How can you avoid common job application mistakes online?

Read the job posting carefully, noting specific requirements and application guidelines. Ensure your resume and cover letter align with the job description. If they ask for specific documents, provide them. Ignoring these details can lead to your application being discarded. Precision and attention to detail demonstrate your suitability for the role and your commitment to the application process.

I recommend always applying directly through the company's own platform vs through a 3rd party system. This decreases the likelihood of applying to "ghost" jobs AND usually the company's career sites are more up to date than 3rd party systems like Indeed and LinkedIn. On the company site you may find that the role is no longer available - or you may see additional roles you didn't see on LinkedIn, for example. So always apply directly via the company, if it's possible.

To avoid common job application mistakes online, start by carefully reading the job description to make sure you meet the requirements. Customize your resume and cover letter for each application, proofread them for errors, and use a professional email address. Complete all required sections in the online application form and follow any specific instructions in the job posting. Research the company, use relevant keywords from the posting, and keep your social media profiles professional. Submit your application promptly but be patient for a response. If you get an interview, prepare well. Following these steps will help you present yourself in the best possible way and increase your chances of getting the job you want.

Whenever you apply online, make sure your resume is ATS Compatible. Also as right mentioned, follow the instructions. More important is dont apply randomly on positions. Check for fitment. Make sure you are 100% suitable for the role and you possess all requisite skills and experience.

Is this part time consuming? YES! But it's worth investing the time and exerting this level of effort for jobs you really want. Even veering off course from clear instructions in a minor way could be a major red flag for a hiring manager who sees you as someone who lacks attention to detail. Go the extra mile – take your time, go slow, and cover all your bases.

If you really want the job, spend 20 minutes recrafting your resume /cv. In particular, use THEIR words. You might call something sales, but they call the same thing business development. You may call it social media marketing, they may call it digital marketing. Use THEIR words. This is one of the easiest ways to tailor your materials.

When my uncle was about to get married - my father took me to a tailor to get a suit and that was the first time I got a tailored suit... the comfort, the fit was clearly visible and I moved and danced differently. It gives you a vibe. Similarly, not that your or my uncle needs to get married to get a tailored application, but it requires effort, insight into the job requirement and understanding or employer's needs. A tailored application certainly has a higher rate of getting accepted than just the general one. Be Awesome and Tailor your application.

One thing that I have seen so many times that people who are looking for jobs in multiple domains like supply chain, data analyst, project management go with a single resume for all the job applications. This is one of the biggest mistake as all those roles will have different keywords, tools, software and you can't put everything in one resume as it will confuse the recruiter. So, make sure whenever you apply for different job roles you have to make different resume

Steer clear of overused buzzwords such as 'detail-oriented,' 'passionate,' 'hardworking,' 'works well with others,' 'results-oriented,' and 'attention to detail.' These clichés have become exasperating for recruiters. To stand out, adopt a quantitative approach; emphasize your achievements using specific numbers. This tailored strategy not only helps with applicant tracking systems (ATS) but also swiftly grabs the attention of human recruiters.

Read the job description. Read it again, and then once more. Focus on the qualifications. Basic requirements are must haves. Preferred requirements are nice to haves. HIGHLIGHT your experience related to those requirements, early and often. Make it obvious. The person reading won't have the same knowledge of previous acronyms or KPIs your company used, so make sure the words you use are easily understandable.

I like to run a resume through ChatGPT to check for errors, in addition to Word's spellcheck and Grammarly. I also use the "read aloud" feature in Word because it helps me to hear what's actually on paper versus seeing what I intended to say and missing how it will sound to others.

It's 2023 - there is no excuse for having a lot of typos and grammatical mistakes. I use the Grammarly app and extension, it takes care of proofreading perfectly.

Definitely have more than one person look over your resume and give you feedback and look for mistakes. I know that I can look over a resume multiple times and it isn't until I have someone else look it over that I see the mistakes that were made.

I had a client once spell his own name wrong when he applied to his dream company. Talk about a facepalm moment! One proofreading trick I use is to read everything backwards and/or from top to bottom. Your brain is more likely to catch mistakes when you review information in a new or unusual way. You can also read everything slowly and out loud to catch errors.

The number of grammar and syntax mistakes I encounter in resumes is concerning. To enhance your resume's quality, it is advisable to use the past tense and the third person when crafting its content. For your current work experience, you can either maintain the present tense or use the present continuous tense. Additionally, I recommend utilizing tools like Grammarly and AI software to ensure correct spelling and grammar usage. Nowadays, as we are in 2023, there is no excuse for submitting a poorly written resume. If a resume exhibits subpar English, recruiters may assume your English proficiency is not up to par for the role. Consider investing in a career consultant or resume writer; it's an investment in your career and future success.

To illustrate this: a marketing professional might apply to ten different agencies but forget to follow up with a key contact due to poor tracking. This can be avoided by implementing a robust system to monitor the status of each application. The lesson here is clear: maintaining a meticulous record of job applications is crucial. Use tools like spreadsheets, calendar reminders, or specialized apps to log application dates, company names, contact details, and follow-up actions. By doing so, you enhance your organization, demonstrate preparedness, and increase your chances of securing the job you desire.

This is a crucial step in every job search. ?? copy and paste the job advert as text or make a screenshot, as it can be taken down until you get a phone interview, and you won't recall it ?? make a list of companies you apply, date you applied ?? make a list of recruiters that posted the advert, the date you contacted them

Make an Excel spreadsheet, open a Google Sheets page, or use a tool like huntr.co to track every application – being intentional about saving the entire job description. If you don't copy and paste the whole job posting, you risk losing it and not having access to it when the time comes for an interview. If you don't know what the job entails, you won't be ready to craft STAR stories to communicate your value effectively during the interview process.

Indeed, keeping track of your online job applications is crucial to prevent missing deadlines or follow-up opportunities. Disorganization and a lack of preparedness can give the impression that you're not genuinely interested in the role or the employer. It may also result in missed chances to engage with the hiring manager, seek clarifications, provide additional information, or negotiate terms. To steer clear of this pitfall, establish a robust system for tracking your applications that suits your preferences. Tools like spreadsheets, calendars, or applications can assist you in maintaining a record of key details for each application, including the date, platform, employer, contact person, application status, and upcoming actions.

Tracking applications can also help you to identify at which point of your job search you are stuck. You do not get invited to interviews? One point could be you are not selling yourself well and some work on your CV/resume could be necessary. You do get invited, however you do not get offers? Your CV/resume is most likely not the issue, however your presentation and handling the interview questions could be something to look at closer by doing mock interviews, practising questions, asking for feedback etc.

There are two components to optimizing the online presence, in my opinion. One is missing the opportunity to leverage online channels, like LinkedIn, to power your job search and supplement applications. If you're not doing that, you're losing out on a valuable resource that can extend the ROI of time you spend applying online. The second - a mistake - is having a LinkedIn profile that is sub-par or misaligned with your resume. A third - REAL mistake - is having "mainstream" social media channels that are open to public view and contain questionable (or what someone else could perceive as questionable) content. You never know how an employer will take your online persona; lock it down and/or make it tip-top. Nothing in between!

Enhance your online presence. e.g LinkedIn that can act as your digital business card. Try to check and update it every quarter atleast. An outdated presence can impact your credibility.

Audit and curate all social media profiles to scrub any unprofessional content, controversial posts, photos, or negative comments. Populate key platforms like LinkedIn with a professional headshot, robust experience section highlighting impactful achievements, and a customized public profile URL. Engage positively in industry conversations by sharing relevant content, commenting on others' posts constructively, and expanding your connections. Consider a personal/brand website to house all portfolio work, writing samples and recommendations in one easily sharable location accessible via your custom domain name. Use platforms like GitHub to host code samples!

This is so key in our digital world. To increase your visibility, be sure that your LinkedIn profile is up to date and completely filled out. Use as many keywords as possible in your descriptions, and once applications are sent in, check out the profiles of those who posted the job, potential co-workers, and leaders of the company. Be sure that your profile picture is clear and your cover art is on brand. Recruiters will always head to your social media first. Make sure that it is a good representation of who you are and what you offer.

Recruiters are going to social stalk you if they are interested. Make sure your online narrative is the same as you are portraying in your online application. Double-check your dates, titles, roles, and responsibilities across all platforms. We like to call this a trustworthy candidate. If you are too social and spending too much time on those social platforms, it will be evident to recruiters. There is a chance someone will assess how easily distracted you are and not focused on your work as much as you are on your social life. They will also look and listen to what you say and how you say things online. Is this person dunking on people and being nasty to others, or do they help and encourage people? We know who we're not going to hire.

I recommend every job seeker come up with lists to help strategize and plan a job search. The first list I recommend consists of "Absolutely" and "Absolutely Not" factors. The bullet points on this list can be about anything you want – "I absolutely must make $80K per year to support my family" or "I will absolutely not drive more than a 45 minute commute." Think about everything from compensation and insurance to corporate culture and management style. You can still be flexible; however, if a job hits multiple "Absolutely Not" items, the job isn't for you. Move on.

While you may have your heart set on a specific industry or role, it's wise to explore related fields where your skills can be transferable. This not only broadens your job prospects but can also lead to exciting discoveries about industries or roles you hadn't considered before. Staying flexible and adaptable in your job search can help you remain agile in a rapidly evolving job market. It allows you to seize unexpected opportunities, continuously learn and grow, and ultimately find a role that aligns with your evolving career aspirations.

In this market, I've seen great success with people who use their Vertical expertise to switch into new Industries or Stage of Companies, and even into adjacent Functions. For example, a person had a very strong Mobile development skillset (Mobile is a Vertical), and she was able to get interviews in several different industries for different stage companies for her Mobile expertise. She was even invited to interview for both Product and Design positions, both functions she's held in the past. The key is to identify your deep Vertical (and sometimes Industry) expertise and hone your sights on that across the other dimensions of your job search. You'll be surprised to find that the opportunity set is much bigger than you thought!

Flexibility and adaptability are key qualities that can greatly benefit job seekers in today's dynamic job market. Be open to exploring roles that may not perfectly match your initial criteria. Sometimes, a job that seems slightly different can lead to unexpected opportunities. Don't limit yourself to a single industry. Your skills and experiences may be transferable to other sectors where your expertise is in demand. Stay open to acquiring new skills and certifications that may make you more competitive in the job market and broaden your career prospects. By remaining open to different possibilities, you increase your chances of finding a role that aligns with your skills, interests, and long-term career goals.

The TWO most common job application mistake is to apply for a job with a generic resume. First, read about the company before you hit that 'send' button. Learn if the company aligns with your career goals and aspirations. If you want to leave an unhealthy work environment, this step is crucial before you apply for any job. Read reviews and company news, and if possible, speak with people working for the company or past employees. Second, tailor the content of your resume for the role. It's the best way to make your application seen by a recruiter. You are increasing your chances before you receive the automated rejection message. The more you use strategies to avoid mistakes, the closer you'll be to securing a job you love.

The job search process is not only about finding the right role but also about aligning your career path with your personal and professional aspirations. Careful consideration of these factors can help you make informed decisions and navigate the job market more effectively. Take time to research and consider the company's culture. Assess whether it aligns with your values and work preferences. A positive cultural fit can significantly impact your job satisfaction. Look for opportunities for career advancement within the organization. Consider whether the company provides professional development, mentorship programs, or opportunities for skill enhancement.

Contrary to what the fear-mongering folks selling career coaching services or courses, etc. say, the applicant tracking system (ATS) that stores your application is NOT out to get you. Real humans review most applications, most of the time. Research companies and people you'd like to work for, but only apply to companies and jobs that you can provide value to and are qualified for, and answer any application questions asked of you (in order to submit your application) honestly. Otherwise, you are shooting yourself in the foot. If you're applying for a stretch role that you haven't tackled yet, make an effort to form a human connection with the hiring manager or recruiter BEFORE applying. Everyone is on LinkedIn. Engage them, then apply.

Your passion and commitment (as opposed to your skills and past experience) will often give you the competitive edge...so know what makes you tick.

Take your time, don't rush through the process. Those have been the times I have made the most mistakes. Pay close attention to every ask of the application process to ensure you're not making any mistakes.