10 Dumb Things You’re Doing When Applying For Jobs (And How To Avoid Them!)
By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
I’ve read more than 775000 resumes and boy! There are some dumb things people do when applying for jobs. Here are “The Big 10” dumb mistakes I’ve seen.
00:00 Intro
00:41 1-5
02:37 6-10
04:11 Summary
04:26 Outro
Recruiters Are Not Your Friends
Today I want to share 10 very common mistakes I see people making when applying for jobs, and some quick tips on how to avoid them. I’m Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter, I started 
to be called The Big Game Hunter when I did recruiting, I’d hunt down leaders and staff for organizations. Did it for a heck of a long time, filled a lot of full-time positions and consulting assignments. And now people hire me for no BS job search advice and coaching globally, because I make the process of finding work much easier for people. And there’s some other stuff I do.
If you’re getting results, I’m sorry, if you’re applying for jobs and not getting results, I believe you’re probably making some of these mistakes. And the first one, of course, is not customizing your resume. Your resume needs to be tailored to each job listing, highlighting the skills and experience most relevant to that role. Sending the same generic resume over and over again is like the broken watch that’s right twice a day. It is right sometimes, but it’s missing a lot. Customize your resume. Number two is sending a generic cover letter like a form letter. Highlight why you’re a great fit for that specific company and that specific position. Generic form letters don’t cut it. Number three, spelling and grammar mistakes. There’s no reason for this. Proofread your resume. There’s software built into your word processor. Use it. Spell check and grammar check and if you don’t like the way Word or Acrobat does that, download Grammarly or some other tool that will do it, as well. Typos. Poor writing get you rejected right away.
Number four. Applying without having the required credentials. And that’s because your resume doesn’t demonstrate a fit for the role. Make sure your resume demonstrates that you’re actually qualified before you apply. Number five, submitting incomplete applications. Sometimes there are instructions about what to do and not providing all the requested information or materials will get your application rejected.
10 Steps to Prepare to Job Hunt
Number six, using an unprofessional email address. Make sure it winds up looking professional. Seven, not including your city, state, and zip code on your resume. Without your zip code they’ll never find you in the future because when firms search their systems, one of the ways they narrow the focus of the search down is with zip code. Otherwise, they may be reaching out the people who are in geographically inappropriate locations. Include your zip code.
Eight, rushing. Set aside time to submit a great resume and a great application. If you’re rushing yourself, you’ll get rejected because no thought has gone into it. Number nine, you don’t follow up. After applying a day or so later. Follow up via email or phone to confirm that they’ve reviewed your resume or to encourage them to review your resume. You’re probably going to leave a voicemail so state your name, when you submitted the resume, because it’s time-stamped right? And why it is you’re a fit the role. Number 10. Giving up too soon. If you’re applying for jobs, I’m telling you, persistence is going to pay off. Keep applying and don’t get discouraged by the initial rejections you may experience.
So I just want to say avoid these mistakes and set yourself up for finding your next job. Let me know in the comments if you have any more advice, and don’t forget to like and subscribe to the channel. Thanks for watching.
I’m Jeff Altman. Visit my website TheBigGameHunter.us There’s a ton in the blog that can help you. Plus you can schedule time for a free discovery call scheduled time for coaching, schedule time for Trusted Advisor Services where I answer your questions in a 20-minute session. And you can also find out about my video courses, books, and guides. Also, connect with me on Linkedin at linkedin.com/in/TheBigGameHunter. Have a terrific day and be great!
The Warning Sign of a Problem or That They Aren’t Sure
ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
People hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS Career Advice globally because he makes many things in peoples’ careers easier. Those things can involve job search,
hiring more effectively, managing and leading better, career transition, as well as advice about resolving workplace issues.
Schedule a discovery call at my website, www.TheBigGameHunter.us
He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with over 2700 episodes.
Website: https://www.TheBigGameHunter.us (schedule a paid coaching session, a free discovery call or ask questions using my Trusted Adviser Services)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/TheBigGameHunter
Courses: https://www.TheBigGameHunter.us/courses
Books and Guides: https://www.TheBigGameHunter.us/books
Resume & LinkedIn Profile critiques www.TheBigGameHunter.us/critiques
We grant permission for this post and others to be used on your website as long as a backlink is included to www.TheBigGameHunter.us and notice is provided that it is provided by Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter as an author or creator. Not acknowledging his work or providing a backlink to www.TheBigGameHunter.us makes you subject to a $1000 penalty which you proactively agree to pay.
