5 Mistakes That Can Cost You a Job Offer

All aspects of job hunting can pose difficulty for anyone, from crafting the perfect resume and cover letter to executing the right follow-up with a job recruiter. These are challenges job applicants will face time and time again as they search for the right position for their career. While some may be lucky enough to get a job offer with the first application they send out, the majority of applicants have to spread their efforts across multiple applications at the same time. With so many steps in the job application process, there are many mistakes to be made, ultimately costing applicants a job offer.

If you are currently in the process of applying to jobs, keep reading for mistakes that can cost you a job offer and how to avoid them.

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Using the same basic resume for everything 

If you are applying to multiple jobs at the same time, you may want to save your time and effort by sending in the same general resume with every job application. However, this is a major and common mistake for many job seekers. You want to stand out as a job applicant and to do so, you should tailor your resume as best you can to the position you are applying for.

Each company and position will have different expectations of their perfect employee, so be sure to research by reading up on the company and the position you are applying for. Tailor your resume to match the position you are applying for, demonstrating how your skills and experience make you the perfect fit for the position.

Skipping the cover letter, or doing it “wrong” 

Similarly, another common mistake costing you a job offer is not including a cover letter or if you do, not tailoring it to the position you are applying for. Adding a cover letter is demonstrating that extra step of effort and when done correctly, can help you demonstrate that you are the right fit for the open position.

Your cover letter can allow you to relay information that your resume doesn’t give you the room to. Your cover letter gives you the opportunity to introduce yourself and explain why you are applying for the job and how you are a great fit for the position.

Do not start your cover letter out with “To Whom It May Concern.”  Look into the job opening and personalize it by addressing the hiring manager by name in your letter.

Being late and unresponsive

Time is of the essence when it comes to applying for jobs. In the time it takes for you to respond to a missed call from a job recruiter, that same recruiter can be shifting their attention to another job applicant.

Be responsive in communication with any involved parties – if you want them to be responsive to your inquiries and calls, give them that same treatment. If you have a job interview or recruiter call scheduled, make sure you are early to all scheduled calls and interviews.

Being late will only demonstrate that you aren’t taking the job interview seriously, and doesn’t look good for your potential as an employee.

Being unprepared for a job interview

Your job interview is your opportunity to really demonstrate your potential to a potential employer. Why would you want to walk into the situation completely unprepared?

Sure, your objective is to sell yourself and you should already be aware of your capabilities and experience, but take the time to reflect on what your best selling points are. What specific skills or career achievements will help you excel in the position you are applying to?

Prepare questions prior to the interview. There is always that question posed by your interviewer, “Do you have any questions for us?” You don’t want to say that you don’t have any questions and show that you are disinterested. Asking the right questions can show your interviewer that you are interested and have done your own research into the position and company.

Not being proactive

While you are likely applying to other jobs at the same time, the hiring manager is also likely dealing with multiple job applicants. Unfortunately. this often means that you can get lost in the sea of job applicants if you are not doing your job to stand out.

Follow up when you can (and be reasonable about the timing). If you sent in a document, for example, and didn’t get an immediate confirmation, consider following up to ask if everything was received okay and if the recruiter needs anything additional from you.

After a job interview, you want to send a thank-you note. This gives you the chance to give a reminder as to why you are the perfect candidate for the open position while thanking the interviewer for their time. When writing a thank-you note, don’t be afraid to get into specifics so that your note doesn’t get lost in a possible sea of thank-you notes.

Applying for a job can be a challenging and daunting task for anyone. With these mistakes in mind, you can take the proper steps to avoid them and help yourself be more successful in your job search – good luck!