Looking For a Job? Avoid These Common Mistakes

Job seekers, including those with years of experience, often make simple, but critical mistakes. These include not customizing resumes for each potential employer, not knowing basics about the company, and failing to follow up. Candidates need to take extra care when it comes to all aspects of the hiring process. Avoiding these simple mistakes will get you closer to that job you’re pursuing:

Not customizing your resume for each employer – Employers can spot all-purpose resumes from a mile away. Tailor your resume to match the job description by inserting key words used in the job posting that match your experience. Not only will this catch the eye of the hiring manager, but it can move your resume to the top of the pile if an automated tracking system is scanning resumes for potential candidates.

Not finding out the hiring manager’s name and personalizing the application – Applying directly to the hiring manager increases your chances of getting noticed and shows you’ve gone that extra step and invested time in getting to know the company.

Not including a cover letter with your resume – Cover letters allow a candidate the opportunity to sell themselves beyond the typical listing of work experience and skills in a resume. Use a cover letter to introduce yourself and showcase your credentials in a relatable way.

Not following up with an employer after you have applied – Recruiters can sometimes be overwhelmed by candidate applications for certain open jobs. Circling back with a recruiter or hiring manager after submitting a cover letter and resume can help job seekers standout among the competition.

Not sending Thank You notes after an interview – This can be one of the most important steps in a candidate’s pre-hire journey as it enables you to reiterate why you’re the best fit for the job. Most recruiters and hiring managers expect a Thank You note in some form or another (email or handwritten), so neglecting this action will make you stick out like a sore thumb. Thank You notes should be sent after phone screening calls, as well.

Avoiding these mistakes can make the difference. Here are a few ideas to help put you on the road to that job you want:

Join an employer’s talent network or talent community – Stay up-to-date on the latest job opportunities from ideal employers, so you can continue to show interest in working for the company.

Social media can be an asset to job seekers, not a weakness – Recruiters using social media to screen candidates have reached an all-time high, but job seekers can use it to their advantage, too. Find out who you know at a potential employer and ask for a referral, or learn about latest company news to make for a more engaging conversation in an interview.

Practice your conversation skills with as many people as possible prior to an interview – Excellent written and verbal communication skills are quickly becoming the most sought after talents in job seekers across all industries. Look for ways to highlight these skills in your cover letter, resume and interviews.