9 Mistakes Students Should Avoid When Applying for a Job

A lot of times students have to combine college education with part-time or full-time employment. Finding a job is not always an easy task. And a lot of students do not have much experience in the application process. That’s why they tend to make common mistakes that come with a job search.

In this article, you’ll learn about these mistakes and how to avoid them to get the desired job.

1. Limiting Your Search

Often, students apply only for ideal positions. Surely, there is nothing wrong with aiming high and pursuing your dream career. But if you lack experience in the field, it might take time. It is completely normal to start with entry-level jobs in a specific industry before moving to the position of your dreams.

The mistake here is that students narrow their own vision and might miss various opportunities. Your dream job might not be available or it might require more qualifications. What is the solution? Explore less “ideal” options and consider getting an entry-level position in the industry you want to work for. Such a position might not be even directly related to what you want to do in the future but it will give you valuable experience.

2. Not Researching Companies

Some students might apply everywhere they can without paying attention to the company. Such a strategy is not very effective. If you fail to do due diligence, you might

■ Fail cover letter and resume;

■ Perform poorly in an interview;

■ Miss key responsibilities a company is looking for;

■ Settle for less than you should expect in terms of salary or benefits;

■ Apply for something sketchy.

Doing research is useful in terms of adjusting your application to this particular company. But it can also save you a lot of money and trouble in terms of many sketchy propositions online. Of course, the main reason why students might skip research is the lack of time.

College life can be quite dense in terms of curriculum and assignments. One might think “who is going to write my term paper for me while I’m here researching companies?”. In such a case, a professional academic writing platform is the answer. Experienced authors deliver writing, editing, and proofreading help on demand. And the best part is that they can do it even on the shortest notice.

Professionals have been doing it for years and know all ins and outs of academic writing. They offer original and well-researched papers that meet the most advanced college requirements. So students can get their work polished or order it done from scratch to get more time on their hands. And such cooperation gives you access to expert guidance, which is always a huge benefit.

3. Not Adjusting Your Resume

If you are applying to different businesses and industries, it is important to adjust your resume and prepare an individual cover letter for each of them.

This means that you can highlight specific skills and experiences relevant to this exact position. For instance, some might look for a person with experience in customer service, others might be interested in your internships. The way you edit and format your resume should go in accordance with the job posting.

Also, it is a great idea to use some keywords from the posting in your application documents. This might help beat the ATS system or attract the recruiter’s attention right away.

4. Not Editing LinkedIn Profile

When it comes to career, LinkedIn serves as your digital resume. Here you can look for opportunities as well. Also, recruiters search for candidates here quite often. This means that students need to regularly update and edit their LinkedIn profiles.

It should feature all your credentials, qualifications, and experiences.

5. Not Writing Cover Letter

Even if the application says that a cover letter is optional, it is better to write it. This shows your interest, dedication, and effort. Also, a cover letter is a great opportunity to add information and context to your resume.

Here students can express themselves and show interest in this particular company/position.

6. Not Organizing Your Documents

If you apply to many exciting jobs, you probably have a lot of documents all over the place from resumes to certifications. It is pretty easy to get disorganized and store those documents all over the place.

As a result, you might forget to attach something to the application or apply too late because you couldn’t find something. All of that just creates a greater risk of making mistakes that can cost you a position. The best idea is to keep all your documents and forms neatly organized in designated folders.

7. Being Reckless About Social Media

Today a lot of employers screen candidates online before making an offer. This means that they might look at your social media pages. It can depend on a particular industry or business. But the general rule is to not have negative or questionable content on your accounts.

A lot of people have lost their jobs because of inappropriate or hateful posts. So make sure your social media looks professional and make a good first impression.

8. Focusing Solely on Degree

Your degree is a benefit but it is not the only thing employers are looking for. The chances are a lot of other candidates have college degrees as well. In some situations, it can be a basic requirement rather than a competitive advantage.

The solution is simple – utilize your extracurriculars, previous work experiences, additional qualifications, relevant courses and programs you’ve completed, projects, or personality aspects. This can be that additional factor that sets you above the competition.

9. Not Including All Contact Details

Although this seems pretty simple, a lot of students might forget about it. You need to include all the contact details so that the recruiter can reach out. This includes email address (with appropriate and professional handle), phone number, and, optionally, LinkedIn profile. Also, if you have a portfolio of works, always include a link to it.

In Summary

A job search can be time-consuming and tricky. But if you avoid common errors and mistakes, it might be much easier. Prepare your document carefully, spend some time on research, and make sure you look professional online and offline.

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