The 8 most common mistakes during job applications

Applying for a job is a stressful experience for many. Yet it certainly does not have to be arduous. If you pay attention to a few things, you can greatly increase your chances of getting a job. In this article, we discuss what the 8 most common mistakes during job applications are and how to avoid them.

The quality of your resume and cover letter can determine in seconds whether you will be selected as a candidate. So make sure they look attractive, but also correct in content. Because whether you will be working on a construction site or in a studio or office, language remains an important factor.

Don’t make a sloppy impression by making spelling mistakes in your resume or cover letter. This can significantly reduce your chances of getting an interview. Do you feel your language skills are not that good? Then have your documents proofread by a friend or family member who is linguistically stronger.

Arriving late is never a good idea. When you are invited to an interview, whether on or offline, a time is agreed upon when your interviewers expect you. Be present at that agreed time: making the other party wait shows little respect. A bad first impression can hurt your chances of getting a job.

Of course, something unexpected can always happen: in that case, notify your conversation partner in time. Are you having an online conversation? Test the software and tools beforehand. Do you have a physical conversation? Study the route at the time of your appointment so you can estimate the duration. Take some margin before you leave.

The clothes make the man (or woman). Whatever your personal clothing style, dress in a groomed and professional manner during a job interview. For men, this may mean putting on a suit, but a dress shirt or a neat sweater will also suffice.

For women, this can be a pantsuit, dress, skirt or dress pants with shirt. It is best to adjust your outfit according to the company you are applying to. Definitely dare to ask IMPACT for advice if you are not entirely sure.

Before the job interview, put your cell phone somewhere else and/or put it on silent. It is annoying to be disturbed during the interview by a vibrating or ringing phone. This way you also don’t lose focus and there are no distractions.

When having an online conversation, also avoid other potentially disruptive factors such as a pet jumping on your lap and starting to bark or perhaps your son or daughter walking into the room.

The recruiter you interview with will ask you some questions during the interview about you as a person, but also about your ambitions and knowledge about the company you are applying to. You will be asked some questions about who you are, what your greatest assets and work points are … So prepare yourself well and think of an appropriate answer beforehand.

In this blog, you will find some frequently asked questions during a job interview.

During a job interview, you are not supposed to be subjected only to an awkward fire of questions. You no doubt have some questions of your own about things like the job and the company: list them in advance and don’t hesitate to ask them during the interview.

Asking questions shows your good preparation and genuine interest. In addition, it gives you additional info to determine if the job and the company suit you.

Even though a job interview sometimes involves some stress, we still recommend that you just stay calm yourself. Take some extra time when necessary and try to be at ease as much as possible: good preparation helps.

Whatever you do, be spontaneous and don’t just read all the information off your resume. You know yourself and your career better than anyone else: your interviewer’s intention is precisely to get to know you better as a person and to go beyond just the words on a sheet of paper.

Just because you’re looking for a new job doesn’t mean you have to talk negatively about your previous or current employer. It’s best to cite an unpleasant experience or the reasons why you want to change, but always talk about the company you work(ed) for in a respectful way.

Discuss any annoyances in a neutral manner: a very negative attitude can look pretty bad to the other party. No one wants to hire a person who is negative or left with a frustration and consequently will not promote the business atmosphere.