Ten Biggest Job Application Mistakes You Can Sidestep

Having more than good intentions is essential to successful job hunting. By talking with applicants who have tried and failed, I have noted ten key points of failure. Are you aware of these? Create a plan to avoid these mistakes!

1. Not having an extensive ‘autobiography’ file of your life experiences, detailed with accomplishment statements from each period of time (and never delete a thing!)
2. Not networking before you apply - does anyone at the company know you?
3. Not following all applications directions set out by the employer, then being too creative with your format or design
4. Making errors in spelling or grammar
5. Not researching the company to see how you match their missions, vision, and values
6. Thinking your application will not be screened by an ATS computer program
7. Tweaking an old “used” resume instead of creating a new one that relates your qualifications and experience that match the employer’s wants
8. Not quantifying your experience to show how much?or how often you have experienced a skill or how much impact your actions had
9. Writing a generic cover letter that does not sound like you talk and is not specific to this one company’s needs for this one job
10. Not developing a story to describe each achievement you list in your accomplishments (learn the STAR technique - it will prepare you for the interview)

Have you stepped into some of these potholes? According to Zippia (2021), about 2% of applications result in an interview! By updating your approach to meet the job-hunting skills of the 2020s, you can improve your chances. What has been your biggest mistake? Lets discuss it!