Head Office
Vulcan Works
34-38 Guildhall Rd
Northampton, NN1 1EW
01604 347777
Manchester
76 King Street, M2 4NH
01614 414 810
How to avoid the 6 most common job searching mistakes
Sometimes a small mistake during the job searching process can cost you a great job opportunity. Here are some of our top tips on how you can avoid the 6 most common job searching mistakes whilst you look for a new opportunity.
Some employers regularly check social media accounts to look for more information about job candidates, especially LinkedIn. This is why it is vital that you take the time to check all your social media accounts to make sure they do not tell the wrong story. If an employer finds social media content that seems concerning, they may not progress your application, so it is always best to double-check that your social media accounts show a true representation of yourself.
When you are looking for a new job, you should never submit the same generic CV and cover letter to multiple employers as this won’t help you stand out from the crowd. Instead, adapt your CV and cover letter specifically for each role to show the hiring manager that you are really interested in the job opportunity that they have to offer.
After you review a job ad, take notes of the keywords and phrases that the hiring manager or recruiter uses and what skills they are looking for. Your CV will have more of a chance of getting viewed if you use the same words and phrases as them.
Little mistakes on your CV or cover letter, can unfortunately have a huge impact on your application and impact the employer’s overall perception of you as a candidate. One good way to proofread your CV and cover letter is by printing them both and reading them backwards to catch any typos or errors you might have accidentally missed. You can then ask a friend or family member to have a scan to double-check your CV with a pair of fresh eyes. You can never be too careful!
One of the biggest pet peeves employers have is when a candidate has not done any research on the company they have applied to work at. Not doing your research can give the impression that you are not serious about the job opportunity and that you are not enthusiastic about the role.
Researching a company can make all the difference. Check out the website and read the ‘about’ section to get a feel for the company and find out more details about what they do. Have a look at their socials to get a real sense of the company culture too. Employers love to see that you have taken the time to get to know what they are really about. Researching the company will also help you prepare interview questions of your own to demonstrate your knowledge and desire for the position.
When you are looking for a new job it is more than okay to ask for help. Use your network and reach out to people that you think can help you find a new position. LinkedIn is brilliant for this. You can also use recruitment agencies that specialise in your chosen industry and get advice from experts that can help you land your dream job.
If you find a job description where you fit most of the criteria, don’t be afraid to go for it! Sometimes, it is easy to talk ourselves out of great opportunities and the only way to find out if you would be a good fit for the job role is to apply. Most employers will interview candidates that fit most of the important criteria so click apply and see how it goes.
If you are currently looking for a new job opportunity and you would like some advice, please get in touch with us today. We would love to help you find your next opportunity!
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