Job application advice : Common mistakes

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1. What do employers want…
2. Your application
3. Online applications
4. Example questions
5. Personal statements
6. Speculative applicatio…
7. Analysing job adverts
8. Common mistakes
9. Power words

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Most graduate employers get numerous applications but you have a good chance of standing out from the crowd if you research the role and target your submission.

If you are not being shortlisted or getting any interviews, reflect on your strategy and talk to a careers adviser about how you can make improvements.

The common mistakes are outlined below.

Poor spelling and grammar

Graduate recruiters report that over 50% of application forms are rejected for this reason.

To minimise your chances of error:

• use short sentences;
• edit your work a number of times;
• use your computer’s word-count facility to make sure you keep to the correct number of words;
• print your application off and read through it carefully;
• make sure your spell-check is set to UK English.

Finally, give your work to someone else to spot the mistakes you have missed and let your careers adviser look through it.

Not answering the questions

Applicants often do not answer every aspect of every question and are therefore not short-listed. To avoid this mistake, read each question carefully and list its constituent parts. Take the following question as an example:

Tell us about a time when you have worked as a member of a team. Describe your personal contribution, how you faced any problems that arose and the outcome.

Your answer needs to describe four things:

• a specific example of when you have worked in a team;
• your personal contribution;
• how you dealt with any problems;
• the outcome.

Not outlining how you perform relevant skills

In your answers you need to clearly outline how you have performed the skills required. Unfortunately, many applicants focus too much on what they have done, rather than how they have done it well. One way to prepare your answer is to:

• identify the skill required;
• think of a specific experience where you have demonstrated that skill;
• identify three ways in which you performed that skill to a high level.

For example, if you are asked about organisational skills, you could identify a difficult project at work where you planned carefully, managed your time effectively and regularly assessed your progress.

Underselling yourself

Application forms are an opportunity to promote your unique attributes and stand out from the crowd. Be positive about what you have to offer and clearly outline how you have demonstrated the skills required.

See the suggestions in what do employers want? and power words.

Restricting your range of applications

Most graduate opportunities are not limited to graduates with specific degrees. If you are having no success with your current applications, you could look for a career in other fields.

For example, if you are studying law you could apply to be a solicitor or barrister, but you could also try to become a licensed conveyancer, management consultant or primary school teacher.

Explore graduate career paths in options with your subject.

Getting into competitive areas

Some areas of employment are highly competitive such as broadcasting, advertising, publishing and journalism. If you are having trouble getting into your chosen career, try to make yourself more attractive by developing the skills required in another way.

A good way to gain experience and make contacts is through voluntary or unpaid work shadowing. You could also consider working in a related field where you can hone your skills, while you continue to apply for your dream job.

Not looking widely enough

Some students and graduates only consider the large company graduate training schemes that appear in the Prospects Directory rather than those of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

With a downshift in the economy, there may be fewer traditional graduate placements on offer and today’s graduates should look further afield. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can provide wider experiences and more responsibility.

Register with My Prospects for notification of ad-hoc vacancies that SMEs often post.

Managing potential difficulties

You may have background constraints or issues that are a disadvantage. Always present this information positively. Demonstrate what you have learned, how you have overcome any difficulties and the coping strategies you have developed. Employers often look for evidence of problem solving, so you can use this as an example.

Many employers use academic results as an initial selection tool. If you do not meet all the academic criteria, you could contact them and ask to be considered on other merits such as your experience. You may also want to explain low grades in your covering letter. It is better to tackle the issue than to either deselect yourself or ignore the criteria.

Always seek feedback

If you think that you have put in a good application but have not been short-listed, ask for some feedback. This is not always forthcoming, but sometimes you will be able to find out exactly why your application failed. This may help you to improve your skills and your future applications.

It is often difficult to hear constructive criticism, but remember not to react in a negative manner. Say thank you to whoever gives you feedback and learn from your mistakes.