6 Common Job Search Mistakes You Are Making

When you are applying for jobs it is important that you ensure you do not make any mistakes that can disqualify you from getting the job and lengthening your job search process. In this article check out some of the common job search mistakes you are making that are ruining your chances of getting the job.

Here are Some of the Common Job Search Mistakes You Are Making

1. Applying only for jobs you are skilled in

Now, most times you are told to apply only for jobs you qualify for but this doesn’t mean that you don’t apply for jobs where you only miss a few skills.

Take for example, if you don’t have knowledge in Excel and the job requires that you do, you can still apply for the job as long as the other qualifications match.

Some companies are willing to train new employees if they think they are good enough and as such you might end up getting the job.

So don’t limit yourself when it comes to making job applications but you also have to be realistic and honest with yourself.

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2. Using generic cover letters

This could be one of the common job search mistakes you are making that is hurting your chances of getting a job. You need to stop using the same cover letter for every job application you make.

You need to tailor your cover letter to fit the job and organisation you are applying to. This is because every job advert is different even if they are for the same position. What one organisation is looking for might be different from what another one is looking for.

By sending the same cover letter for each you are not really showing the company how you qualify for that particular job.

3. 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.

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4. Not following 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.

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.

6. You only make online applications

When applying for jobs you cannot just stick to making online applications because this does not cover all available vacancies. You cannot just rely on making online applications, sometimes you need to drop your application directly at the organisations office.

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Job hunting is never easy and you should be prepared to put in work, however, if done correctly you will not have to stay jobless for very long.

Michelle is a Communications Officer/Digital Marketer at Career Point Kenya. Email: michelle@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke