How to avoid common job hunting mistakes

Monday, we posted about 10 common job hunting mistakes, though without giving any further explanation. Here we look at the most important job hunting mistakes and what you can do to avoid these mistakes when you look for a job.

Not completely reading the job description

If you do not read the entire job description there is a big chance of missing a key piece of the application. If you miss an instruction your application is most likely to end up as spam mail, or simply be disqualified for an actual job interview.

Selling yourself short

The first job interview is always difficult. You do not know exactly what to say or how to sell yourself. Going to career expo’s, networking event and what your school offers besides this is the best way to learn how to sell yourself. Here you can make mistakes that will not have consequences as if you do them at a job interview. Exploit your school’s resources to your own benefit.

Not having someone proofread
We all know what a paper turned in at the last minute looks like. It is full of grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. The same can very well happen to your resume, also though you proofread it. Having new eyes looking at your resume can often find some mistakes you do not find. Most colleges offer resume help. Exploit the opportunity, get someone to proofread it and avoid stupid, unnecessary mistakes.

Having a resume longer than one page
For most people it is common knowledge that job resumes exceeding a page will not be looked at. It is simply too long and employers do not have time to go through several pages when they have hundreds of other job resumes awaiting.

Not explaining your past experience well
You will most likely look for a job within a field you already have experience in from internships or study jobs. You LinkedIn account, your resume and your cover letter, must clearly explain your past experiences and how that can benefit the company. Of course, you must back this up at the job interview so the employer has no doubt in your skills and experiences.

This is what we consider the five most common job hunting mistakes. Schools often has resources that can help you avoid these mistakes.We can only encourage you to exploit whatever resources your school offer, but at the end it is up to you to make sure to know the job description, have a good, strong resume and cover letter, and leave the job interview with the employer knowing exactly who you are and how you can benefit the company.