7 Mistakes To Avoid When Applying For A Job

1. Fill out the form

Ignoring the application form and writing a freestyle application may be the fastest way to the ‘No’ pile. Many employers will score your formal submission so if you haven’t filled out the boxes you may not even get a second look! 

2. Forgetting to take off the Caps Lock

Unless you are a design pro – too many capital letters, crazy fonts and elaborate formatting can distract from your application. Keep it simple and let your words speak for themselves.  

3. Keep it brief

You should be able to get all the information you need on two pages. Any longer and you run the risk of losing the attention of the people shortlisting.  Check out these tips on tailoring your CV

4. Drop the picture

Although it shouldn’t happen, people subconsciously make assumptions based on appearance, even if your photo is a lovely one.  A standard alternative is to put in the URL for your LinkedIn profile.

5. Jokes that bomb

Getting your personality across on paper can be tricky, but trying to add humour to your application is even trickier. Unless it is executed brilliantly – it could cause offence, confusion or just be read in the wrong way.

6. There’s no email address

You never know who picks up your application so if the panel want to get in touch, keep your details at the top so they don’t have to rummage in their emails to find your contact email or phone number.

7. Keep it slick

The beautiful word document you send off might not display in the same way on the employer’s computer screen, iPad etc.  Save your document as a PDF before you send it and all your hard work formatting the document will not be wasted.