5 Online Job Application Mistakes To Avoid Making

Most jobs nowadays require one to make online applications because it is more convenient and it enables some organisations to electronically weed out applications without having to go through thousands of them.

However, most people make very silly mistakes when it comes to sending online applications and as such end up ruining their chances of landing the job.

Here are some mistakes people make when applying for jobs online

1. Failing to add a subject/ref

So many people forget to include a reference/ref when applying for jobs via email. This is a huge mistake because your email will not be opened.

Hiring managers do not have time to guess what your email is about and they receive hundreds if not thousands of them. Therefore, it is up to you as a job seeker to make sure the subject of your email is easily known.

The next time you apply for a job via email please ensure you indicate what the email entails. For example, REF: Application For Communication Officer Job.

2. Copying every organisation

Although not as common this is still a mistake job applicants make. You need to remember that if you copy any other person on that email the recipients will be able to see.

RELATED ARTICLE >>> The 8 Commandments Of Job Hunting

Today I received an email from someone applying for a job. The problem is that this person had copied over 5 other organisations in the email. I can see all the companies she applied to and so can whoever received her email.

This means that in all those organisations her application will not be considered because employers don’t want to see that you are applying for jobs in other organisations.

3. Fail to follow instructions

Most organisations will give you specific instructions on how to apply for the position. For example, they can say that one needs to quote the title of the position you’re applying for as the reference.

Some also specify how many attachments you need to send while others strictly ask for your CV only.

Now as a job seeker, it is important that you adhere to these rules and failure to do so will lead to automatic disqualification.

So before applying for any job ensure you understand what is required from you and follow the instructions given if any.

4. Attaching poorly formatted documents

I once saw an application by someone where their CV was upside down. Now this might seem like a trivial thing but the hiring manager does not have time to start rotating your documents.

SEE ALSO >>> 5 Ways To Get Your CV & Cover Letter Noticed By Recruiters

Most recruiters take at most 3 minutes to go through application and upon opening your email if the documents are not properly formatted they move on to the next.

They have more than enough applications and throwing yours away will not hurt them in any way. What this means is that before hitting send on your email you need to ensure that all the documents are okay and do not have any mistakes.

5. Applying in the wrong place

This is also a very common mistakes, when a job is posted even on job sites like Career Point Kenya, applying in the comment section does not mean you have applied for the position. Neither dose sending any of us your application count.

It is always advisable to apply where the advert tells you to be it via email or on the company website. This is because job sites do not go through applications for those positions all they do is advertise them.

CHECK OUT >>> 10 Interview Questions to Expect & How to Answer

Making online applications may make the process easier but it is also important that you follow instructions provided and avoid silly mistakes that could cost you opportunities.

The writer is a communication officer/digital marketer at Career Point Kenya. Email: michelle@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke