 3: Neglecting Online Presence

The Digital Footprint

Employers sometimes turn to the internet for research purposes during hiring and here is where candidates lose out. Not managing your online presence means potential bosses may find something bad or incorrect information.

Managing Your Online Image

• Tidy Up Your Social Media — Clean up your social media and take down anything you would not want a potential employer to see. If you have time for that, decrease the security level through your profiles.
• Set Up — Professional Networking: Establish a professional LinkedIn profile showcasing your skills and experience. Join industry professionals and groups
• Personal Blanding: Start a taking part in writing and publishing your content to talk about profession with blog or website.

Mistake 4: Not Following Instructions

Attention to Detail

You have to be able to follow directions when you apply for a job. A job ad may come with certain expectations that should be met, and to ignore them betrays a lack of attention.

How to Follow Instructions

• Read the Posting in Full: Make sure you know what they need for an application, such as documents or mailing addresses.
• REVIEW: Familiarize Yourself with the Most Common Application Errors and Double-Check Your App You will have a chance to take back over your app after it has been submitted, but before you do that, please heed my advice – review for all required materials necessary in submitting properly complete applications.

Mistake 5: Lack of Networking

The Power of Connections

The fact of the matter is that, there are many jobs opportunities which go un advertized and those positions get filled through networking or referrals. What a lost opportunity to not utilize your network, thereby decreasing the chances of locating that hidden job.

Strategies for Networking

• Industry Events: Go attend those conferences, seminars and networking events that will introduce you to the professionals in your game.
• Use LinkedIn: Collaborate with your ex-colleagues, teachers, and professionals of the industry. Comment on and respond to their posts.
• Informational Interviews: Contact people in your intended field to request informational interviews. This leads to a new network and more understandings which can be used.

Mistake 6: Underestimating the Importance of a Strong Online Portfolio

Showcasing Your Work

A robust online portfolio is undeniably one of the key factors to success in lots of industries—especially creative. A portfolio is important to showcase your work and prove your skills when it comes time for employers only.

Building an Effective Portfolio

• Choose your highest quality work: Share only the most relevant articles of a very high standard. Quality over quantity is key.
• Categorize the Means: Cluster your work by type to allow viewers easier access through your portfolio.
• All up to Date: Ensure your portfolio is regularly updated with new projects and achievements to keep it fresh.

Mistake 7: Failing to Prepare for Interviews

The Importance of Preparation

What to expect: once you apply for the position, you may hear back from them and have an interview. Most candidates fail because they do not prepare well and this leads to under performance in interviews.

How to Prepare Effectively

• Do Your Homework: Learn the company’s mission, values and recent news. Knowing this will help you to personalise answers during the interview.
• That is, enable yourself to have an idea of a few questions you might be asked that are common in interviews, and role-play your answers with a friend or mentor.
• Have Questions Ready To Ask: Create a list of questions to ask the interviewer that are meaningful. This speaks to whether or not you are really interested in the position and gives you information that will be paramount at a later time point.

Mistake 8: Not Following Up After the Interview

The Importance of Follow-Up

One of the simple steps that we see many candidates overlook is what to do after an interview. Open up your email and write a thoughtful thank-you note expressing interest in the job.

How to Follow Up

• Here is an example for how to write a thank-you email:Thank-You Email TemplateIt is important that within 24 hours of your interview, you follow up with each interviewer and send them all personalized detailed emails. Thank whoever you have been in contact with and, once again, make it known that getting the position would mean the world to you.
• Contact Them: If you are not contacted within the time mentioned, send them a polite email asking for your status in their application.

Conclusion

Going through the job application process can be very difficult, but you will for sure increase your chances to get hired if you avoid these common mistakes. When you ensure that your resume, cover letter is tailored to fit the part properly with a clean online presence and structure what to expect in an interview ultimately will put yourself into this category.