5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Job

Applying for a new job is a tedious process that often requires you to painstakingly fill out online forms asking you for the same information included in the resume you just attached.

Without realizing it, many fall prey to critical mistakes when applying for jobs. And these critical mistakes rob them of what could be amazing work opportunities. And so, to make sure you too do not fall prey, here are 5 critical mistakes to avoid when applying for a job.

Critical Mistake #1 – Not Tailoring Applications

The first critical job application mistake, and one committed by many applicants, is failing to tailor your application to the employer and position you are applying for.

There are many ways your resume or cover letter could be selling you short, and one of the most common is not updating your resume to reflect the position you are applying for.  Take the time to review the job description and revise your application to include keywords that match what the employer is looking for.

Critical Mistake #2 – Seeking Remote Positions

Without question, the pandemic changed the way people work. And if there is a silver lining, it is the social experiment that truly tested whether the workforce could work from home and remain productive. According to several studies, productivity was maintained (or in some cases even grew). As such, it seems that remote options may be here to stay.

However, just because remote work is more acceptable does not mean you should limit yourself to only applying for remote positions. Nor should you go into an interview assuming the employer will accommodate your request to work remotely.

Critical Mistake #3 – Poor Interview Preparation

Poor preparation remains one of the leading causes of application failure. Many applicants will take the time to research a job or prepare their resumes. But when it comes time for an interview, applicants often do little more to prepare than dress appropriately.

Take the time to prepare for potential questions, or think of some questions of your own.

Critical Mistake #4 – Inappropriate Online Presence

It should not be a surprise by now that job recruiters and interviewers will scour the internet and look at social media for information about applicants. Not even celebrities are immune to the consequences of social media faux pas, so do not expect a pass on publicized poor behavior from a potential employer.

Even the slightest hint of unprofessionalism can cost you an opportunity. So be sure to delete or privatize accounts as necessary and be careful about what you post online.

Critical Mistake #5 – Forgetting About ATS

Many companies rely on the applicant tracking system (ATS), which is just software that analyzes resumes and filters out unqualified applicants.  The ATS uses algorithms that reward (and punish) the usage of particular words and phrases. Thus, you want to make sure you include the correct verbiage in your resume.

Where do you find the right words to include in your application? For starters, you can crib from the job description or google keywords common to the employer or industry you are applying to.

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