Hunting for a job can be a full-time job itself. And it might feel like you’re working overtime if you are making any of the following four common mistakes, all of which can land your application in the “thanks, but no thanks” pile. If you are a current job seeker, you can plan ahead to make sure you get the call back by avoiding these common mistakes:
Using the same resume for every job you apply for. You can start with a template resume, but then you should customize it based on the job description and hiring requirements of every single job you apply for. Recruiters can quickly determine if you have the key skills needed for the job, and customizing your resume based on the position will show that you are serious about the job hunt and qualified for the job at hand.
Applying for every single job out there. It can be tempting to zip your resume off to every open position you are vaguely qualified for, but it’s actually a waste of your time and the company’s time. Make sure you review the qualifications for each position during your job search to ensure that you have at least three-quarters of what they are looking for. Then, you can target your resume and cover letter to show why you are such a great match.
Being vague, rather than specific. It is important to show your impact and specify your accomplishments throughout the job hunt – this goes for resumes and interviews. Rather than saying, “I helped my sales team grow,” try “Thanks to the new initiatives I implemented, our sales grew by 40 percent in the first two years.” The more specific, the better.
Failing to ask questions. In an interview situation, you are obviously going to be asked a lot of questions. You might not know that the interviewer expects you to ask a lot of questions in return. Be prepared – do your research on the company and come with a list of questions that show your interest and preparation. Make sure you stay engaged throughout the interview to show your overall fit for the job.
