Your job search is in a slump. The fact is, there are a lot of factors that remove you from the running for a job. It isn’t always personal. When a hiring manager is pouring over hundreds of hopefuls, one slip can cost you a spot in the pile. Staying in the running and top of mind is a real feat. Below, we’ve chronicled four common mistakes we see all too often. Eliminate these red flags and your luck may change!
Off to a bad start: You never send a cover letter.
If you could guarantee yourself five uninterrupted minutes in front of every company you apply with, would you take it? You can! It’s called a cover letter and your competitors are all writing one. When hiring managers are sloughing through hundreds (even thousands!) of resumes, they need quick and bulky ways to drop a bunch of hopefuls and trim the fat. A lack of cover letter is a common go-to. Furthermore, a cover letter provides a more tailored and expressive context for your candidacy which can provoke the hiring manager to reach out. But what happens when they do…?
Missed opportunity: You take forever to respond.
If you receive an email or voicemail inviting you to get in front of a company, even just for a quick phone screening and you take a week to respond, you are kissing possibilities goodbye! Most recruitment processes move quickly, and though it’s rarely stated this way, they can be first-come, first-served. If you don’t respond within 1-2 business days, it sends a message to the hiring manager that you’re only searching passively or you’re not that excited about the role at hand. Big mistake! If you do get an interview, it’s important to avoid the following faux pas…
You’ve made it this far: You don’t have questions?
The interviewer says, “So, do you have any questions for me?” This is an opportunity to glean valuable insights while also taking the reins on the whole interview. Want to highlight an area of knowledge the interviewer didn’t touch? Phrase it in the form of a question! Ending the interview early because you weren’t ready with a question leaves a gap where competitors can one-up you. Even when the interview ends, there’s still one more thing for you to do…
Red Flag: You don’t bother following up.
We cannot stress this enough: It is important to take every viable, professional opportunity to kick off a few competitors. This sounds ruthless and it is. The job market is competitive and going the extra mile can put you ahead. After every interview or screening, reach out to the involved parties and thank them for their time. You just lapped every candidate who didn’t think a quick email was worth sending.
These blunders are common. Forgive yourself for committing them and move on. By taking the advice above and applying it to your job search, you will score more interviews, command them, and very likely receive the job offer of your dreams. To jumpstart your search, check out the job opportunities listed at MRInc today!