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Common Job Search Mistakes And How To Fix Them: Job Applications And Networking
This series, Common Job Search Mistakes And How To Fix Them’ will share my best advice to answer FAQs we see at Allora during each stage of the job process. Read each blog in the series to get a good understanding of the do’s and don’ts throughout the whole journey, or skip ahead to ones that match where you’re at in your job search process – whatever works for you!
If you’ve been thinking about your job search for a while, it’s possible that you’ve already been thinking about your non-negotiables, preferences, and the types of roles you’re interested in. If you haven’t thought about it yet and need some guidance on how to start that thought process, check out my blog series Finding Your Authentic Path which can help you get started.
What To Do During The Application Process:
- Before you apply for a job
- Update your resume
- You can alternate versions if you are applying to different roles
- Create a cover letter template
- Update your resume
- After you apply for a job
- Check your network for referrals and introductions
- Send follow up messages after your first request for referrals or introductions
- Find a sample follow up schedule and tips on how to find referrals and introductions here:
The Allora Job Search System For Applications & Networking That Gets Results
Updating your resume
If your resume hasn’t been updated since 3 jobs ago, or with your current job then it’s time to give it some attention. Make sure your bullet points highlight the impact of your work and accomplishments that match the target job and include any metrics, data points or business outcomes that demonstrate success.
Use the bullet points to emphasize the experience that is relevant to the qualifications listed in the job description by moving them to the top of that work experience section. This will keep your resume as readable as possible (in recruiter speak – skimmable) and will help qualify your experience efficiently and effectively for the interview.
Common mistakes we see with resumes include:
- Incorrect or missing contact information
- Uploading an old resume
- Inappropriate file type (ex .jpg, .png)
- Applying to too many open roles at a company across multiple departments that are clearly not a match for your resume
First impressions matter. The waiting period post-rejection at tech companies (the time period where you have to wait before you can reapply) can range anywhere from 3 months to 1 year. Each company has their own policy and some only apply the waiting period if a candidate was interviewed. Sometimes the timing or the role may not be right once you’re in the interview process, but you want to know if you have the option to apply again and when.
Applying to too many jobs is not helpful if it’s multiple applications to the same company. A common mistake we see is an applicant who REALLY wants to work for a company, so they apply for several open jobs listed on the careers page and too many of these jobs are obviously not a match for their resume or CV. Use your best judgment when applying. Spamming a company’s inbox is a quick way to be blocked from future consideration.
Create a cover letter template
Cover letters are often not required but if you have a unique career path or pivot story, this may help you to translate your experience. Once you’ve created a strong template you can repurpose it for different roles and it allows you to move fast once you find roles that you’re excited about where cover letters are required.
Don’t forget to check your work and make sure your cover letter matches the company you’re applying to!
Check your network for referrals and introductions
The job market is competitive, especially if you are looking within the tech industry. A referral could be the difference between your resume standing out amongst hundreds of other applicants.
Common mistakes with networking for referrals or introductions:
- Asking too many contacts at the same time instead of planning an organized timeline
- Requesting referrals for a role not aligned with your skillset
- Requests that are too general and don’t give the person something they can forward on your behalf that will impress the next person who reads it
Network with intention. Your referral request should be for a role that matches your skill set and includes a clear example of your experience that qualifies you for the job. Don’t spam all your contacts at the company – choose one or two people to reach out to. If you have friends working at the companies you are interested in joining, especially if they are people you know who have been moving up the ladder, these are the referrals you want. This especially includes past managers or colleagues you had a strong relationship with. Referrals have increased visibility for hiring teams, and sometimes are able to receive preferential treatment including expedited interviews.
We have more information on networking best practices in our blog Prioritizing Your Job Search Networking For Better Results & More Interviews.
Curious about how to ace the interview process and get a job offer?
My next blog in this series explores common mistakes during interviews.
My next blog in this series explores common mistakes during interviews.
Need personalized support with your job search?
Book a free consultation with me or one of our Allora coaches today and learn more about our experience at alloracollective.com/team
Chez Jennings
Chez helps people level up their careers. She is passionate about lowering barriers for job seekers to break into tech and accelerating their career growth. Her agency and recruiting expertise in tech spans across the US and Canada. Chez is a recruiter turned founder. As a coach, she manages careers, and as a founder, she strengthens the voice of her community.
