Mistakes to Avoid in Your Job Search
One small typo in a resume could keep you from landing your next job. It seems ridiculous, but little things like misspelling a word could hold you back. This is especially true when there’s a high level of competition for jobs or when the position is in management. When they say your resume makes a first impression, it’s true, so making certain the document you send an employer is clean and typo-free is important.
While a spelling mistake may seem like a small thing, what are some other common job search mistakes we can help you avoid before you lose a good opportunity?
Before the Interview—Common Resume Mistakes
Making your resume too wordy will almost guarantee it will not be read. You can probably skip the “objective” section because most recruiters understand your real objective—finding a job. Stick to sharp declarative sentences that tell the employer exactly what you offer, your accomplishments, and your job history.
Before the Interview—Cover Letter Boo-Boos
Always write a cover letter tailored for the job. But stick to non-personal, concise sentences that highlight the skills that make you a good fit for the job. Pull two or three bullets from your resume that match your skills to the job description. This will help you land the interview.
During the Interview—Dressing Down is a Bad Idea
Remember how the resume was the first impression? The on-site visit is the first time the employer or recruiter will get a look at you, so make sure your first impression is crisp. Never underdress for the interview. Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed and don’t forget to shine your shoes.
For construction or general labor, a nice pair of slacks and a crisp shirt works for men or women. Don’t overdo the jewelry. If you have tattoos or piercings, it might be a good idea to cover them up or remove them.
While we’ve all been trained to not judge a book by its cover, studies still say you have exactly seven seconds to make a good first impression. Don’t blow it just because you forgot to iron your pants!
During the Interview—What if You Feel Like You Blew It
Everyone can have a bad day, including the interviewer. If you left the interview feeling like you blew it, don’t give yourself a hard time. Instead, when you send your thank-you email, why not ask for a second chance? If you were feeling ill that day or just not up to par, you could say it inadvertently led to a bad interview where you felt like you gave a poor performance. The employer may be impressed with your effort to “own it” and may give you another shot.
After the Interview—References
Make sure you have a list of three job-related references available for after the interview. It’s a good idea to talk with them about the job you’re applying for to determine the kind of reference they will give you. Don’t include the references on your resume but have them available to share at the interview or afterward.
After the Interview—Thank You
Thank them for their time and the opportunity to apply. If you weren’t able to answer a question, you can use it as an opportunity to supply the answer. You can also reiterate your interest in the position.
Talk to the team at Twin City about your next interview. We can help you go in better prepared to nail the job on the spot.