Common Errors Job Applicants Make
Mistakes happen, and even the best person has made faux-pas. After all, humans learn by experience, so a few errors helps us be better people in the end. One moment in your life that you don't want to be in a learning curve is when you're out looking for a job - a mistake during an interview or on your resume can cost you the chance of applying for a position you really want.
Assuming that simply applying for a position will be enough to get the attention of a potential employer is both the first and worst mistake that a job seeker can make. In today's world, mass communication is available so there are too many applicants applying to the jobs. Remember, employers' time is limited and they face the task of determining genuine applicants as quickly as possible.
Because there is a lengthy screening process that employers must go through when making a hire, you should keep track of your application in this process; contacting a potential employer to make sure that they have all the information they need will tell them you are a serious applicant. Just a single contact by email, telephone, or in person can show them that you are sincerely interested in the position.
A major mistake some people make is either lying about or covering up parts of your resume that may not leave a good impression. Phrasing can certainly be important in saving face, but lying or denying any shortcomings on your resume can be fatal to your chances of success. If your embarrassments in your prior work history must be addressed, try to put a positive spin on them, or at least make sure that you don't put a negative spin on past bad relations. Try to discuss past situations neutrally without sounding like you're trying to gloss over shameful secrets - employers have a sixth sense about denial.
It is important to avoid unfamiliar buzzwords in your resume. This mistake is almost as serious as making things up to put on your resume. Avoid buzzwords and trendy-type words when listing your strengths on a job resume. Even though it may be difficult to maintain, it is possible to provide both professionalism and ease of reading; that tone is something everyone should try to accomplish.
Although using buzzwords and slang language is informal, it can be used effectively if an appropriate tone is used. When applying for a job, a nice balance of friendliness and professionalism is the tone to strive for in a resume or cover letter. Just remember that using slang and buzzwords will not get you where you want to be, but the right tone will.
These mistakes certainly aren't an extensive list, and there are plenty more mistakes job applicants can make. However, these are the most common and glaring errors that the everyday person tends to commit. If you'd like to know more about what to do and what not to do to make yourself more attractive to a potential employer, a search on the internet will provide you with more faux-pas to avoid when looking for a job.
About the Author: Grant Kretzer, a recruiter for a large computer company based in Southern California contacts each San Fernando Valley temp staffing agency to see if they have any potential IT personnel for a full time hire. He then uses these temporary employees for a while to see their performance. He looks at Encore Staffing for Encore Staffing at first.
More articles by grantkret
Print Article | Download PDF | 19 views | May 20 2008
|
|
