Today we have a guest post from Angelina Jennifer at Consolidated Credit Counseling Services.
Entering the corporate world after completing your graduation can be a challenging task. While applying for jobs, even graduates with good grades can make common mistakes. Since employers want applicants who fulfill their requirements their way, it is essential to follow some corporate rules and avoid job application mistakes. Some of the mistakes you should avoid while applying for jobs are the following:
1. Less Research Work
Fresh graduates often do not have the idea of how important it is to conduct ample research about the company and the position they have applied for. An employer will likely reject a candidate if he asks him why he is interested to work in that organization and why the company should hire him but the candidate’s answer is not clear. Therefore, it is important to know about the company and the position prior to your job interview.
2. Being Over-Confident
Although having trust in oneself counts a lot while applying for jobs, you should keep in mind that overestimating your capabilities or being over-confident can ruin your interview. Employers are more concerned with how you are going to contribute positively in their company in terms of maximizing profits. So, tell them about your relevant job skills in a professional manner rather than being over-confident.
3. Negative Attitude towards a Job
Most graduates cannot make it to their best because they feel nervous in the job interview. This results in forming a negative attitude towards a job. If you create a perception on your own that the job seems too difficult for you, then you will most probably miss the chance of being selected for that job. This is because employers can easily detect your nervousness. In the tough economic conditions today, it is important to believe that you can do a job well.
4. Revealing Financial Issues
It is irrelevant to discuss the salary before the interviewers have asked you about it or whether you have some financial problems. If they have not asked you about your salary expectations, then it clearly indicates that either they want to ask you some more questions to assess you or they are not so interested in hiring you. Whatever the case is, always make sure they are the first ones to start discussions about the salary.
5. Neglecting Specific Requests
Some graduates take employers’ specific requests for granted. However, companies mention the requirements of job interview in the interview schedule so that they can assess how many applicants have actually followed their specific instructions. Failure to do this can result in immediate rejection.
6. Being Late for an Interview
Not reaching the venue on time and coming late for an interview can create a negative impression about you on the interviewers. Since punctuality is one of the core values of most organizations, interviewers can assess you negatively on that. Therefore, it is advised to reach the venue of interview at least ten minutes before the interview.
7. Failure to Bring Complete Documents
When you start your job search and get interview calls, some companies will ask you to bring documents of your academic records and voluntary experience with you. Failure to do so can result in immediate disqualification. In order to ensure you have everything with you, make a list of all the necessary documents in advance. While leaving for the interview, check that list.
8. Absence of a Backup Plan
Graduates who do not get prepared for unexpected questions have low probability of getting shortlisted for the final interview. Therefore, always keep a backup plan with you. If the interviewer offers you low salary, say yes to it if you are going through a financial crisis. If you are struggling with debt, research debt relief options and strategies.
9. Relying Only On Grades
Job seekers who have graduated with excellent grades think that this is all a company will want from them. However, assuming this is a major mistake. Grades are not what employers actually want. Rather than relying on your good grades, focus on your capabilities. Prepare yourself for what you are going to say in your interview. Think of what you will say about putting maximum efforts in the job to convince the employer to consider hiring you.
10. Making False Claims about Your Skills
One of the main reasons for not qualifying for a particular job is that some graduates make false claims in their resume as well as interview. Obviously, this is not going to offer you a job. Therefore, be as real as you can.
8 comments
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Daisy @ Add Vodka
August 20, 2012 at 9:39 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I would also say not researching the company. They want to know that you want to work for them, and nothing says lazy more than if you are asking questions that you could have easily found out with a little research.
Justin
August 20, 2012 at 11:14 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This is true, especially when it’s a large company. I work for a publicly traded company, so I made sure to skim their latest annual report before my interview.
Modest Money
August 20, 2012 at 10:44 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Trying to find that first job after graduating can be rather difficult. Usually those are your first real interviews and you aren’t really sure what to expect. These days there are all kinds of sample interview questions online that can help get you prepared. So you really don’t have an excuse to be unprepared.
Justin
August 20, 2012 at 11:16 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I know when I was in college and interviewing for jobs, some of them were a little rough. I remember one that I was just really unprepared for, and I understandably didn’t get that job. But I learned a lot about the interview process from the experience.
Lynne
August 20, 2012 at 11:56 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I really agree in everything you said here. Fresh graduates should only apply to the company and position they really like. Doing some research about the company will help a lot to show to the interviewer how prepared and interested you are.
Justin
August 24, 2012 at 12:30 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Exactly. And often times the necessary research doesn’t even take that long to do. It’s just a little something that shows the interviewer that you’re willing to put in a little work.
Holly@ClubThrifty
August 21, 2012 at 7:18 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
And don’t drop off your resume in pajamas or work out clothes. Although we work in a professional office, it happens all the time!
Justin
August 24, 2012 at 12:32 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ha, some people just don’t get it. I work at a bank with a very professional, conservative dress code, and I’ve seen people arrive for interviews in jeans and a polo. That’s a far cry from pajamas, but still…