Pull up your application for the last job you applied for and check whether you’ve made any changes to it since your friend applied for you back in the ‘90s. Same old resume, cover letter, and stuff... Nah, that won’t work. In this era of constantly evolving tech and processes, you need to change as well.
Update your resume just like you update your skills and expertise. You might be amazing at what you do, but let’s be honest, it’s simple yet people make mistakes that complicate things. But don’t worry, I’m here to help! Thank me later.
Not Tailoring Your Resume
Like every outfit is not right for every occasion, the same goes for your resume. You just cannot pull up the same resume everywhere. If you have just started out your career, there may not be much to change or update, but if you’re at a later stage in your career, you have changed, haven’t you? Also, add the keywords mentioned in the Job Description. Otherwise, ATS would filter out your application the moment it gets to it. So, make some changes in that little piece of goodness while you’re applying for a job, or you might get rejected just like your crush did… Oh! Sorry.
Overlooking the Cover Letter
No matter how many times you say this, people will judge a book by its cover. Just to show that you’re serious about the business, although you just share unfunny memes with your friends all day, writing a cover letter would show how you’re a good fit, your interest in the job, and how much research you have done on the company. I don’t know; if this wouldn’t get you to the interview, then what else would?
So, skipping a cover letter, tailored specifically for the job, would not be a good idea.
Typos and Grammatical Errors
Guys, if you don’t want to get a job, then please do this! I get it, this happens once, twice, or probably more for me, but after messing up so many times, I have just come to this conclusion: the only solution to this is proofreading. If you’re a lazy potato like me, ask your friend to do it for you, but get it reviewed once, okay?
Not Following Instructions
While you’re making an application for a job, follow the Job Description. Look for any special requirements they have, like if they need a portfolio or they want you to fill out a form or any additional documents they might need. Research about the company and how their hiring process is like. This would work like a protein shake for your application.
So, read the Job Description twice before moving forward so you won’t miss out on something.
Using an Unprofessional Email Address
I know you’re a cool dude and you follow your own rules, but accept this, bro: at times, you need to follow what others say. Your cooldude007 email from your high school won’t rizz up the hiring manager. Use a professional email, ideally that has your first/full name, like Jhondoe1@mail.com.
Applying Indiscriminately
Yeah, you’re desperate, but at least don’t show it. See, applying for jobs that are not even relevant and commenting on every other LinkedIn job post ‘Interested’ won’t work. Spend some quality time on your job hunt: search for 4-5 jobs that match your skills and where you meet the criteria, then apply to them. Do this on a weekly basis. It would help, surely. Reach out to the hiring manager, connect, and DM your resume if they’ve asked for it. Otherwise, get their email, write a good cover letter, attach your resume, and wait till you get a rejection email... O! I mean a confirmation email.
Poorly Written Emails
Bruh, you’re not the CEO of a company that even if you just write a one-liner, it would get the job done. There are lots of free courses online on how to write an email; get one. Look, a poorly framed email which doesn’t have the correct spacing and format would only do one thing, and that is decrease your chances of getting through the initial screening. So, get some help on this online or phone a friend.
Failing to Follow Up
Yeah… you need to follow up. Sometimes, recruiters just miss some applicants either because of ATS or BTS, because they listen to K-pop while screening resumes. Just kidding, following up after a week would remind them of you. If you don’t get a reply, no worries, you must have gotten used to it by now. Otherwise, you might get a positive reply, so that’s a win-win.
Season Finale
Jokes apart, being mindful while you’re applying for a job is the whole summary of this. Just focus on the Job Description, read it carefully, and check the requirements, and you’re good to go.
Working on skills is what we all should do, but presenting them in a good way is what we should have FOMO about. Apply for jobs mindfully and don’t make the above-mentioned mistakes. Best of luck on your job hunt!
You’ve got this!