Steering a job search can be both mentally and physically exhausting. If you’ve been looking for new opportunities for awhile now and hearing crickets, you’re probably feeling frustrated.
There’s a good chance the right position just hasn’t come along yet. When looking for a new job, timing is crucial, so although waiting it out is rough, it will be worth it in the end.
Of course, it’s also possible you’re doing something that’s hindering your chances of getting called for job interviews. If you’re inadvertently committing any of the five offenses below, you might be serving as your own roadblock.
Failing to Properly Address Your Cover Letter
Sometimes the smallest gestures make the largest impact. Addressing your cover letting to the hiring manager is important, because it adds a special touch. Chances are, the person’s name won’t be on the job posting, but a little digging on the company website or LinkedIn should allow you to figure it out. This extra effort shows the reader how interested you truly are in the position.
Neglecting to Customize Your Resume
If it’s been several years since you looked for a job, you might not fully grasp the importance of personalizing your resume for every opportunity. These days, hiring managers expect you to take this step, and if you don’t, you’ll likely be passed over by another candidate who did realize its importance. It’s definitely an extra time commitment, but customizing your resume gives you an advantage, because you’re able to really sell yourself for this specific job.
Not Following Directions
Many hiring managers include very specific instructions for applicants to see if they can follow directions. Sometimes these directions might not make sense to you, but that’s probably the point. If you don’t do exactly as you’re told, you’ll be automatically disqualified, so follow every last instruction to perfection.
Not Checking to Make Sure Attachments Work
When submitting your resume, cover letter and any supporting documents, make sure they actually open. If the hiring manager receives a document that doesn’t work, they may or may not reach out to ask you for another. Don’t let a bad file keep you from your dream job.
Making Spelling and Grammatical Errors
If your cover letter, resume or any other portion of your application contains spelling and grammatical mistakes, you’ll probably be immediately rejected. From a hiring manager’s standpoint, if you can’t take the time to proofread documents that hold the fate of your career, you probably don’t want the job very badly. Proofread all documents several times yourself and ask at least one other person you trust to do the same.
Having trouble finding a great new job because your work history isn’t ideal? PrideStaff North Dallas wants to help. Contact us today to get the fresh start you deserve!
