What are You Doing Wrong?

Sending out stacks of cover letters and resumes isn't all it takes to land a spot in today’s competitive job market. A successful job search consists of crafting personalized cover letters and flawless resumes, presenting yourself well at an interview and possibly even attending a second-round interview. If you’re failing at any aspect of the job search and not getting offers, make sure you’re not making one of these common mistakes.

Writing a Subpar Resume

The start of a successful job search requires taking the time to write an impeccable resume. Proofread your resume several times for grammatical errors and typos, and make sure formatting is consistent throughout the document. If you can’t create an immaculate resume, the single piece of paper that makes a first impression on the organization, then this demonstrates to the hiring manager that you lack attention to detail and don’t possess good communication skills. Never falsify your resume by adding inaccurate education or work experience. When the truth eventually comes out, it can cost you both your job and your reputation.

Crafting an Inadequate Cover Letter

The cover letter is a vital component in any successful job search. Don’t go overboard on information — keep your cover letter to one page, preferably three paragraphs. Take the time to find out the hiring manager’s name, and address it to him directly. Never use a generic cover letter — write a customized cover letter for each position, making sure to use relevant keywords from the job posting. When writing your cover letter, show a good balance of confidence and humility, and use action words to describe your accomplishments without sounding egotistical.

Failing at the First Interview

Take the time to research the company and the hiring manager before an interview. Study the job description, and anticipate what skills and qualifications are important for the position. Practice answers to common interview questions, and prepare a list of insightful questions that you can ask the hiring manager at the end of your interview. When interview day rolls around, make eye contact, use a firm handshake and display an optimistic attitude.

Losing Out on the Job Offer

Confidence is a key factor in getting through all rounds of interviews and receiving a job offer. Stand in a power pose for several minutes before going into your interview — this gives you a quick boost of confidence that radiates in the interview. View each round of interviews as an opportunity to sell yourself to the hiring manager by demonstrating your skills, qualifications and achievements.

Whether you’re not getting called for interviews, getting passed up for the second round of interviews or being passed by for the final job offer, something in your job search process needs to be tweaked. Ensure that you’re not making these common mistakes to flow smoothly through you job search and get the position you desire.

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