5 Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Job

By Kalandra Robinson

There is much more that comes with applying for a job than simply submitting a Cover Letter and a Résumé. Here are 5 of biggest mistakes employers have found when selecting potential candidates: Not researching the potential employer. Performing a simple research on the company you may find interesting will not only show what positions are available in the career section, but it will also reveal the specific type of people they are interested in. Employers look for specific ethics and professional understandings in people. Performing a research is not difficult. Simply visit their company website and briefly review each and every tab and link you can find. Take note of all their various locations, whether national or international. If the website has financial information, take a long glance at that. The financial information will give you a good idea of how much money they make and/or lose in a given period. This will help you learn how stable or unstable the company is. Review the company's Mission Statement. Determine what their ethic is, if they even have one. Employer's perform various types of research on potential employees; why not protect yourself as well.

Failing to accurately communicate your professional expectations is another area employer's have found employees are unable to do. Employer's hire to solve problems. It is very important that you are able to effectively communicate why you are the best candidate by clearly identifying your experience.

Interviews are the time to reflect your absolute best characteristics and professional attributes. Do not bring food to an interview; if you have eaten right before, make certain you are clean and show no signs of it. Do not bring cell phones; if you do, turn them off. Do not share irrelevant information during interviews and it is an absolute no-no to speak negatively about a past employer.

As mentioned earlier, it is very important that you are able to effectively communicate all your best professional efforts. Poor communication skills are high on the list of non-desirables for employers. Speak with confidence and demonstrate your expertise with grace. Speak high about who you are and why you are the best fit for the position. Practice an interview with family or friends, people you can trust and will be honest with you on areas you may need to improve on.
Don’t be afraid of showing enthusiasm. Along with professionalism and a clear ability to perform the job, employers look for people that are enthusiastic and upbeat.

Whatever phone number you leave as a contact, make sure the voice mail message is professional. There are many people that have 1 cell phone that is used for their home and entertainment purpose. Nevertheless, be sure the voice mail message is professional. Use a professional email address if you leave one, also for contact. An email address with your name attached is professional. Use professional providers.

Kalandra Robinson writes articles and ebooks on subjects including Employment and Careers, Motivational and Self-help, and Credit Management. Visit http://www.robinwords.com