Job hunting/seeking can be a tedious and daunting task especially when you are not hearing back from potential employers. This can lead to making small mistakes that make potential employers biased or not getting invited for interviews. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind while job hunting/seeking:

1. Mistakes on your application

These include typos, spelling errors, different font sizes and colours. These seem like minor things but they are very important because they will bias the employer in terms of your paying attention to detail.

2. Not tailoring your cover letter and CV

The cover letter and CV are your first interaction with a potential employer. This means that you have to make a good first impression such that you are invited for an interview. Customizing your CV and cover letter to fit the job you are applying to and the company is essential. 

3. Not formatting documents

Since the hiring process has evolved over time, most employers now ask for job applications to be sent via email. This therefore requires sending soft copies of all application documents which should be formatted. However, most applicants do not know how to format documents (read our blog Formatting PDF Documents for more information)

4. Not being self-confident

Most times the difference between a good interview and a bad one is the level of confidence an applicant displays both on their application and the interview. A potential employer can be impressed by your application even before they meet you because of how excellently you have presented yourself on paper. And they could also be disappointed because of how timid and unaware you are during an interview, despite an extra-ordinary CV. 

5. Zero knowledge on the company

Going for an interview and lacking knowledge on the company is a reflection of no interest in the position you have applied for or the company you want to work for. It is unprofessional and lazy and definitely biases an interviewer. 

6. Not updating your social media accounts 

Some employers will be interested in your social media and will check your LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter since most companies also have an online presence. They will therefore care about the kind of image their employees display on social media as it directly affects their brand. So it’s better to check through your social media accounts just in case there is anything that might bias a potential employer. 

7. Job hunting/seeking without a plan

Most times job seekers send out their CVs to every company that is hiring and for any position that they feel is within the spectrum of their skill set. However, this does not increase the chances of you getting hired. You should have a plan and focus only on the companies and roles that will contribute to your career growth.