Careers

Common Job Application Errors One Should Avoid

Posted on | August 3, 2012 | No Comments

Are you seeking a job? Are you confused about how to prepare a cover letter? Dave Johnson, a former Microsoft employer and writer of over three dozen books, recently shared with CBS news a few cover-letter related errors that are commonly noticed nowadays.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is the document attached with the Resume Or Curriculum Vitae including a brief about the skills and qualities a candidate possesses. It is the first point of contact with the company and hence a properly written cover letter can leave a positive impression on employers and may increase an individual’s chance of getting the job.

The cover letter for a job should convey factual data without confusing the employer. It adds a personal touch to your job application.

Here are some cover-letter tips to help you get a desired job:

• Make sure to attach one - The purpose of a cover letter is to give a gist of what skills and qualifications you hold. If you do not include a cover letter, the employer or HR manager will need to scan the CV to figure out your skills, which would render the whole procedure time consuming. Even after understanding the importance of a cover letter, many still think that preparing a cover letter is a waste of time and it’s okay to skip it. Do not do that! The cover letter is the key to grab a desired job. Draft the letter properly, emphasizing on the reason why you are the perfect person for the designation. Do not let your resume decorate the dustbin; attach a cover letter for a solid impression.

• Do not fake – A cover letter is the portfolio of your personality and knowledge. It speaks a lot about your charisma, which is generally not clear in the resume. Your cover letter should be such that it attracts an employer’s attention. In fact, many organizations listen to peer feedback before the hiring decision as ultimately they are the ones who will have to work with the candidate. Do not make silly and false statements, since that may prove fatal for your career.

• Do not send resume to irrelevant job openings – Common sense is rarely seen among job hunters. Most of the candidates apply for all the jobs that come their way, even though they don’t have the supporting experience or required skills for the said post. Avoid this blunder! Focus on the openings that match your personality, skills, qualification, and experience and mold the cover letter accordingly.

• Crosscheck your grammar before sending – It is important for every candidate to proofread the cover letter before sending. Check your cover letter and resume for grammar and spelling errors. Avoid unnecessary commas, and exclamation marks in the cover letter.

Follow the proper cover letter format for job application and explore the different career opportunities with much confidence.

Excerpt of an article published in CBSNEWS.

Comments

Leave a Reply






3 × nine =