Are These Simple Mistakes Costing You the Job?

The convenience of applying for jobs over the internet can drive job seekers to focus all their energy in the wrong places, allowing basic mistakes to go unnoticed. While technology and social media are changing the job search process, hiring managers still expect candidates to adopt professional etiquette in every interaction. Job seekers should avoid these five common mistakes to improve their chances of winning a job offer.

1. Generic Pitch

Whether delivered in a one-on-one conversation, resume or online profile, a strong elevator pitch can stand out against masses of applicant data and grab attention from hiring managers. However, a 2016 CareerBuilder survey reported that 54 percent of job seekers submit the same resume to multiple employers. Applications must satisfy the criteria of recruiters and automated applicant-tracking software, making it essential to customize each resume with keyword phrases from the original job posting. Applicants should also frame their job descriptions and accomplishments to demonstrate how their skills fit the individual company and position.

2. Missing Cover Letter

Cover letters often get a bad reputation for being a waste of time, but these standard introductions are prime real estate for injecting personality and motivating hiring managers to learn more. In the survey, 45 percent of job seekers failed to send a cover letter. Even if cover letters aren't specifically requested, applicants should include customized versions that convey a distinct value proposition and show recruiters a preview of the enthusiasm and professionalism to expect in an interview.

3. Impersonal Salutation

Job seekers who submit a personalized cover letter are on the right track, but they can quickly lose brownie points by using a bland salutation, such as "to whom it may concern." According to CareerBuilder, 84 percent of job seekers don't address their applications to a specific hiring manager. Personalizing the salutation shows employers a candidate made the effort to research the company, increasing her chances of getting noticed by the hiring staff.

4. No Thank-You Note

Roughly 57 percent of job seekers skip the thank-you note, even though this simple gesture provides a ripe opportunity to connect with the hiring manager after the interview. Thanking each interviewer also enables a candidate to reinforce her value and highlight a previously unmentioned skill or experience, increasing her chances of moving to the top of the applicant list.

5. Lack of Follow-Up

When hundreds of candidates compete for a position, paper and electronic applications can get lost in the void. Unfortunately, 37 percent of job seekers never follow up after submitting, and employers never read their meticulously crafted resumes and cover letters. Checking in can encourage hiring managers to prioritize an application, as long as follow-up doesn't turn into stalking.

Job-search anxiety can make applicants focus on speed and quantity over quality, but hiring managers value job seekers who show attention to detail. Every aspect of a professional's application and behavior should support her elevator pitch, convincing employers they've found the right candidate.

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