It has happened to most of us: You sent in your job application online and anxiously waited by the computer, only to never hear back from the recruiter… again. Job hunting can be fiercely competitive, so the last thing you want to do is shoot yourself in the foot before you’ve even had the chance to interview for the position. Ever wonder what you did wrong? You might be making one of these four big job application mistakes that send your CV straight into the reject pile.
Not following the application procedure
You’ve been taught to follow directions since you were young, so put that skill to good use! Read the job application procedure thoroughly and follow the directions. Making a small mistake, like leaving a required section blank in your application form, can easily get your CV ignored or even trashed. It’s also a good idea to reread your application before sending it to the recruiter. If anything is unclear on the application, take the initiative to ask.
Applying for all positions at the company
You may be tempted to apply for all the job openings that a company has. This reflects badly on you because it shows that your only goal is to get a job and while that may be true, you want the recruiter to think you are passionate about the position. When you apply for one position, companies will sometimes consider you for all positions. Try to write fewer applications, but put more time into making those applications stand out!
Underselling yourself
Never undersell yourself! It’s difficult to find the perfect balance between bragging and underselling yourself. Always make sure to state all your skills, experiences, and capabilities on your CV. You want the recruiter to have no doubt that you are capable of doing the job.
You’re not making use of digital platforms
There are so many great (free) tools out there to help you stand out as an applicant. Having a digital presence for your career is becoming essential today, and you need to start with your LinkedIn profile. Having the perfect cover letter and CV doesn’t mean you can get away with an incomplete LinkedIn profile. If your employer is someone who prefers a quick LinkedIn search, an out-of-date profile could cost you an interview. But aside from LinkedIn, make use of sites such as Wix, WordPress and Canva to develop an online portfolio for yourself.
First impressions last forever, we all know that. And, they’re even more important when you’re completing a job application. After all, this is the first time you’ll communicate with your potential employer. It’s also the first opportunity for them to judge you on your suitability for their company. These mistakes can be easily missed, but if you avoid them, your job application will stand out from the rest.
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