Don’t apply for a job without knowing what not to do when applying for jobs, that’s the mistake a lot of people make.
There is so much information out there about what you should do when you want to be hired, but it doesn’t end there.
There are also a couple of things you should be careful enough not to do when applying for a job, and those things are what we will deal with in this content.
So, whether you currently have a job and you are hoping to switch to a new one, or you are unemployed, this is for you.
What Not To Do When You Are Applying For Jobs
One mistake you make when applying for jobs can outrightly disqualify you from getting the job.
From telling everyone you need a job to using the same resume for every job application, actions like this can ruin your chances of ever getting a job and you may want to avoid them.
Here is a detailed list of all the things to avoid when you are applying for a job
1. Don’t Use The Same Resume For Every Job
After creating what looks like a unique resume for your job applications, you may be tempted to use it for every job application without reviewing or updating it.
You should be careful enough to avoid the temptation of doing so.
In as much as you may be applying for the same position in different organizations, you should always remember that just as the job ads are different, so will their requirements be.
Alternatively, what you can do is create a unique resume template, before applying for any job, go through the job ad, then tailor your resume to suit the company’s preference.
Take note of keywords on the ad, and add them to your resume. This you will be putting yourself at advantage.
2. Never Submit Your Application Letter, Cover Letter or Resume With typographical Errors
A good way to give a potential employer the impression that you do not give attention to details is to submit your resume with typos.
Oftentimes, mistakes easily attract the attention of employers. To avoid this, ensure that you use the appropriate sentence structure, spellings and grammar.
After you have successfully created a resume, carefully read through it over and over again to spot possible mistakes.
Never overlook the importance of avoiding typos even if you are only sending a short email or responding to the LinkedIn message of a potential employer.
Also, your cover letter or job application letter must be on point and properly addressed.
Here is a full guide on how to correctly write a job application letter.
3. Avoid Inappropriate Dressing
Guess you are used to seeing people wear cooperate attires to interviews well you should not worry about making a difference, just keep to the normal.
Interviews are formal as such, you should avoid wearing jeans, tank tops, crop tops and anything that could expose so much of your body.
As beautiful as your cleavages may be, keep them inside your clothes, your potential employer will not be needing to see them.
Also, you should keep your sneakers, and very high heeled shoes at home and make use of low shoes or moderately heeled shoes.
While going for an interview, keep your hairs neatly groomed, wear formal and clean clothes, that way you will make a good first impression.
4. Don’t Tell Anyone You Are Searching For a Job
Although letting people know that you need a job may be a good idea because you don’t know where help may come from, it is only a good idea if you are currently unemployed.
On the other hand, if you are currently on a job while searching for a better option, you should try as much as possible to keep your job search discrete.
It may not be pleasing for your current employer to find out that you are planning to leave the job, and it could result in losing your current job.
Trust me, searching for a job when you are unemployed can be more devastating than searching for a job while on another job.
5. Taking Advantage Of Your Connection
Oftentimes, it is always good to have a connection with people who may be of possible help to you while searching for a job.
But, ensure that whatever help or recommendation you receive should be on a professional note.
Never try to manipulate the employment process to get a job that you don’t merit because it could ruin your chances of getting the job.
And, even when you succeed in getting the job, the fact that you don’t merit it would show off with the way you perform your duties.
6. Research About The Organization
You don’t want to go for an interview without knowing all there is to know about the organizations.
In as much as your emotional intelligence, academic knowledge, and others will be tested, the interviewer will also want to know what you know about the organization.
Also, your knowledge about the organization can also be a guide while creating a resume and responding to questions.
These days getting information about an organization has become easier because most organizations have an online presence.
You just need to peruse the website and social media handles of the company.
7. Never let your Mood Show
Staying unemployed can be a devastating situation at times, but try not to let that show on your resume or at an interview.
Rather than focusing on how desperate you may currently need the job, focus on the value you can add to the organization and how much the job can change your life.
Try to stay calm and confident throughout your interview, if you feel so tensed, don’t rush to answer any question, rather give yourself at least three seconds to process your response before answering.
8. Don’t Act Unprofessional
During your interview, it is important to stay professional, greet the interviewer formally and try to stay active and engaging throughout.
Avoid bringing food or drinks to the interview, rather eat before coming, also avoid any food that can spoil your breath or stain your teeth.
Bad breath can outrightly cut short your interview, and stained teeth don’t make you look clean.
Also, no matter how encouraged or inspired you to feel with your friends and family around you, never take any member of your family or friend along with you to an interview.
If they most come along with you, then they would have to wait outside the company for you.
This may not be the case if your friend or family member is also applying for a job in the same organization and also needs to be at the interview.
Additionally never go for an interview with a headset or without your resume as that sends a signal to the interviewer that you are unserious.
9. Don’t Forget To Turn Off Your Phone
These days our phones seem to be one of the biggest distractions, but you should not let that happen when filling an application or at an interview.
When filling a job application, you may want to keep your phones away, if not keep it silent or turn on flight mode.
During an interview, a phone call or consistent beeps can distract both you and the interviewer, and this does not speak well of you.
So to avoid such distractions, kindly turn your phones off before going for your interview.
Interviews usually don’t last for too long so you won’t have to miss out on anything.
What Not To Do When Applying For A Job FAQ
Here are answers to some of the question you have regarding job search and what should do or not do.
What Is The Best Way To Apply For A Job?
The best way to get hired is by applying for a job directly to the company.
Most company websites are built in such a way that a job applicant can apply for all a job in all levels on it.
Smaller companies that do not have websites usually provide an email address on the job ad where potential employees can send their resume.
For some organizations, the best way to get hired is by applying for the job in person, so just know what works best for the company and go with it.
What Should I Do When Applying For A Job?
Now you know what not to do when applying for jobs, it is also important to familiarize yourself with what to do.
Here is a list of some of the things that you should do when applying for a job:
- Search for jobs in your field.
- Research hiring companies.
- Get your ready resume for submission.
- Identify whether or not you need a cover letter
- Submit your resume and online application.
- Follow up your application
What Questions Can I Ask My Interviewer?
The questions you can ask your interviewer will depend on the job, but here are some general questions that always work irrespective of the job:
- What will be my daily responsibilities?
- What does success look like in this position? And how is it measured?
- Are there opportunities for professional development? If so, what are they?
- What are the company’s values? What characteristics do you look for in employees in order to represent those values?
Conclusion: What Not To Do When Applying For A Job
During job applications and interviews, interviewers pay attention to every detail, as such you will be doing yourself a lot of disservices not to do so yourself.
It is not enough to know what not to do when applying for a job, applying the information during your job search and application is more important.
If you have friends or family who may also need to know what not to do when applying for a job, it will be kind of you to share this information with them.