Job application mistakes to avoid

To get that dream job, you need to nail the job application first. But how do you make yourself stand out from the crowd? Not making any errors is a great place to start.

We’ll run through the most common job application, cover letter and CV mistakes to avoid:

• Forgetting to follow the instructions
• A lack of attention to detail
• Missing the deadline
• Not tailoring your applications
• Leaving room for confusion

Read our guide and you’ll know how to dodge those pitfalls and ace every application.

You’d be surprised how many people don’t follow a job application’s instructions.

Do you need to send your CV and cover letter in a particular format? Or include certain information?

Read any application instructions carefully and make sure you follow them. If you make mistakes with your application, employers will question your ability to do the job.

Don’t miss out on a job because you’re distracted while applying. Treat applying for a job as work and concentrate on the task. If you send off applications while watching your favourite show, it’s more likely you’ll miss something.

Check the following:

Send over your CV, cover letter and any other documentation (ie. a portfolio) if appropriate. And check you’re attaching the correct documents. You don’t want to send a version that references another application accidentally.

Lots of people will claim they’re perfectionists in a job application, but then make a typo in the next sentence. So always run a spell check and proofread your application before you hit send. If possible, it’s great to get someone else to double-check it too.

If the job requires an application form, make sure that you’ve filled out every part. Even if you’ve only got a limited amount of information to include, you still can’t skip any sections. The employer has asked for each section for a reason.

Even if you haven’t got much experience, it’s still potentially better than what other candidates have to offer. If you leave it blank, your potential future employer will never be able to make that assessment.

One of the most common oversights is missing the deadline. And if you miss the deadline, you’ll miss out on applying for the role.

Even if you find a job advert on its final day, apply on time.

Employers receive lots of applicants, so they don’t have time to review late submissions. Plus, sometimes it’ll be impossible to submit an application even a minute past the deadline. If you’re applying via an online portal, the job will close automatically. So, don’t leave it to the last minute. Once you’re ready to apply, fill in the form and don’t risk being caught out by the job ad closing early or time zone confusion.

One common CV mistake to avoid is not customising it for each job application. Most people don’t pin their hopes of employment on one single role, so employers know you’re applying for multiple positions. However, they also want to see why you’re the best candidate for their job – and a generic CV won’t cut it.

Remove any information on your CV that isn’t beneficial to the role you’re applying for. It’s OK to have two or three CVs that emphasise different skill sets for different roles. Make sure you match up as best as possible with what the employer is looking for. So, re-read the job ad and tweak your CV for each application.

Worried you don’t have enough relevant experience? It’s OK. Employers will recognise transferable skills, but make sure you emphasise those. For example, if you worked in a café and are applying for a sales role, focus on customer service instead of food preparation.

Employers skim job applications. They don’t have time to dissect a CV, cover letter or form that’s confusing. So, be clear in what you’re saying. And don’t leave anything up to interpretation.

Ultimately, your application needs to set you apart from every other candidate. You want to state your case in the crispest way possible.

To make sure you create a great application, steer clear of the following mistakes:

Only use acronyms, abbreviations and sector-specific terminology in appropriate contexts. While you’ll use certain terms when working, jargon will make your CV hard to read. Remember that the person reviewing job applications won’t always be an industry expert, so be clear and never assume knowledge.

It’s OK to go travelling in a gap year. It’s OK to pause your studies to build up your savings. It’s not OK to leave a gaping hole on your CV.

For example, a short line on your CV that says “Gap year after university, taking on various admin temp jobs” will tell an employer that you’ve been working since graduation – even if it’s not been the right time for a permanent role.

While it’s an easy mistake to make, it’ll reflect badly on your application down the line. Check when you started a job and when you left. Making a mistake here risks looking like you’re deliberately misleading the employer about how long you’ve worked in a certain position. So, always be truthful and only give accurate information.

Job application mistakes are costly. To get your dream role, you need to know all the application form, cover letter and CV mistakes to avoid.

Some of the most common mistakes include not following application instructions, displaying a lack of attention to detail, missing deadlines, sending generic applications and creating confusion with ambiguous or inaccurate information.

If you follow our tips and take note of all instructions, fill everything in thoroughly, submit all your applications on time, tailor your CV and cover letter for each role and write clearly, you’ll improve your chances of moving to the next recruitment stage.

And finally, don’t lie. Perhaps the biggest job application mistake is bending the truth. It's not worth it.