Are you making these 5 common resumé and interview mistakes?

When you’ve found that ideal job to apply for, it’s time to present yourself and your skills in the best way possible.

But there are common mistakes people make when job seeking which can prevent them from making a great impression.

Find out the five mistakes to avoid and give yourself the best chance of landing the job.

1. Using a resumé that’s too long

Resumés that read like essays are off-putting for more than half of hirers since they don’t have the time to review pages and pages of information. Instead, focus on writing a concise resumé that’s customised for the job you’re applying for. Also, be sure to include the achievements that are relevant.

2. Unprofessional email

Every day, recruiters receive hundreds—sometimes thousands—of emails with nothing but a resume attached and a short paragraph that says, “I want to apply for this job.” And you know what? They move those emails straight to the trash, with zero chance of the sender ever being called for an interview.

Writing a professional and well-structured email that explains who you are, why you want to apply for the job, why you’re the best fit for the role, and your past achievements relevant to it is a must for a job application email.

3. Being late to interviews

It’s an obvious one – but an important one to avoid. When it comes time to interview, lateness is rarely tolerated. More than 80% of hirers list people arriving late as a top frustration.

Whether your interview is in person or online, planning ahead is always highly recommended. Ensure that you allow plenty of extra time for travel, parking and working out where to go when you arrive. For digital interviews, ensure your camera is set up correctly, that you have good lighting and that there are no distractions or mobiles ringing in the background.

4. Not selling yourself

Talking yourself up can feel unnatural if you’re not used to interviews. Don’t be afraid to highlight your skills and experience, and present yourself in a confident way (even if you’re not feeling confident on the inside!)

Aiming for a balance between confidence and self-awareness is best. You can show that you’re self-aware and willing to improve when an interviewer asks you about your weaknesses.

Tips: Being very confident, yet humble and honest, is the way to go.

5. Being unprepared

Turning up to an interview without doing any research about the job or the business shows hirers you’re not serious about the job, which leads to your failed interview.

Showing that you’ve found out about the company’s size and structure, the products or services it offers, and its values demonstrates that you have a genuine interest for the job.

Some simple searching online can get you up to speed. The company’s own website and social media pages are a good place to start. It is best to practice your answer for frequently asked questions in a job interview. For example:

• Can you briefly introduce yourself?
• What are your weaknesses, and how are you working to improve them?
• Why do you want to join this company?
• Why do you believe you are the best fit for this role?
• What is your goal for the next five years?
• What are your ultimate career aspirations?

Summary

The process of applying for a job can take a lot of time and effort, so it’s worth doing all you can to make a great impression. Avoid making mistakes that frustrate employers by starting with a concise resumé and a cover letter designed for the job. Follow that up by being on time, prepared and open to improvement in an interview, and you’ll be giving yourself the best chance of success.