Life is a challenge and job hunting is more than a challenge. Are you among those who have been searching for a job forever without success? You may be blaming other factors but the blunder may be coming from you. Sit down and look at the following:
1. You job hunting strategy and skills(the general approach)
2. Is your CV or resume in the correct ‘shape’?
3. Is your job application letter up to scratch?
4. Who (which companies or industry) is your target market?
5. Are you searching a job at the right place?
6. Are you polished?
One of the tough challenges in life is applying for a job. It is hard to land a job, especially when you don’t have any experience. However, there are times when even if you have the experience, still, no one wants to hire you. Have you ever considered that there might be something wrong with the way you apply?
Here are some job application blunders that you may want to check out before you hand over your resume.
1. Resume or CV spoofs
Writing a resume or CV and cover letter is the initial step in applying for a job. You have to figure out your skills, interests, and relevant experience and put them into paper. However, it cannot be avoided that there will be mistakes in creating resumes. Here are some mistakes and tips you may want to consider in developing your resume or CV:
a. Poor ordering and formatting
You want your resume to match the job you want; therefore, make sure it will look sleek and professional. Start by placing your skills in the right order, from the most relevant to the job to the least relevant. You have to make sure that those skills will stand out in order to be considered to the job.
b. Grammar errors
A grammar error-free resume will make it more professional. In order to avoid spelling mistakes, reread your cover letter and resume before submitting them. You can also pass them out to a friend who you think is good in grammar and let them check it for you. You can also us the spell checker in your computer.
2. Job hunting
You already have created your sleek resume and killer cover letter, the next step is to look for an opening. You should consider where to apply, how you should apply, and how many jobs you should apply for. Check out these common mistakes when looking for a job:
a. Searching in the wrong places
To get the right job, you have to search in the right places. Looking at general job listings will take time and it’ll just end up unworthy. Try searching online. Online job boards provide skills match and setup that’ll help you look for the right job.
b. Picky job hunter
It takes time to look for a job, especially if you are a beginner. Keep in mind that applying for a job once a day will do all the work, it pays off to be diligent in order to land into your dream job. Make a job application or at least two every day.
c. Spam applications
You have to personalize your application. Do not spam, or worst, copy it from the Internet. Recruiters can actually sense that. How can you prove to the company that you are worth hiring if you keep sending spam applications?
3. Interview blunders
This is it, the last part in applying for a job! After passing this, you’ll now be part of the employed. Check out these common mistakes that you should avoid in an interview:
a. Interview tardiness
First impression lasts – and it does. This is the same as passing a cover letter with errors. Going late to an interview will make you look uninterested in the position. Aim to show up at least 15 minutes early to show up your eagerness and interest in the job.
b. Early yet unprepared
Yes, you arrived early, but when the recruiter asked you some questions – there went your problem. Practice makes perfect. Practice at home a day before the interview. Anticipate the questions that might be asked. Plus, it’ll be really handy if you research on the company’s background and achievements.
The bottom-line: Applying for a job is no joke and it takes one to be diligent and smart to land in one. Take note of those tips and get into your dream job. Read this article in conjunction with the one we had done some time back on interviews.
You can also visit www.kenyanvacancies.com for more jobs
