10 Job Application Mistakes to Avoid

When you’re in the midst of a job search, the last thing you want to do is make silly job application mistakes that prevent you from getting your foot in the door. Fortunately, by understanding what some of the common job application mistakes are, you can put a strategy in place to avoid them. 

10 common job application mistakes

Below are 10 of the most common job application mistakes that candidates make. Are you guilty of any of them? 

1. You try too hard

It’s only natural that you’d want to try really hard to impress — especially in job applications. Though, often, all it does is make you appear less authentic to the reader. One way you’re probably trying too hard is by using language that you think will make you sound more intelligent and educated, though it sometimes backfires. 

Instead of coming across as a skilled candidate, you risk coming off as cocky or unaware of norms. The best avenue to take is to be yourself and use language that is professional yet straightforward and simple. 

Here are some examples of what trying too hard might look like with alternative language to use instead:

 Try too hard: "I wish to inquire about the possibility of your company expanding in the near future."

Simple translation to use: "I'm curious to know if your company is hiring."

Try too hard: "My experience thus far has proven that I have a distinguished track record."

Simple translation to use: "I have a proven track record, and here's why."

The test: If it's a line you would never say in conversation, don't write it in a job application.

2. You rely on adjectives instead of stories

In a type: entry-hyperlink id: 2juhKEcVlzs72EzZ0guCfo, you tell people you're “energetic, focused, and determined.”

But what proof does your reader have?

How about a story to show how you're energetic, focused, and determined? Better yet, why not include type: entry-hyperlink id: 2iCHKMnVkDnUOGfKZkjBXl to really amplify your story? Like:

“My goal is to support marketing teams in increasing revenue as quickly and efficiently as possible through innovative solutions and client interactions. This past year, I landed 10 new accountants with Fortune 500 companies, increasing revenue by 27%.” 

That's real.

3. You sound like everyone else

Every time you write a line like “I am uniquely qualified for this position,” delete it immediately and replace it with specific details on why you're uniquely qualified.

“I spent the last two years as the Assistant Director of Development for the United Way of Greater Cleveland, which has prepared me for [name of company]. For instance, at the United Way, I…”

Everyone says they're “uniquely qualified.” But you're not like everyone…right? Your goal is to stand out.

4. You appear to be an expert without the need for help

This is especially important fortype: entry-hyperlink id: 6umT0RozoRUWQBGDD0pfxD to consider. If you’re a recent grad with a cover letter in which you’re a 22-year-old calling yourself a marketing “guru,” there’s a slim chance you’ll move forward in the application process. Really, the word “guru” can come across as arrogant and cocky, regardless of your experience level. 

Be humble and have humility, instead. Employers would much rather hire someone who is good at what they do while also being flexible and willing to learn and adapt to different ways of approaching things. 

5. You use poor word choices

Sometimes, the words or phrases you’re using to make yourself sound better can come across as too stuffy or formal. A couple of examples include the phrase “such as” and the word “utilize.” 

Instead of “such as,” the word “like” is more palatable for many. The word “utilize” is another word that’s not typical for day-to-day conversation. The word “use” is a better choice.  

6. You forget it's OK to be vulnerable

No one is perfect. So don't act like it. Instead, show how the challenges in your life and career have fueled you and led to success.

Bosses have read enough applications where people try to inflate their experiences and who they are. They would prefer you to be yourself and highlight your challenges and weaknesses, followed by how you addressed or are addressing those challenges and weaknesses. 

7. You don’t proofread

Though it might be hard to believe that candidates submit job applications and resumes with grammatical errors and spelling mistakes, it happens frequently. In fact, it’s one of the number one top resume mistakes that hiring team members report. If you want to appear professional and get your foot in the door, be sure to proofread your resume and have another set of eyes review it, as well. 

8. You don’t follow directions

This is a big one. It’s critical you follow directions clearly on job applications. 

• If the employer asks for a cover letter, include it. 

• If they request you exclude it, exclude it. 

• If you’re asked for specific pieces of information on the application, be sure to include them. 

Not following instructions is one of the easily avoidable job application mistakes – take your time and carefully read through the application to ensure you cross your t's and dot your i's appropriately. 

9. You don’t tailor your application and resume 

Another common resume and job application mistake that hiring managers and recruiters report is candidates submitting a generic application and resume. If you want to grab the attention of hiring teams, tailor your resume and application to the job you’re applying to. 

One way to do this is to include keywords, like skills you possess, from the job description. Keywords also help you get past an employer’s application tracking system. 

10. You’re including outdated information

Your resume should include your current and most recent work experiences – the last 10 to 15 years – as well as your current skill set. Avoid including skills that you’re not up-to-date with, as it could get you into trouble during the interview and if you land the job.

Avoid job application mistakes to land the interview

The good news about job application mistakes is that they’re easily avoidable. Instead of rushing through the application process, take your time, ensure your application is complete, your resume is current, and you’ve included all the information requested before you hit “submit.” You’ve got this!

Want to see how your resume stacks up? Try out our free critique today!

This article was originally written by Danny Rubin and originally appeared in Rubin Education, formally known as News to Live By. It has been updated by Ronda Suder. 

Recommended Reading:

• type: entry-hyperlink id: 4ohdn1ap1xZQUSMW9xwPlg

• type: entry-hyperlink id: 2iPAuG7zIU7rgEgZSim1pj

• type: entry-hyperlink id: 5FXNDTpdZbZrbPVfQC08cm