10 Things You Need To Stop Doing When You Are Job Hunting
Most job applicants make a few mistakes when looking for work, like forgetting to include something on a resume that might have been helpful in a job application. But some mistakes are significant enough to ensure you don’t get considered for a job, or are knocked out of contention even if you are qualified. Take care not to make these simple and easy to avoid mistakes.
1. Using generic application materials
If you are still using the same cover letter for each job you’re applying to, it’s time to stop. Targeting your cover letter and resume to the job and company you’re applying to will increase your chances of getting to the interview round.
2. Spelling mistakes
There’s no excuse for any job applicant to have mistakes in a cover letter or Resume. Use spell check and look for fragments and incomplete or unclear terms, not just typos. The resume and cover letter are your first and possibly only way to communicate your interest in a job, so put your best foot forward.
3. Applying more than once for the same job
Companies can tell when you’ve applied to the same job multiple times. It’s annoying, and time consuming for recruiters, so don’t do it. It won’t help them to find your job application any faster, and it won’t make it look any better. In fact, you will look worse for applying more than once. The recruiter will wonder if you are forgetful, or just being difficult.
4. Not being honest on your resume
Always tell the truth on your resume. Your job application should be easy to follow and completely true. Be clear about dates and titles, and honest about what you actually did. If you worked on projects in Thailand, but didn’t live there, don’t say you did.
5. Being late for an interview
If you’ve landed a job interview, you don’t want to threaten your chances of getting a job by being late for an interview. Employers want employees who are punctual so planning your route ahead of time and arriving on the earlier side shows you’re respectful of others and their time.
6. forgetting to tell your references you’re looking
If yo haven’t informed your references that you’re looking for work, you might want to pick up the phone or write them an email. Your references are there to help you get a job, and you want them to be prepared when an employer calls.
7. Chewing gum in an interview
Never arrive to a job interview chewing gum, eating, or with a coffee in hand. It demonstrates a lack of professionalism and a nonchalant attitude to the process. They won’t take you seriously if you are chewing or eating. If you need a drink, or are dehydrated, ask for a glass of water if it isn’t offered.
8. Overlooking the importance of your online profile
People will be looking at you online before they meet you in person. Have you searched for yourself online? Start with a Google search, what do you see? Don’t overlook Google+, it’s a great place to create a positive first impression, and obviously, lock down your Facebook profile and remove tags from photos that you feel may not show you in the best light. Get sprucing!
9. Interrupting the recruiter
Don’t interrupt when other people are talking. It’s rude and it shows you lack patience. The recruiter will think this is how you always are, even if it’s just nerves. Hold your tongue until a break in speech occurs, and then dazzle them with your ideas.
10. Moan on social media
Recently I came across a Twitter conversation where the user gave the impression that he thought all employers used apprentices as slave labour, and it was completely off putting. When I pointed out how his conversation could be misunderstood, he was shocked as it was not his intent. So think before you post, “is this an unnecessary moan, could it be misconstrued or am I happy that it represents me well?”
