Top Mistakes That Get Your Application Tossed

Top Mistakes That Get Your Application Tossed Sometimes, the difference between a job application that makes an employer say, Wow! and one that makes an employer say, Whoaskip that one is a simple mistake that is easy to avoid. In a recent Daily Worth article, Natasha Burton looks at 9 common job application mistakes  that can cause that application to get tossed. Her list is: not following instructions applying for any position sloppy grammar outdated resume listing responsibilities instead of what you accomplished over-the-top resume passive voice too many skills unsolicited salary requirements inappropriate cover letter/email Pay Attention To The Details Every single item on this list could be avoided if the applicant is paying attention to detail. Its pretty easy to go into an automatic zone when you are submitting a lot of applications, but thats when the mistakes happen. Electronic job applications, for instance, are increasingly common and can put everything in the wrong box if you arent careful. Handwritten applications are still being used, and that means your handwriting has to be legible. Is it? Hard-to-read scrawls are one big reason a good candidate goes un-interviewed. Slow down and write clearly if you are asked to fill out an application by hand. Many times, it feels redundant to fill out an application when you have all that information on your resume. But often, an employer will use it to cross-check your information. Its a good idea to have a copy of your resume the updated one you submitted so that the details are easy to access. Nobody remembers all the little details of a job history without help, and why add stress to your life? Its easy to have your resume along and use that to fill in the application quickly. Probably, the most important mistake to avoid is not following instructions. If you have a tendency to skim quickly and assume you caught the gist, slow down and make sure you also catch the details that could change the way you do things.