Are you looking for employment opportunities but aren’t sure how to choose a good one?
Around 17.4% of people are working from home because of the pandemic. Searching for work shouldn’t cause a lot of stress and anxiety, but many people make many mistakes in the job search.
Making simple mistakes can affect your interviews and opportunities, causing unnecessary stress. With an online job search strategy, you can keep your search going strong.
Here are some online job search mistakes and how to avoid them
1. Not Following Up
Many times, job seekers will apply for a position online and then never follow up. Not following up after an interview is a huge mistake. It shows a lack of interest and professionalism. Following up shows you are interested in the position and that you will put in the extra effort.
The best way to avoid this mistake is to email the hiring manager or contact the company to express your interest in the position and follow up with a thank-you note or email. This is a simple gesture that goes a long way in making a good impression.
2. Neglect Your Online Presence
Many job seekers focus all of their energy on finding the perfect job, but they forget to make sure their online presence is up to par. Your online presence is just as important as your in-person presence in impressing potential employers.
Make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile and personal websites are well-designed and error-free.
You should also take the time to clean up your social media accounts. Google yourself and see what comes up. If there’s anything questionable, remove it or make it private.
Employers will look at your online presence, so make sure it reflects who you are and the professional image you want to portray.
3. Not Researching the Company
Too often, people make the mistake of not researching the company and end up in a job that is not a good fit for them. This can lead to wasted time, effort, frustration, and even quitting if the company is not a good match for your skills or goals. To avoid this, take the time to research the company before applying.
Look at their website and reviews from current and former employees, research the company’s products or services, read their mission statement, and see what type of history and culture they have.
Spending a few minutes researching the company can save you a lot of time and energy in the long run.
4. Overlooking the Application Process
Many online applications require you to complete multiple steps, including uploading your resume and cover letter, before you can even be considered for a position.
Job seekers who do not take the time to fill out online applications correctly are often at a disadvantage. Failing to follow directions or not taking the time to complete the application can be a costly error.
To avoid this mistake, it’s time to follow all the instructions before starting the online application process. Also, be sure to reread your application before submitting it.
Invest the time up-front to ensure you are meeting all the requirements and increasing your chances of being considered for the job.
5. Making Typos and Grammatical Errors
This can make you appear careless and unprofessional and can hurt your chances of getting the job. To avoid making this mistake, proofread your cover letter and resume before you submit them.
If possible, have someone else read them as well, to catch any mistakes you may have missed.
Pay attention to detail, and take your time. Another way to avoid making typos and grammatical errors are to use spell checkers before you submit your materials.
However, don’t rely on spell checkers, as they can’t catch everything. Use them as a tool, but proofread your work before you hit send.
6. Using an Unprofessional Email Address
Your email address is often the first impression you make of a potential employer, so it’s important to choose one that is professional and reflects your name well.
Avoid using unprofessional addresses, contain offensive words, include numbers or symbols, or are your name, followed by a series of random numbers.
Instead, use a variation of your name or your initials followed by a professional domain such as .com, .net, or .org.
If you already have an email address that is not professional, create a new one just for your job search. This will ensure that your first impression is good.
7. Applying Without Reading the Job Posting
This is a mistake for several reasons, such as, that you may not be qualified for the position if you don’t read the job posting and understand the requirements.
Another reason is that even if you are qualified, your application may not be considered if you don’t follow the instructions at the job posting.
If you are applying for logistics, you must take time to look into the position of the job posting. Read more now and see this job posting for example.
If you apply and it’s not your expertise, you will waste your time and the time of the person reviewing your application if you don’t read the job posting and submit the required materials.
This can lead to applying for positions you’re not qualified for or failing to include the required information in your application.
To avoid this mistake, take the time to read the job posting. Make sure you understand the requirements and instructions for applying.
Tips to Avoid Online Job Search Mistakes
If you’re looking for a job, beware of these online job search mistakes. A poor online presence can cost you the job you want. Follow these tips to avoid making mistakes that could cost you a job.
Do your research, be clear about your goals, and be professional. Once you have a plan and know what you’re doing, you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect job in no time.
Looking for more ways to improve when applying for jobs online and tips for preparing for job interviews? Look at some of our other blog posts!