Kofitable › Snapshots › Mistakes you cannot afford to commit

Nonspecific generic resume

This is one of the most common mistakes that jobseekers make all the time. Even if your resume logically showcases your core-expertise, when you apply for jobs in diverse industries, customising it to suit the specific requirements of the job is a necessity. Don't take the easy way out and send-out the same generic resume to employers in different sectors. Find a way to put that on paper by personalising it to meet diverse employers' requirements.
Skipping the Cover Letter

Your resume gives the complete list of your accomplishments that makes it easier for an employer to pick you from a database of equally qualified jobseekers. However it is your cover letter that gives a gist of why you'd make the best hire for the position. So draft one that gives out your qualifications, experiences and projects you impressively amongst your target employers.
Neglecting interview preparation

Nothing irks an employer more than a candidate who walks-in for the interview unprepared. Never walk-in without doing your own bit of research about the company, the job profile and pieces of information that is crucial for you being hired.
Inappropriate attire

You might feel comfortable wearing something but that doesn't necessarily make it appropriate office attire. Women should make it a point to avoid too much skin-show, make-up and unnecessary accessories. As for men co-ordinate your clothes well, don't pick anything that is too loud, tight, loose, mismatched or too casual. Sneakers, flip-flops, crocs are a big no-no and so are the too strong deodorants.
Unethical behaviour

You're being interviewed, so if your phone rings, keep the conversation short, and tell the caller you'll call back later. Putting your phone on silent mode would be a better option. Also make sure to never be rude, bad-mouth your old employers, lie about your employment history. Try to be your politest best, cordial and more responsive to ideas. Even non-verbal communication can send-out the wrong signals, if you don't know how, ask around, read about body-language and soft skills and practice communicating professionally.
Lack of interest

The last thing an employer wants is a candidate who has no interest or passion towards the job. When employees seem unconcerned about the organisation's goals and responsibilities, it will only spiral down to greater damage for the business. Ask relevant questions; be curious to know how things work there. If an employer feels that you're not really excited to be part of the team, it can only make you lose the chance of being hired.
Unclear Goals

You might not know what your future entails, but that doesn't mean you should not have aspirations. Though you don't have to tell a prospective employer everything about what you want to achieve, at least when you are asked where you think you'll be ten years down the line, have a ready answer. Being unclear about where you are heading and why you are looking to take up a position can make you come across as a person who has not much of an aim in life.
Uncertain of your own capabilities

You're a brand that an employer is hiring to meet their specific needs. You obviously have something to offer that they are in need of, but are you sure what that is?. Accept it or not you're a commodity too, albeit one that has exceptional capabilities. So find out what that is and make your pitch based on that.
Bad follow-up

Even if you badly need the job don't go around hounding the employer. On the other hand if you haven't heard from a prospective employer even after you thought you did quite well in the interview, try getting touch. Just remember not to ask questions about the delay or go about telling how you already have an offer and want to take it up. Find out how long you would have to wait and then take your decision.
Unresponsive references

So you've got an ex-colleague or boss who'd give you a reference. Good but have you really checked with them and informed that you'll be mentioning their names and there is a chance of them being called for giving one? You give a reference, it better be genuine. Do your own checks before you start passing around numbers.

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Mistakes you cannot afford to commit

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