Looking for a job is a full-time job. It requires proactivity, self-knowledge, and, above all, an action plan that cannot be improvised. If you want to know the most common mistakes that prevent you from finding a job, review the following list. We assure you that it will help you obtain better results in your job-searching adventure.
1. A bad CV:
This is the first and the biggest mistake. The main issues are misspellings, outdated information, and design, or too many unnecessary points that an employer does not need.
CV is not an autobiography of your work life. You must learn to gather and highlight only the relevant information. Not everything should be mentioned in your CV.
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2. Applying for jobs you are not qualified for:
Do not send your CV to all job offers to test your luck — it won’t work. If you do not meet the requirements, your application will be declined.
Imagine that looking for a job is like finding a date. They are looking for the perfect person for that job. So, you must invest your time in aligning your skills and knowledge to the job offered. Show that you are the right person. Customize your CV and cover letter in an appropriate way.
3. Not knowing where to look for a job:
50% of people do not know how to look for a job. Sending resumes to different companies and waiting for one to respond has been ineffective for a long time.
You can improve your search sources:
– By registering your profile in Human Resources consultancies and pages specialized in temporary work
– By using social networks
– Through LinkedIn and virtual employment platforms
– Through your contact networks (relatives, university colleagues or previous jobs, suppliers, clients, or teachers)
– Through employment counseling centers
– Through portals or other employment websites
-Through Leadar. On this website, you can find the contact numbers and email addresses of millions of employers from the USA.
4. Showing no interest:
If they call you for an interview, be polite and precise. If you are asked to fill out a cover letter, do not leave it blank. If you go to an interview, dress accordingly. Take care of the forms, do not be rude, and remember to work on your body expression and non-verbal communication.
You have to have a positive attitude during the interview. A recruiter has to see that you really want to get the job they are offering.
5. Not preparing for the job interview:
Prepare your answers, arrive on time, and bring a copy of your CV. We are not only talking about preparing answers to the questions that they can ask you but also rehearsing how to answer them clearly and convincingly.
You should also think about details as simple as arriving on time, taking into account the traffic, problems that may arise, not forgetting your IDs, learning more about the job offer and company, etc.
Collect information about the company that has contacted you, the company’s philosophy and history, and the work you are going to do You have to prove that you are the best candidate for the position, and the best way is to inform yourself first.
6. Not knowing your strengths and weaknesses:
We all make mistakes, so you shouldn’t deny your weaknesses. You must know how to highlight your strengths but do not be afraid to talk about your weaknesses.
Ask people around you and get more information about what they think you are good at and what needs to be improved. Show recruiters that you are experienced and skillful for the position you are applying for. Focus on the most in-demand skills from your profile and provide examples of how you would use your strengths at work or acquire those skills you lack.
7. Saying you are the best:
Yes, you have to show your strengths and explain why you are the best option to fill the position, but do not exalt yourself since you may not be qualified enough to do the work.
If you are arrogant, one of those who have a very high ego, and you think that you can do and know everything, it is a sign of a bad attitude and it will not help you get a job.
8. Lying:
Sooner or later your lies may rise to the surface. This is a serious mistake that you should avoid. But it happens. Some candidates put certain skills they randomly come up with on their CV, and when asked about something particular, they don’t know how or what to answer because they simply have no idea what they are talking about.
Think about what an employer may ask you about: any experience or information on your CV. If they catch you lying, you will likely not get the job offer. If you are concerned that you do not have enough experience for the job you are applying for, you can highlight other more relevant aspects of your resume.
9. Speaking ill of your previous jobs:
There are situations when people leave jobs because they do not like what they do or they just don’t like how they are treated. That is something worth saying. But if you are a conflicted person, try not to make anyone look bad, even if a bad situation actually took place. It will not make you look good either. The worst thing you can do is speak ill of your previous bosses or colleagues.
Think that an interviewer is a person who does not know you and is evaluating you. Criticizing others does not make you look professional.
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10. Not following up on calls or emails:
If it has not crossed your mind to send a follow-up email, do it. You will look good because you are showing interest in the process and the position. It’s worth sending an email and asking about what stage your application is at.
Now that you’ve learned about the mistakes most people make, you know what it takes to start your job search successfully.
