The job market is loosening up and you have high hopes for landing a job. Don’t let common errors sandbag your chances for success. By paying careful attention to seemingly small details, you can make sure your name remains in the running.
Your Resume Must be Perfect
Every hiring manager will say the same thing. If there is a spelling or grammatical error in your resume it goes in the trash. It doesn’t matter how brilliant you are or how well your experience meshes the job description; errors mean your resume is going in the trash. Same for poorly formatted resumes or wordy go-nowhere documents. It’s worth it to have your resume checked by a pro.
Know the Culture
It’s pretty bad when you show up for the interview in jeans and polo only to find out the dress code is suit and tie. Same for the feel of the worksite. Check out the website. Chances are that a website that features picnics, ballgames, and other sporty events for employees has a laid back, casual feel–best not to say that you love long, solitary walks while contemplating quantum mechanics.
Follow Instructions
Found the perfect opening on Craig’s List or another classified ad service? Follow their instructions to a tee. Do not forward your resume if the instructions require you to query for further instructions. Email the person listed as the primary content. Don’ try to figure out how to beat them at their game or you will find yourself at the bottom of the hiring barrel.
Do Follow Up
Yes, that thank you for the interview makes a difference. And asking a follow up question is also good; just make sure it is a smart, necessary-to-know question. Been a bit since you heard from them? Dinging them with an I-still-care- email is a good thing; it lets the company know you are interested.
Use Good Grammar
Ditch the bad language and familiar conversation—same for politics, religion, and ethnicity. Don’t be sarcastic or crude.
Avoid these 5 common errors and the job just might be yours.