Which fatal error are you making as a job seeker?

Mistakes happen, but as a job seeker, one costly error is the difference between landing your dream job and spending long periods of time on the job market. You might have the right skill set, great qualification and spotless recommendation. Sadly, you find it hard to get a job. The question you’re asking is, what am I doing wrong in the job application process?

All recruiters and employers are different, however, there are specific things they are look for in an applicant, whatever the job role. If you can avoid certain mistakes during the job application process, you’ll have an advantage over those looking for the same jobs in your niche.

Common errors most job seekers make

• Focusing on duties instead of accomplishments on the resume

Your resume is very important when you’re looking for a job. Your future employer learns everything essential about you from your educational background, work experience and accomplishments by scanning your resume. Instead of listing your function in your last job, use bullet points to detail your accomplishments from the most recent.

• Including a picture with your resume

It might seem like a smart move when you do it, but recruiters don’t care what you look like. It’s your skill, work experience, educational background and fit for the job that really matters. Keep their attention on what’s important by telling them what they want to know.

• Failing to customize your resume for the job

There are hundreds of people, sometimes thousands, applying for the same job you want. You’re sending out tens of resumes every week, hoping to hear back from a recruiter, it won’t happen if you have one generic resume and cover letter for each job. Employers have options to choose from, make it hard for them to discard your resume. Customize your application to fit the job ad.

• Not having an updated LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn is the social media for professionals and recruiters so it makes sense for you to create and update your profile with your qualifications, job experience and other details job managers in your niche are looking for in candidates. Your profile should come up when a recruiter performs a keyword search for your niche. LinkedIn is also a reliable source of job posting, check boards regularly to find available job vacancies.

• Failing to network

Sending out online resumes is one to get a job but a networking is a tried and tested method that works.  People get job from people. You can impress a recruiter or someone in a position to put in a word for you without even knowing it. Many tired job seekers have attested to getting jobs when they attend job fairs, conferences or events.

As a rule of thumb, respond to online ads in the morning and night, which leaves enough time to develop your communication skills. One amazing networking meeting is more effective than a 100 mail campaigns.

• Sending out resumes without determining your value

Before you send out your resume, consider your worth and determine the best price you can get for your skill in the talent marketplace. Salary and Payscale are great sites to get an estimate of your worth. Ask people who are currently employed what employers will pay for your skills.

A common mistake most people make is valuing themselves too low and changing the figure during negotiations after they realize they’re worth more. If you figure out how to properly brand and reinvent yourself for the role, you’ll understand you’re worth more than you think.

• Failing to make a personal connection with your employer

Employers want people that add value to their brand. Your cover letter is the chance to share information they won’t see on your resume. Your goal is to develop a connection with the culture, mission, values and goals of the brand in a way that the recruiter can identify with.

Be careful not to fall into the trap of highlighting your responsibilities or rewording your resume. Remember that the resume isn’t all about you. Answer questions your potential employer might ask, starting with the most important accomplishments and skills relevant to the employer.

• Trying to do it on your own

If you’re willing to pay a lawyer to solve your legal problems or a mechanic to look after your car, why not pay a professional to help you find the right job. Career coaches are experts who help to determine your value, provide guidance and successful system for landing that well-paying job. The value you derive far exceeds the small fee you pay for their services.

Conclusion

Ensure you use the right contact information to enable recruiters contact you. Keep your resume simple and use a uniform font throughout your document. These are mistakes everyone makes but they are easily avoidable. By navigating these pitfalls, you job search will yield successful results.