Avoid these 7 common job hunting mistakes

Here are the 7 most common job hunting mistakes to avoid if you’re not seeing the results you want from your job applications or interviews.

#1. Sending a generic cover letter

For many job hunting candidates, a cover letter is nothing more than a document sent alongside your CV to give more information to the potential employer. But the truth is that these letters are critical to your application. They do get read, believe it or not. 

Don’t be tempted to copy-paste. If you really want to be considered, your cover letter should address each key item in the job description. List specific skills and outline how they support what each employer is looking for. Add in a little information about yourself as a person, too – but don’t go over one page.

#2. Having a messy, inconsistent CV

The thought of tailoring your CV for each role is eyeroll-inducing. But it doesn’t take a lot of tweaking, and if you follow these simple steps, you’ll have a much better chance of getting noticed.

Check several times over for errors, stick to two pages and keep it succinct and to the point. Wherever possible, tailor it to each job you apply for and make sure it’s formatted properly. If nothing else, make sure your bio aligns with the job description. 

#3. Dressing too casually

Many people interpret the slide towards casual dress codes as a sign that what you wear doesn’t matter, even at interview. Sadly, that’s not true. Dressing appropriately for the role you want is a skill in itself.

Why? Because it shows you’re serious about the role and that you appreciate the chance to be interviewed. Remember, the interviewer will be looking at what you’re wearing as a clue to how you will impress their clients and how you’ll fit in with their team.

#4. Not preparing for an interview

Your recruitment agency will give you as much information as they can to help you better understand the role and company you’re applying for, but it’s essential that you also carry out your own research to properly prepare.

Start by looking at their website and taking note of the company mission statement, ethos, key suppliers and partners. Any standout milestones are also useful. With this in mind, you can draft some questions and think about your own career highlights and personal characteristics that are likely to resonate well with your interviewers.

#5. Letting your confidence affect you

We all get nervous meeting prospective employers but people are always more drawn to confident and charismatic people, so it’s important to present yourself that way. 

Remember; confidence is not a fixed attribute. It’s the outcome of the thoughts we think and the actions we take. No more, no less. It’s not based on your actual ability to succeed at a task but your belief in your ability to succeed.

#6. Accepting a counter-offer too quickly

Be careful if your existing employer (or a different company) comes back with a counter-offer. The majority of people who accept counteroffers are looking for a new role again within six months to a year. In fact, 80% of people who accepted a counter offer were not with that employer six months down the line, and 93% were not there in 18 months’ time.

Remember, employers 0ften make counteroffers in a moment of panic. After the initial shock passes, you may find your relationship with your employer has fundamentally changed. They may not perceive you as a team player anymore, the trust might go and you maybe viewed with suspicion which might affect your future prospects with the company.

Finally, a few extra job hunting tips:

  • Don’t include their details on your CV, but do make sure you have two solid references available
  • Never speak badly about previous employers at interview
  • Be proactive; follow up after interview if it’s appropriate
  • Tidy up your socials; set your personal profiles to private, but make sure your LinkedIn profile is fully visible and up to date. 

For more insight on recruitment, careers and employee engagement, visit our blog or contact us today for a friendly, informal chat about how A&D Recruitment could support your business.