7 Ways You Try Too Hard in Job Applications

7 Ways You Try Too Hard in Job Applications

By John Mwaura

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It's time to get real about job applications.

Remember photo albums?

Nope, not?Snapfish. I mean?actual?albums with a cover, binding, and plastic sleeves for physical photographs.

No recollection? I'm not surprised.

Our lives are 100 percent digital today and, while it's convenient to store photos online, many of us?yearn for something more tangible.

Something …?real.

The limits of a digital life: memories shouldn't just exist on memory cards.

That's why?Printstagram?popped up, so we can bring?Instagram photos to life as posters, magnets, sticker books and other hands-on?products.

Then in early October I read an article from the Associated Press about?a rise in 3-D portraits. It seems 2-D?pictures are passe'. We need photos we can touch and?feel.

From the article:

“Overloaded with digital photos, statues may be moving in to fulfill our desire for portraits that stand out.”

Hmm,?stand out. Interesting word choice. We try so hard to impress — especially in job applications — and all it does it make us?less real?to the reader.

When you apply for jobs, are you guilty of these seven?writing habits?

1. You use big words to?appear intellectual?look?smart

Try too hard:?"I wish to inquire about the possibility of your company expanding in the near future."

Simple translation:?"I'm curious to know if your company is hiring."

Try too hard:?"My experience thus far has proven that I have a distinguished track record."

Simple translation:?"I have a proven track record, and here's why."

The test:?If it's a line you would never say in conversation, don't write it in a job application.

More “try too hard”

2. You rely on?adjectives instead of stories

In a cover letter, you tell people you're “energetic, focused, and determined.”

That's not real. It's more like pleading for people?to believe you. What proof do they have?

How about a story to show?how?you're energetic, focused and determined??

That's?real.

3.?You sound like everyone else

Every time you write a line like “I am uniquely qualified for this position,” delete it immediately and replace with specific details on?why?you're uniquely qualified.

“I spent the last two years as the assistant director of development for the United Way of Greater Cleveland, and the job has prepared me for [name of company]. For instance, at the United Way I…”

Everyone?says they're “uniquely qualified.” But you're not like everyone…right? I didn't think so.

4. One word: Utilize

Classic “I'm smart look at me” word we?util...?use in writing but rarely if ever in a conversation.

5. You?never ask for help or to be taught

Especially recent grads.?I read a cover letter?in which a 22 year old called herself a marketing “guru.” Well, let me just show you to your new corner office as company CEO.

The irony is employers would?much?rather hire someone who is raw but willing to be molded.

6. Two words: such as

Again, “such as” is a phrase we use?to elevate our writing and 'wow'?people. It doesn't.

Want to look poised and mature? Let your guard down, and be?human. An easy way?— use “like” instead of “such as.”

7. You forget it's OK to be vulnerable

No one is perfect. So don't act like?it.

Instead, show how the challenges in your life/career have?fueled you and led to success.

Bosses have read?enough applications where people use fancy words to?sound like anyone but themselves.

Next time around? Be that 3-D portrait.

Be real.

Want to see how your resume stacks up? Try out my?free critique?today!

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