6. “Hey you… I am very important and you should pay attention to me”
You may never say the above overtly, but your diction, your presentation may make an employer go on red alert. For example this response from a job seeker who reached out to us recently: “link me with possible areas in my specialty”. First, the informality of this statement. The applicant has no time to capitalize his sentence. Second, the commanding tone. The applicant thinks we owe him a job and further that he deserves a job. Correction: no matter your educational qualifications or experience or self-esteem, you do not deserve a job. Jobs don’t go to those who need them a.k.a those who write “I need a job” but rather, to those who can prove they have something of value to offer an employer. Make sure that you are not coming off as entitled.
7. Made-up application requirements
If an employer asks for 4 documents, don’t send in 3 or 5. There is a reason why that employer is asking for exactly 4 documents. If an employer asks for a 1 page CV, that one extra page will disqualify you. You will notice that more and more employers are now including the following statement in job announcements: “If you cannot follow instructions, don’t bother applying”. Doing other than what an employer has instructed suggests that you are not literate, or you have too much attitude to actually take time to read or that you think you know better than the employer, all clear signs that you will be that difficult, unpleasant employee.
8. Three different emails for one application
In the first email you attach your CV; in the second, the cover letter; in the third, several things no one asked for. What does this say about you? Disorganized and thoughtless. Take a moment to realize that employers often file applications. This means that when you distribute your application, either because you are not paying attention when you click send or because in this day and age, you do not know how to attach several documents to one email, you are giving someone extra work. That person would rather delete your application than organize it for you.
9. Zip file addict
You are careful to attach everything to one email , but you are in the habit of zipping your ‘booklet’ of an application. You assume that the recipient has an unzip program installed on her machine. She may not. And instead of going through all the trouble of finding the necessary program, guess what he/she will do…delete, delete, delete. Stop it.
10. How do I apply?
This question often follows a long job announcement that explains in detail exactly how to apply. It is infuriating. When you receive a job announcement on email, the first thing to do is look for a link, normally highlighted in blue. Click on this link before you send back an email asking “How do I apply?” or “Where are the details?” No one enjoys answering the same question twice.
Bonus: Are you a stalker job seeker?
Dear jobseeker, you may be displaying stalker tendencies, unknowingly. Be very wary of calling an employer without prior permission. Yes, you may want to show initiative but think carefully where you are infringing on someone else’s privacy. If the said person has not personally given you his number, DO NOT call. And worse still, do not keep calling and calling. Call once and if the person does not pick up, wait for them to call back. If they do not call back, DO NOT call again. Forget and move on. If they do pick up, explain clearly who you are and why you are calling and this better not involve the entitled statement “I need a job” because the reply you will most definitely receive is “so what?”. Do not call on weekends or after works hours (essentially 4pm). Our advice, DO NOT CALL, period.
If your application/approach suffers any of these problems, fix them immediately, and you will move closer to getting that job. However, there is still much much more to learn. Jobsmentor has an intensive training program for recent graduates and young professionals who are struggling to find jobs. Visit our website for more information.
Know a friend struggling to find a job, introduce him/her to jobsmentor
Website: www.jobsmentor.co.ke