Whether job seekers are actively looking for a new position or passively entertaining other opportunities, it is important that they be thoughtful in their job searching efforts. Making a mistake during any stage of the hiring process can result in a lost career opportunity.
At Hunter International, our teams work with individuals in various stages of their job search every day. We asked them to identify some common errors they see job candidates make that could easily be avoided. The following is a comprehensive list of their insightful answers.
1. Focusing Exclusively on the Title of the Position
The first common mistake our recruitment team identified is job searching based solely on position titles. Job seekers who make this error can narrow their search too much and end up missing out on other opportunities for which they are qualified.
Jay Jakovina, Recruiter III, describes “Candidates sometimes focus too much on the title of a position. They may hear a title and think that the position does not relate to them at all, however, upon learning more in-depth detail about the position, they may realize that the opportunity is a great match for their skills and experiences.”
While it is important for job seekers to identify the types of positions they should apply for based on their skills and experience, they should look beyond the title and consider other aspects of the opportunity, like job responsibilities and requirements.
2. Using the Same Resume for Each Opportunity
When job candidates tailor their resume for each position they are applying to, it can give them a leg up against the competition. Glassdoor research showed that, on average, each corporate job posting will attract 250 resumes. To stand out, job seekers should put in the extra time to show recruiters and hiring managers why they would make a good fit for the position.
Katie Puhalla, Account Manager, explains “Job seekers should adjust their resume for each position they apply for. Some roles require certain skills that should be highlighted on their resume. It really makes a difference when going through applicants.”
Job seekers should consider making changes like rewording descriptions of responsibilities, adjusting their summary or highlighting different skills on their resume to cater to the position opening.
3. Forgetting to Research the Company
The third common mistake that our team identified is when job applicants fail to do basic research of the company or role. These individuals should consider aspects of the organization like company culture, location and benefits before applying to find out if the position is right for them.
Shelley MacDonald, Controller, wrote “Job seekers should research the companies and roles for which they are applying so they can understand whether it will be a good fit for them.”
When a recruiter or hiring manager reaches out to an individual that applied for their position, they expect that he or she has some basic understanding of what the company does and what the roles and responsibilities of the position entail. Job seekers who put in the extra researching effort can have an advantage against other applicants in the later stages of the hiring process.
4. Failing to Follow-up After an Interview
Finally, stand out to potential employers by appropriately following-up after the interview. Job candidates that put in this extra effort have a better chance of being noticed by hiring managers.
Alex Coticchia, Account Manager, explains “Not following up after an interview can indicate a lack of interest in the opportunity. It automatically puts you at a disadvantage if other candidates follow up who have interviewed for the same position.”
For advice on effective methods of following up, check out our blog post Should You Send a Post-Interview Thank-You Note?
