Avoid These Common Job Application Mistakes

Keller Executive Search was featured in a Fast Company article compiling expert advice on common mistakes to avoid when submitting a job application. These experts weighed in on the red flags they notice most often that can disqualify candidates instantly. Julia Yurchak, our Senior Recruitment Consultant, discussed the importance of proofreading your application thoroughly.

When an application is riddled with typos, spelling mistakes, inconsistent formatting, and grammatical errors, it signals to the employer or recruiters that the applicant has a lack of attention to detail, according to Yurchak. This is problematic because it is considered an essential quality for any professional role. These types of errors can also make a candidate appear careless, no matter how impressive their resume is.

To fix this issue, Yurchak recommends taking three important steps.

Keller’s Three Step Approach for Ensuring a Professional Resume

1. The first step, Yurchak states, is to thoroughly proofread your application before you submit it.

2. Step two is to have a second pair of eyes review it. Often other people can spot mistakes that we miss, even after reading through it multiple times.

3. The third and final step is not to rush the process. When an application has been assembled hastily, it is easy for employers to spot. This, in turn, can suggest that you approach work tasks in the same hurried way.

Yurchak concludes that when candidates submit applications that are free of errors and polished, it demonstrates that they are meticulous and professional. It reflects to employers how they will approach their job duties and leaves a good first impression.

Other Red Flags Recruiters Frequently Come Across in Job Applications

The article continues to describe the other red flags recruiters and employers pick up on when looking through job applications. They are as follows:

• Using the outdated “white fonting” trick to stuff more keywords into an application in an attempt to appeal to applicant tracking systems. This raises concerns about integrity

• Not following the job posting instructions properly. This signals carelessness or an inability to follow instructions

• Using too many buzzwords instead of concrete achievements. This fails to showcase true qualifications and genuine interest

• Not customizing the resume to cater to the specific job. This makes it difficult for employers or recruiters to determine professional fit

• Instability or frequent job changes

• Not showing your motivation for the role. This suggests that the candidate is casting a wide net instead of genuine interest

• Not demonstrating career progression in a logical way that makes it easy for employers to see why experience is relevant to the job you are applying for

• Not being truthful about your employment history and not explaining CV gaps. This raises concerns about reliability and commitment

• Not balancing “I” and “we” statements. Using too many “I” statements can suggest an inability to work as part of a team.

About Fast Company

Fast Company is a leading online business media publication that focuses on topics like technological innovation, design, creativity, and leadership. It is geared towards business leaders that embrace change, think big, lead with purpose, and shape the global business future.

It was founded in 1995 on the premise that business was causing global change and revolution. It aims to showcase innovative teams and businesses that are reinventing the field. The site offers articles on a wide range of topics, including news, leadership, design, technology, events, and innovation in business. It also offers additional media like podcasts, games, and videos.