10 Job Application Mistakes That Could Be Costing You the Job

10 Job Application Mistakes That Could Be Costing You the Job (and How to Fix Them)

Applying for a job is a big step, and sometimes even small mistakes can stand in the way of getting an interview. Knowing what to watch out for can make your application much stronger, improving your chances of moving forward.

Here are 10 of the most common job application mistakes and break down how to fix them.

10 Job Application Mistakes Costing you the Job

1. Typos and Grammar Errors
2. Using a Generic Resume or Cover Letter
3. Misaligned Job Titles or Descriptions
4. Ignoring Keywords
5. Not Following Instructions in the Job Posting
6. Leaving Gaps in Employment History Unexplained
7. Submitting an Unprofessional Email Address
8. Neglecting to Highlight Achievements
9. Applying Without Researching the Company
10. Forgetting to Follow Up

Here is a detailed breakdown

1. Typos and Grammar Errors

Mistake: typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.

Imagine a hiring manager reads your resume and sees, “I’m great with detials and oragnization.” Typos and grammar mistakes make it look like you rushed through the application or didn’t care enough to review it carefully. They also suggest a lack of attention to detail, which most jobs require.

How to Avoid It:

• Proofread Carefully: Read your resume, cover letter, and any other parts of your application slowly, focusing on each word. Reading it out loud is a great trick to catch small errors that your eyes might miss when you read silently.
• Use Tools: Grammar-checking tools like Grammarly or Hemingway can point out mistakes and suggest corrections. However, don’t rely on them entirely—double-check everything manually, too.

If you wrote, “I managed a team of 10 emplyoees,” revise it to say, “I managed a team of 10 employees.” Double-check even the smallest details to make sure your application looks polished and professional.

2. Using a Generic Resume or Cover Letter

Mistake: Sending the same resume and cover letter to every job you apply for.

Employers want to know that you’re interested in their job, not just any job. When they see a generic resume or cover letter, it suggests you’re taking a “one-size-fits-all” approach, which can make you seem less enthusiastic or even lazy.

How to Avoid It:

• Customize for Each Job: Review the job description and make sure your resume and cover letter match what they’re looking for. If the job asks for specific skills or experience, emphasize those. This shows the employer you’ve taken the time to think about why you’re a good fit.
• Highlight Relevant Skills: Mention skills or experiences in your resume that match the requirements of the job. This makes it easy for the employer to see that you meet their needs.

If you’re applying for a position that requires project management experience, highlight a project you managed successfully and describe how you kept the team organized and on schedule.

3. Misaligned Job Titles or Descriptions

Mistake: Copying job titles or responsibilities incorrectly from the job posting.

When you don’t get the job title or responsibilities correct, it can seem like you didn’t pay enough attention to the job listing. It’s a small detail, but employers notice these things and may question your attention to detail.

How to Avoid It:

• Double-Check Job Titles and Descriptions: Before you submit, compare your application with the job posting to make sure you’ve got all the details right.
• Use Their Language: Use terms and descriptions that match what the employer uses in their posting. This not only helps with accuracy but also helps applicant tracking systems (ATS) pick up on your application.

If the position is listed as “Customer Success Manager,” don’t refer to it as “Customer Service Manager” or “Client Success Manager” in your resume or cover letter. Using the exact title shows you’re paying close attention.

4. Ignoring Keywords

Mistake: Not including keywords from the job description.

Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes for certain keywords. If your resume doesn’t contain the right keywords, the ATS might filter it out before a human ever sees it. Using keywords also helps highlight that you have the skills and experience they’re specifically asking for.

How to Avoid It:

• Use Keywords from the Job Description: Look closely at the job description and pick out important words, like specific skills, tools, or experience requirements. Use these words naturally in your resume.
• Focus on Relevant Skills: If the job mentions teamwork and leadership, make sure you include examples of your experience in those areas.

Example: If the job posting emphasizes “project management” and “time management skills,” include those exact phrases in your resume. For instance, you might say, “Proven project management and time management skills from leading a team of 8 in a fast-paced environment.”

5. Not Following Instructions in the Job Posting

Mistake: Overlooking specific instructions in the job listing, such as submitting a resume in PDF format or using a certain subject line in your email.

Employers include instructions to see who’s paying attention. Failing to follow these steps can suggest you either didn’t read carefully or don’t follow directions well.

How to Avoid It:

• Read the Instructions Carefully: Take a few minutes to read over the instructions in the job listing and make sure you’re following every step.
• Check Your Application: Double-check that you’ve met all the requirements before you hit “submit.”

Example: If the job listing says to include your cover letter as a separate attachment, don’t paste it into the email. Following these small details shows respect for the employer’s process.

6. Leaving Gaps in Employment History Unexplained

Mistake: Having gaps in your resume without providing an explanation.

Employers may wonder why you took time off or if there’s something you’re trying to hide.

How to Avoid It:

• Briefly Explain Gaps: If you have a gap in your employment history, add a short note explaining why. Whether it was for education, family responsibilities, or personal reasons, give a simple explanation.
• Use Your Cover Letter: You can also address employment gaps in your cover letter if they’re relevant to the role.

Instead of leaving a two-year gap, add a line like “Career Break for Full-Time Parenting (2020–2022)” or “Attended Full-Time Coding Bootcamp (2021–2022).”

7. Submitting an Unprofessional Email Address

Mistake: Using an unprofessional or playful email address, like “nickname1998@email.com.”

Your email address is one of the first things employers see. A professional address makes a better first impression.

How to Avoid It:

• Use Your Name: Try an email address with your full name or a professional variation, like “john.smith@email.com.”
• Create a New Email if Necessary: If your current email isn’t suitable, make a new one for job applications.

Example: Swap “cooldude1995@email.com” for something like “john.smith@email.com.”

8. Neglecting to Highlight Achievements

Mistake: Listing responsibilities without mentioning achievements or results.

Why It Matters: Employers want to know not just what you did but how well you did it. Achievements show the impact you had in previous roles.

How to Avoid It:

• Focus on Results: Instead of only listing duties, add achievements that show how you excelled.
• Quantify Success: Use numbers to back up your achievements when possible.

Example: Instead of “Managed sales team,” write “Managed a sales team and increased sales by 20% over one year.”

9. Applying Without Researching the Company

Mistake: Not doing any research about the company before applying.

Employers appreciate candidates who take the time to understand their company’s mission and values. Knowing the company also helps you tailor your application and show that you’re genuinely interested.

How to Avoid It:

• Read the Company’s Website: Check their mission statement, recent news, and products or services.
• Mention Specifics: When possible, mention something specific about the company in your cover letter to show you’ve done your research.

Example: Instead of a generic “I’m interested in your company,” write “I admire how [Company Name] focuses on sustainability, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to your goals.”

10. Forgetting to Follow Up

Mistake: Not sending a follow-up email after applying or interviewing.

Following up shows interest and can help keep you top of mind with the hiring manager. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference.

How to Avoid It:

• Send a Thank-You Note After Interviews: Thank the interviewer for their time and briefly restate your interest.
• Follow Up on Applications: If you haven’t heard back after a week or two, it’s okay to send a polite email checking in on your application status.

Example: After an interview, email something like, “Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Position]. I’m excited about the possibility of joining [Company] and contributing to your team.”

Avoiding these ten common mistakes can improve your chances of landing that job interview. Take your time, review everything carefully, and show the employer why you’re the right person for the role.