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The 10 most common job hunting mistakes...

Written by: David Thomas at IntaPeople
Published on: 8 Nov 2016
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DAVID THOMAS

The 10 most common job hunting mistakes...by David Thomas at IntaPeople

The entire world is becoming a lot more digital these days and the recruitment industry and job hunting process have also followed suit. You can now apply for a number of different roles, with a few taps on your Smartphone, whilst eating your cereal in the morning, but is it effective? I think not, especially if you are just clicking ‘Apply now’ and using the same CV for every role that is. Most people do this so don’t worry if you do. It is far better to take your time and tailor your CV to each role, your success rate will be a lot higher.

In this article, I will cover the ten most common mistakes that people make in the pursuit of their next career move. I have to admit that before I worked in the recruitment industry I personally committed all of these ‘offences’ but I can safely say that if you take my advice on board you will notice a lot more success in your endeavours.

The ten mistakes:

1.    Using the same CV – As mentioned above the most common mistake is using the same CV for every role. No matter your level you should tailor your CV to suit each role. Most adverts should incorporate a large amount of the actual Job Specification within them so if you have the experience listed, that isn’t on your CV, then add it in.

2.    Rushing your CV-  My previous post illustrated how your CV should be formatted and what is should include. As I said in that post, time spent updating or tailoring your CV is never wasted time.

3.    Using unusual job titles – Most job titles within the industry are generic – Buyer, Senior Buyer, Procurement Manager etc. but I do occasionally come across unusual ones. If you do have a slightly obscure title it’s worth either changing it to a more generic one or putting a slash next to it along with a more generic title - Senior Vendor Relationship Manager/Supplier Manager for instance. The reason is that you will then come up in any searches that potential employers or Recruiters may do when searching for possible candidates.

4.    Not using industry specific terminology and ‘buzz words’ - Think SEO. SEO is an acronym for Search Engine Optimisation and is its own specialist profession these days. It’s effectively where words that a person would potentially use, relative to the particular company, are listed to ensure the company’s web page comes up when that person searches. What’s this got to do with your CV? Because if you use words or phrases that are highly relevant in your industry, throughout your CV, then you are easier to find when people are searching. This includes qualifications, software programmes, job titles etc.

5.    Being unreliable – Always do what you say you are going to do. Fundamentally, if timescales have been agreed, stick to them. If you said you are going to send a Covering Letter across by a certain time, do it. The best candidates always seem to be the most reliable, even with the most trivial of matters.

6.    Lack of preparation – This is a Consultant’s worst nightmare – candidates who haven’t prepared thoroughly. The candidates that prepare the most for an interview are always the ones that are offered the role. Ensure that you conduct your research on the company and the individual Hiring Managers, what is their background? Go through the Job Specification in detail, what potential weaknesses might they feel you have based on your CV? Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. With good and thorough preparation you could go from being one of the 'outsiders' to the 'favourite'. I’ve personally witnessed this on numerous occasions.

7.    Not standing out - I know that the interview process can be incredibly daunting at the best of times. Just take into consideration that they will probably be interviewing a number of people who are all at the same level and have the same amount experience as yourself. Try to stand out. Make a 12-month plan, for instance, to take with you. Do something to be different from the other people that they're seeing, within reason of course. Try to think ‘outside the box’.

8.    Dropping out of the interview – This may seem completely obvious but there seems to be this perception that an interview means that then if offered, you are obliged to accept the job. Even if you’re not sure it’s still worth going to the interview, you may be pleasantly surprised. Even if you are offered the role you don’t have to accept it!

9.    Not checking your Social Media – It is incredibly common these days for Hiring Managers to check a candidates Social Media accounts. This can happen at any time throughout the process. Make sure your Social Media accounts don’t have anything that could negatively impact on your application. LinkedIn shouldn’t really cause you any issues but Facebook and Twitter etc. are the most common for having a negative impact. Publishing articles on LinkedIn that are relative to your field can have a highly positive impact for instance.

10.    Forgetting where you are – At the interview stage ensure that you conduct yourself professionally at all times. Remember that you are being tested at every point throughout the process. Check your posture and body language at all times. Even when waiting in Reception bear in mind that this will be their very first impression of you when they come to get you. Maybe look around the Reception area. Companies usually have their Awards or Certificates framed which may give you a discussion point later on during the interview. Even if they walk in whilst you are looking it shows that you’re inquisitive and probably also gives the impression that you’re relaxed. Always be wary of ‘informal interviews’. They are usually to get candidates in a more relaxed mind set which is then where people are more likely to show their ‘true colours’.

In conclusion, throughout the process be thorough, take your time and it will pay off. Of course, if you have any questions at all then please don’t hesitate to email me at d.thomas@intapeople.com.

I wish you the best of luck as always.