Recently, I posted a job application for a part-time virtual assistant and was met with a flood of applicants. As I went through each application, there were certain things that immediately stood out to me as red flags. As someone who has been on the other side of the hiring process, I know how frustrating it can be to submit a job application and hear nothing back.

Don’t get me wrong, I would like hiring managers to stop ghosting applicants but there are some things you can do to make your job applications stand out and avoid the common mistakes that can lead to automatic rejections.

1. Pay attention to the details

   Spelling the hiring manager's name wrong is a red flag, especially if attention to detail is a critical aspect of the job. I had over 15% of the applicants get my first name wrong. While it's understandable to make mistakes, repeatedly failing to pay attention to the details can hurt your chances of getting hired. 

2. Polish your grammar

   Having multiple grammatical errors on your resume can be a warning sign to the hiring manager. While one or two mistakes might be forgivable, excessive errors can indicate a lack of attention to detail or a lack of effort on your part. Before submitting your application, have someone else review your resume for grammatical errors.

3. Make a personal connection

   A generic introductory email is unlikely to make you stand out from the other applicants, in fact those were easy No’s for me. Taking the time to personalize your message and show why you're specifically interested in the role can help you make a stronger connection with the hiring manager.

4. Follow instructions

   Not following the instructions on how to apply can lead to your application being discarded. Take the time to read the full job description and follow the application instructions carefully to increase your chances of getting noticed. If it asks for a cover letter and all you send is your resume, it comes across like you don’t care.

5. Explain why you're interested: 

   If your experience doesn't match the job description, or you're "overqualified," explain why you're still interested in the role. Perhaps you're looking for a new challenge, or you're interested in transitioning to a new field. Providing context for your application can help the hiring manager better understand your motivations.

6. Use industry-specific language

   When describing your skills and experience, try to use industry-specific language or remove jargon that might not be familiar to the hiring manager. Doing so can help you better communicate your qualifications and demonstrate your knowledge of the field.

7. Keep it concise

   While you want to showcase your skills and experience, be mindful of keeping your resume concise. A two-page resume can be overwhelming for the hiring manager to read and may cause them to lose interest. Try to keep your resume to one page if possible, and focus on highlighting the most relevant and impressive aspects of your experience. I rarely ever read a full resume on an initial screening, especially if it’s wordy and more than one page. 

While following these tips won't guarantee you an interview, especially when applying to big companies with hundreds of applicants, they will increase your chances of getting noticed and at the very least help you avoid being rejected for a mistake that is an easy fix. Remember, the application process can be daunting, but by taking the time to tailor your application and avoid common mistakes, you can increase your chances of landing an interview and ultimately getting the job you want.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck in your job search, I'm here to help! Book a free consult call with me to learn more about how career coaching can support you in achieving your career goals.