The Top 5 Job Application Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The job application process can feel like a minefield. You've found the perfect role, you have the right qualifications, but a simple mistake in your application can take you out of the running before you even get a chance to speak with a human.

Here are the top five job application mistakes that candidates make and how you can avoid them.

1. Not Tailoring Your Resume and Cover Letter

This is perhaps the most common and most damaging mistake. Sending a generic resume to every job you apply for is a surefire way to get overlooked.

Why it's a mistake: Recruiters and hiring managers want to see that you've put some thought into your application. A generic resume doesn't show them why you're a good fit for their specific role and company.

How to avoid it:

Carefully read the job description and identify the key skills and qualifications.
Customize your resume to highlight the experience that is most relevant to the role.
Always write a cover letter that is tailored to the company and the position.
Use a tool like Flashy to analyze the job description and your resume, ensuring you've included the right keywords and highlighted the most important qualifications. For more details, check out our post on tailoring your CV for each job.

2. Typos and Grammatical Errors

It might seem small, but a typo in your resume or cover letter can be a major red flag for employers.

Why it's a mistake: It signals a lack of attention to detail, which is a critical skill in almost any job. If you can't be bothered to proofread your own application, why should a company trust you with their work?

How to avoid it:

Proofread everything multiple times.
Read your application out loud to catch errors you might otherwise miss.
Use a grammar and spell-checking tool like Grammarly.
Have a friend or family member review your application for you.

3. A Vague or Unprofessional Online Presence

In today's digital age, you can be sure that potential employers are going to look you up online. What they find can either help or hinder your chances.

Why it's a mistake: An unprofessional online presence can raise questions about your judgment and character. A vague or non-existent presence can make you seem less credible.

How to avoid it:

Google yourself to see what comes up.
Clean up any unprofessional photos or posts on your social media accounts.
Optimize your LinkedIn profile. Make sure it's up-to-date and reflects your professional brand. We have a great guide on optimizing your LinkedIn profile to help you with this.
Consider creating a personal website or online portfolio to showcase your work.

4. Ignoring the Application Instructions

This is another simple mistake that can get your application tossed in the virtual trash bin.

Why it's a mistake: It shows that you can't follow directions, which is a fundamental requirement for any job.

How to avoid it:

Read the application instructions carefully before you start.
If they ask for a PDF, send a PDF.
If they ask for your salary expectations, provide them.
If they ask for a cover letter, write one. Our post "Are Cover Letters Still Necessary?" can help you craft a great one.

5. Focusing on Your Needs, Not the Employer's

Your application should be about what you can do for the company, not what the company can do for you.

Why it's a mistake: Employers are looking to solve a problem. They want to hire someone who can add value to their team. If your application is all about your career goals and what you want from a job, it's not going to resonate with them.

How to avoid it:

Frame your experience in terms of your accomplishments and the results you've achieved for previous employers.
In your cover letter, explain how your skills and experience can help the company achieve its goals.
Show genuine enthusiasm for the company and the role.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll be well on your way to creating a job application that stands out for all the right reasons. For more insights on what not to do, be sure to read our articles on top CV mistakes and common interview mistakes.