Everyone messes up. But when it comes to your job search, the stakes are high and one wrong move can make a bad impression on the hiring manager. So what are some of the most common ones to avoid? The career coaching service experts at ResumeSpice have the answers you need. Here’s a look at a few:
Not customizing your resume.
Resumes are hard to write. Once you’ve polished yours, you might be ready to call it a day. However, you need to customize it every time you apply for a position. Otherwise, you’re missing out on an important opportunity to highlight your most relevant strengths and set yourself apart from other candidates.
Including too much information.
Whether it’s your cover letter or your resume, hiring managers only take a few seconds to scan each one. That’s why you need to write in clear and concise language, communicating your value with as much brevity as possible. Long sentences and dense paragraphs simply won’t get read.
Applying to jobs you’re not really qualified for.
Sure, there might be a job that sounds like a dream, one you want desperately. And it’s ok to take a long shot once in a while. But don’t make it a habit, applying to everything that sounds interesting, even if you’re not really qualified. Instead, if you want the best chance at finding the right job quickly, aim for quality over quantity in terms of where you apply.
Missing the mark during the interview.
Whether you arrived late, weren’t dressed properly for the interview, or gave vague answers, a hiring manager isn’t going to think twice about you once you walk out the door. The job interview is your first chance to make a great face-to-face impression and you need to seriously prepare for it if you want the job.
Poor references.
You nailed your resume, aced the interview and are pretty much guaranteed the offer. But how strong are your references? If you only included a list of coworkers and colleagues, then the hiring manager is going to wonder why you don’t want them calling a manager. Likewise, make sure your references are all well-informed ahead of time, so they understand the role and why you’re a great fit for it.
Failing to follow up.
It might sound old-fashioned to you. However, following up after the interview, whether it’s via email or a note, is just another way to set yourself apart to a hiring manager. This is critical if the decision is between you and another candidate. If you follow up with a carefully written email sent in a timely manner – and the other candidate does not – your odds of getting the job are much higher.
Want an expert in your corner to help with your job search?
Contact the career coaching service professionals at ResumeSpice. We can help you with every aspect of your search, from resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile writing to interview preparation. Find out more by reaching out to our team at 832.930.7378 or by contacting us online.
