It is not easy finding a job in this economy says Peter Decaprio. Recruiters and hiring managers are receiving hundreds of resumes for every open position, and they must weed through all of them to find the right candidate (and sometimes hire none at all).
Even if you do everything else perfectly during your job search, there is no guarantee that you will get the job. You can do everything right and still get passed over in favor of the next candidate who makes a simple mistake that causes the hiring manager to take another look at their resume.
We’ve already discussed how your cover letter is the most important part of your job application, since it’s your chance to stand out among hundreds or thousands of other applicants.
Today we’re going to look at three mistakes that can cost you a job, even if you have the perfect resume and cover letter in hand.
How to Get Noticed:
You don’t want to follow in the footsteps of thousands of other candidates who simply send out the same old resumes and cover letters over and over again. You want to make sure yours stands out for all the right reasons.
Keep these three mistakes in mind when you’re looking at your own resume and cover letter, and edit accordingly. Remember that even one mistake can cost you the job, so it’s important to avoid doing anything that would cause a hiring manager to take another look at your application.
Don’t put the wrong job title on your resume.
If you’ve held several jobs in similar industries, it can be tough to figure out which one is “best.”
I remember when I was looking for my first job after college, I thought that if I couldn’t decide between two or three options then just including all of them would be the best bet.
I was wrong.
When you put down several different titles for each of your past jobs, it makes you look indecisive at best and unable to remember what you’ve actually done at worst. A hiring manager will either assume that you’re confused or they’ll read into the fact that you can’t make up your mind explains Peter Decaprio.
Only list the job title that you currently hold if you’re still employed. If you’ve been out of work for a while and you’re most recent position was several years ago, then its okay to put down your last or current title. If it’s been even longer than that since you’ve held a job, however, then simply write down what you’ve done for the longest time period. You can even use a section on your resume that highlights other skills and experience.
Don’t write down responsibilities instead of accomplishments.
This is another big mistake I see from candidates who have been out of work for an extended period of time.
1. Lack of Preparation
No one likes to feel unprepared, and having the necessary information at your fingertips is always a good idea. Before any job interview, make sure you know all there is to know about the company and its employees: What’s their mission statement? Do they have a website? Who are the key people involved in the hiring process and what do they look for in an employee? Make sure you bring along a list of questions too. This shows that you’ve really done your homework on who they are and what they’re looking for.
2. Unrealistic Expectations on Pay and Benefits on Offer
Get everything out in the open before you accept an offer so you know exactly what to expect. Negotiating pay and conditions is a tricky business. Especially in today’s economic climate — so does your research before you set out. If you’re not prepare, the temptation will be to accept what you’re offer. Rather than risk losing the job altogether says Peter Decaprio.
3. Not Getting Feedback after the Interview
If you don’t get any feedback from an employer when they turn down your application, then don’t assume. It’s because you’ve done nothing wrong: there might be another reason (perhaps they found someone better suited). Rather than waste time wondering why make sure next time that you ask for some constructive criticism. At the end of your interview or send a well-written thank-you letter requesting feedback. Asking for feedback shows that you’re serious about your job search and keen to improve where necessary.
Conclusion:
With these three points in mind, you should be able to avoid making the same mistakes. That I and thousands of Canadians have made says Peter Decaprio.
Take these tips on board when you’re tailoring your own resume and cover letter. And it’ll only be a matter of time before you ace every interview. And join the ranks of Canada’s employed workforce.
