Submitting your resume or interviewing and not hearing back can be frustrating. You likely want to know what encouraged the hiring team to pursue other candidates so you can improve your performance.
You could be making mistakes that cost you potential job offers. Understanding common job search issues and how to avoid them increases your ability to land your desired role.
Discover the mistakes that could cost you potential job offers and how to avoid them.
Neglecting Your Online Presence
Many hiring managers conduct online research to learn more about candidates and determine whether they fit the company’s culture. Finding unprofessional photos, videos, comments, or other content discourages managers from extending job interview invitations.
Ensure your social media accounts portray a professional image:
- Check that your LinkedIn profile is updated, accurate, and complete.
- Connect with other industry professionals.
- Regularly post, share, and comment on industry-related articles.
- Participate in online professional groups.
- Ensure the content on your social media accounts displays work-appropriate images and information.
Not Tailoring Your Resume to Each Job Posting
A hiring manager wants to see that your professional background enhances the likelihood of job success. Not reflecting these details in your resume increases the odds of an applicant tracking system (ATS) rejecting your resume rather than sending it to the manager for consideration.
Using the job posting to customize your resume shows how your education, skills, experience, and accomplishments equip you for success. Also, including relevant keywords from the job description and industry helps your resume get past an ATS and to the hiring team. As a result, you could be contacted for an interview.
Not Preparing for an Interview
Hiring teams want to see what you know about the role and company and why you are the most qualified candidate. Hiring the best-equipped candidate strengthens the likelihood of long-term employment.
These tips can help you prepare for an interview:
- Use the company’s website and social media pages to research the organization’s history, culture, offerings, goals, challenges, latest news, and other relevant details.
- Review the job description to develop examples of how you used your knowledge, skills, and experience to fill similar duties and responsibilities for positive organizational impact.
- Clarify how your quantifiable achievements in previous jobs demonstrate the value you can provide your next employer.
Failing to Engage After an Interview
Not following up after an interview can take you out of the hiring process. A lack of correspondence suggests you no longer are interested in the job.
You can engage after an interview by emailing each interviewer a thank-you note:
- Thank the interviewer for their time.
- Restate three main topics discussed to jog the interviewer’s memory.
- Share your top three qualifications that equip you for the job.
- Let the interviewer know you look forward to hearing from them soon.
If you do not hear back by a few days after the hiring deadline mentioned during the interview, send a second email asking the interviewers whether they made a decision. If you do not receive a response within a few weeks, call Human Resources to ask whether the role was filled. Continue your job search during this time.
Enhance Your Ability to Receive Job Offers
Include Element Staffing in your scientific or technical job search to increase your potential for job offers. Visit our job board to apply for a role today.
