Jobs

6 Common Sins of Job Seekers.

Mar 2, 2014, 11:22 AM

Sometimes the simplest matters make all the difference in a potential job opportunity. If you're a job seeker, these simple mistakes or 'sins' can get a potential employer turned off.

Below are 6 common sins that job seekers commit that could relegate their applications to the waste bin.

1) Failure to follow the Employer's directions on how to apply:

By following the employer's requested application methods, you brand yourself as a cooperative person who can follow directions.Send a mail, if asked to, and not phone calls.

2) Sending resumes or cover letters with typos:

Typos brand you as a careless person who didn't take the time to proof read your resume and cover letter. Employers judge the quality of your future work, by the quality of the documents that introduce you. Many managers use typos as a screen to eliminate candidates from contention.

3) Failure to send a customized cover letter with the resume:

A customized cover letter does not mean changing the first paragraph to mention the employer’s company name. It means drawing the employer’s attention, point by point, to how well your credentials match the employer’s stated needs. Connect the dots for the employer and you’ll likely get a call for an interview. Learn how to write a cover letter.

4) Stating what you did and not what you accomplished:

Do you state on your resume that you answer phone calls, and run the photocopy machine at your place of employment. Does the employer care? Not likely. The employer wants to know that you improved customer service by 120 percent. The descriptions on your resume must focus on accomplishments – you were promoted three times in five years. And, make sure you label the bullet points as accomplishments or key achievements.

5) Applying for jobs for which you are way over-qualified – or under-qualified:

The employer has described the skills and experiences required for the position. A job description and a salary range exist. You are way over qualified, or under-qualified, you still waste your time applying. You’ve wasted the employer’s time, too!

6) Exhibiting problems with grammar and sentence construction:

Application materials that demonstrate you are challenged to produce a complete sentence won’t serve you well. If you can’t write well, grammatical errors are noticed. You lack attention to detail. Your ability to interact with customers is limited by your skills. Is this the message you are trying to send your potential employer? I think not. Remember, when the employer stumbles over mistakes, they rule you out.

Do you commit any of these 'Sins'? Please repent, that job is near. lol.

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