Mirror, mirror on the wall, who deserves the best job of them all? Well, you do, of course. And while you’ve been practising your interview skills in said mirror, perfecting your resume qualifications, and networking like a pro, there could be one area that you’ve overlooked when it comes to securing your spot at the very top of the list of IT companies in Coimbatore – the job application process. Because while you may be the only worthy candidate you can imagine, recruitment professionals actually have to deal with hundreds of applications every year. And the last thing you want is for your application itself to not make the cut and all those hours of interview practice to go to waste. So how can you ensure that your profile is the one that stands out from the rest of the crowd? We’ve got you covered with the top mistakes to avoid in your job application that’ll set you on track for a great career.
Not taking the process seriously
When we say your application should stand out, we mean for all the right reasons. And whether it’s your first or tenth time applying for a job, if the application comes with a certain process or format to follow, ensure you’re sticking to it. Trust us, a job application is not the time to try and reinvent the wheel (though being creative in resume writing can be a bonus). Follow the guidelines mentioned in the job description and make sure you submit your application on time. If your company is processing applications via software, there’s a chance that yours may not even be considered if you send it past the deadline. And there’s nothing that leaves a worse impression on your hiring manager than a late submission.
Incomplete information
This one is linked to our tip above. When you’re filling out your job application, make sure you complete all the required information (yes, that means reading the fine print), including attachments and additional documents that may be required. You don’t want your application to be binned just because you forgot to attach a photograph or a copy of your ID. It would be a shame if a logistical error ends up becoming a dealbreaker between you and your dream job. You could help yourself avoid this mistake by making a checklist of everything that your application requires and ticking off the items as you complete them.
Skipping out on skills
There’s no doubt you’re a talented individual, but we’re talking about the skills you can show on paper. When you’re applying for a job, there’s bound to be certain qualifications that your employer is looking for. If you want to be the top dog at an IT company in Coimbatore without ever taking a computer course, we’re sorry to burst your bubble. So apply only for roles that you’re actually qualified for. And if you’ve taken up a special course or acquired an extra license, this could give you an edge over other candidates. And you’ll have the best chance if you spread your different skills across your resume and application. Remember that hard skills are not everything, your application needs to be rounded out with some soft skills too, especially ones that are relevant to your career. Are you a team player? A good listener? Have strong communication skills? This is your chance to showcase who you are as a person beyond your degree and qualifications.
Edit, Edit, Edit
Whether you’re a spelling bee champion or a top college graduate, the odd typo or grammar error can happen. So make sure that you’re proofreading and editing all your documents several times before you submit them. This is also a good time to see if your application has a consistent flow and makes sense to an unfamiliar reader. You could even ask a friend or family member to take a look at your application and make adjustments based on their suggestions. Only after you’ve dotted all i’s and crossed all t’s should you give in to imagining yourself in an office in the IT parks in Coimbatore!
Don’t forget a cover letter
Listen closely because this is a mistake almost everyone makes. Your application is more than just your resume (stand out though it may be). A cover letter that pairs well with your resume can give a huge boost to your application and increase your chances of landing that interview call. It’s a place where you can flesh out some aspects from your CV and connect with your recruiting manager more deeply. This could just be the tip that helps you stand out from other qualified candidates and gets you your dream job.
Following our tips are sure to help you create a strong and clear application: a quality application that no HR manager would want to refuse. The only thing left to do now, is to hit ‘Send.’
