If bringing in the new year means bringing in a new job, then keep reading to find out if you're still making any of these bad job search habits. Leave them behind in 2022!
Applying to lots of jobs with identical CVs and cover letters
We know how time-consuming it can be to create brand new CVs and cover letters for each individual company you apply for - especially when you're already juggling school, uni or another job.
But it's the single most important thing you can do when applying for multiple jobs at once.
Otherwise, it can look extremely generic and obvious to the person reading your application that you've not tailored it to the specific job. It's a matter of showing the hiring manager that you really want the job - enough to describe how you meet the specific requirements they have for the job and that you actually want to work for this organisation.
For help with writing the perfect CV, click here.
Not applying because you don't feel qualified enough
You may have heard the statistic that men apply for jobs when they're only 60% qualified, whereas women only apply for jobs when they're 100% qualified.
If it's the case that you don't meet all of the requirements, don't panic! If you're passionate about the industry or the job role and meet some of the qualifications, this can often be enough. Try to make your passion shine through your cover letter as much as possible if this is the case.
Procrastinating
This one is easy to do and all of us have been guilty of it at one point. If you've got an overwhelming schedule at school, uni or another job already, try to find time in your week that you can schedule your job search in for, even if it's just 30 minutes at the start or end of a day to keep the momentum going.
Sometimes job openings are only around for a short window of time, so putting off your job search for days or even a week can mean that you might miss out on a vacancy at a company that's perfect for you.
Not researching the job role and company
If you'd never heard of the company you're applying for a week ago, make sure you do your bit to research them thoroughly, so that you can properly tailor your CV and cover letter. It will also get you ahead of the game if you get an interview offer.
Even if you already know and love the company you're applying to, just get your facts straight:
"How long has the company been operating for?"
"Does the company have a vision or mission and what are their company values?"
If it's a fairly large company that you're applying for, see if you can find a podcast or interview on YouTube about the company and how it was started. Quite often, founders or CEOs of companies will share their story on social media or in podcast form, and it's the perfect way of gaining an extra insight into the company.
Not asking any questions at the end of an interview
Asking questions can prove you're keen to learn more about the job at hand and that you've got initiative. Research the company as much as you can to make sure these questions are tailored. Questions could include:
"What's your favourite thing about working for X company?"
"What's a typical day like in this role?"
For our guide to acing your job interview, click here.
Not following up after the interview
Following up after your interview can prove that you're enthusiastic and willing to go the extra mile for the job. This can be as simple as a quick note in an email to thank them for their time and that you're looking forward to hearing from them.
Good luck!
We know that job applications can be exhausting and feel like an extra job in itself at times. Keep your head up, and the motivation going.
For more tips and tricks for how to ace the job application process, click here.
