By Lorraine Wilson, Co-Founder Keyba Careers
We know job searching isn’t easy. It can feel overwhelming, frustrating, and at times, exhausting – especially when you’re putting yourself out there and not hearing anything back. If you’re currently applying for jobs (or thinking about it), this blog is for you.
Below are three common mistakes we see job seekers and young people make when applying for a job, and more importantly, what you can do instead to give yourself a better chance
1. Don’t apply for 100s of jobs and hope for the best
If you’re applying for hundreds of jobs and wondering why you’re not hearing back from anyone, this could be the reason. Sending your resume to every job you come across without much thought is a big no-no – and employers can spot it a mile away.
When business owners or recruiters look at applications, one of the first things they ask themselves is:
- Does this person have the skills we’re looking for?
- Why are they applying for this role?
- Why do they want to work here?
If your application doesn’t clearly answer those questions and anything else specifically requested in the job ad, it will likely go in the ‘no’ pile.
Here’s the thing: putting together a strong job application takes a lot of time and effort. If you’re just thinking ‘I need a job’ and sending off your resume to random job vacancies without putting the effort into your application, chances are you won’t get very far.
Instead, be more strategic with your job search and apply for roles that align with you, your values, interests and the direction you want your career to go.
2. Don’t apply for jobs you’re not passionate about
This one’s really important.
Even if you’re feeling desperate to find work, applying for jobs you have no real interest in usually doesn’t work out for you or the employer. Forcing yourself into a role that doesn’t suit you often leads to disengagement, frustration, and eventually, starting the job search all over again.
Employers look for people who are interested in the role or the industry. They want their staff to enjoy what they do, to contribute, and have a positive mindset to support the goals of the business.
When you enjoy what you do and feel curious and motivated, it shows. Your passion comes through in your application, your interview, and how you show up at work.
Explain to your potential employer why you are interested in the role. Employers won’t be satisfied with a candidate saying, “I just need a job”. They want to ensure they have the right people on their team who want to be there.
Take some time to explore your passions and industries you’d love to work in, and the type of work that suits your personality and strengths. Once you have a strong understanding of your job preferences, make a shortlist of job ads that you want to apply for. Quality always beats quantity when it comes to job applications.
3. Don’t send a generic cover letter
Using the same cover letter for every job application is obvious and off-putting to employers. Trust us – we can tell!
A generic cover letter says, “I didn’t really read the job ad” or “I’m just applying for anything”. That’s not the impression you want to make.
Instead, go to the effort of creating a tailored letter specifically for the job you’re applying to.
Yes, this will require more work for you! However, customising your cover letter is what will help you stand out from the crowd, elevating your application from other candidates applying for the same job. It demonstrates to your potential employer that you’ve taken the time to read the ad thoroughly, you’re serious about the position, and you’re not going to waste their time.
The cover letter is your chance to explain why this role interests you, highlight your relevant skills, experience, passion, and reasons for applying.
Finding the right job takes commitment, and unfortunately, can take time. It’s not always quick or easy, but putting in the effort now can make a huge difference to your confidence, your career, and your future.
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure where to start, we can help. Keyba Careers offers practical online courses designed to help you become job-ready, build confidence, and find the job that’s right for you!
👉 You’ve got this! Take the first step toward a career you love.
For Educators
We’re passionate about helping students develop job-readiness skills and make informed career decisions. Our workshops and resources bring real-world insights into the classroom. Contact us to learn more.
