Job seekers, despite their best intentions, often make common mistakes that can impact their chances of securing a job.
Here are some of the biggest mistakes:
- Generic CVs and Cover Letters:
– Mistake: Sending the same CV and cover letter to multiple employers.
– Impact: It shows a lack of effort and customisation for the specific job.
- No research being done about the potential Employer:
– Mistake: Not researching the company before an interview.
– Impact: It indicates a lack of genuine interest and preparedness.
- Overlooking Networking (Facebook groups, LinkedIn, Instagram, WhatsApp groups):
– Mistake: Relying solely on online job applications.
– Impact: Networking is crucial; it helps in learning about hidden job opportunities.
- Ignoring Online Presence:
– Mistake: Having a negative or absent online presence.
– Impact: Employers often check online profiles. A negative image can harm your prospects to secure a job interview.
- Inadequate Interview Preparation:
– Mistake: Going into an interview unprepared.
– Impact: Lack of preparation can lead to stumbling over answers or being unable to articulate strengths.
- Failing to Follow Up:
– Mistake: Not sending a thank-you email / message after an interview.
– Impact: It’s a missed opportunity to express gratitude and reiterate interest.
- Misjudging Salary Negotiation:
– Mistake: Discussing salary too early or not negotiating at all.
– Impact: It can create awkwardness or lead to accepting an offer that doesn’t align with expectations.
- Overlooking Soft Skills:
– Mistake: Focusing only on hard skills (for example: speaking foreign languages, programming, accounting skills or marketing).
– Impact: Soft skills (for example: creativity, empathy, communication and teamwork) are equally important and often sought by employers.
- Being Impersonal:
– Mistake: Not addressing interviewers by name or being overly formal.
– Impact: It may convey a lack of interpersonal skills.
Remember, job seeking is a dynamic process, and learning from mistakes is crucial for improvement. Continuous refinement of approach and staying adaptable are key factors in a successful job search.
