Job Search Mistakes to Avoid in the Application

Job Search Mistakes to Avoid in the ApplicationJob Search Mistakes to Avoid in the Application7There is truth in the statement that finding a job is a full-time job in itself. It rings true in the amount of effort and time it takes to land that next position. It stands to reason then that the quality of the search should be comparable to a job as well- the better your performance, the better the results.It goes without saying that the application process is the first- and sometimes only- opportunity to make a good impression on an employer. Fair or not, the amount of time for most recruiters to decide whether or not to take an applicant seriously is two minutes or less. And yes, it is still necessary to spend a lot longer than that putting those materials together.Here are five job search mistakes to avoid in the application processDont be a serial applicant.Its unlikely that you have the skill platzdeckchen for positions in four different departments of a company. If you legitimatel y do qualify for a role in IT and a role in marketing, be koranvers your titel letter for each position addresses and explains that. Whatever you decide to do, NEVER submit the exact same cover letter and resume for multiple positions within the same company.Dont use a cookie cutter.Whether it is in email form or a traditional cover letter, every introduction you send as a candidate for a job should be unique. Personalize where you can, but only if you are sure you have chosen an appropriate person to address your correspondence to. Reference the specific job you are interested in and briefly explain why your skills or experience are the right fit. When you customize your cover letter, it shows an attention and a commitment to focusing on the task at hand.Dont be obnoxious.There is a line between enthusiasm and annoying. Definitely follow up when appropriate and craft your correspondence in a way that makes you stand out- in a positive way- to a company. Just make sure you arent ove rreaching boundaries and becoming memorable for the wrong reasons.Dont forget to proofread.Yes, this is a sentiment that is expressed over and over and over again. There is a reason for that. Its tough for an employer to be confident in your attention to detail or to believe you take pride in your work when there are grammatical, spelling, or formatting issues in your application. Better yet, have a person you trust proofread your resume and cover letter. There is a reason copy editors have jobs.Dont be too verbose.Nothing makes a recruiters head spin quicker than cover letters and resumes that have way too much text. Be concise and precise with your words. White space is your friend- it will draw the eye to important information quickly. Only in rare circumstances is anything more than a two-page resume appropriate.It can seem like there are a lot of rules to follow when trying to get a job. Just like having a job, being mindful of certain protocols and procedures can go a long way in getting your foot in the door. Stay tuned for more tips to avoid mistakes during the interview phase of your job search.Readers, have you made mistakes in the application process of a job search that you realized after the fact? Tell us about it in the comments below