Seven of the worst pieces of advice you could give to a jobseeker

Seven of the worst pieces of advice you could give to a jobseeker by Amber Rolfe Unfortunately, not all jobseeking advice is actually going to help you… Whether it’s coming from a friend, family member, or online â€" some (unintentionally) misleading tips will do anything but help you get hired. In fact, following them could be the reason you miss out on your dream position.To help you understand what you shouldn’t do, here are seven of the worst pieces of advice you could give to a jobseeker:  1. ‘You don’t need a cover letter’ No matter what you hear, you should never neglect your cover letter.Because although it might seem like a CV is enough for an employer to gauge your suitability, a cover letter is where you have the opportunity to actually sell your skills and put them into context. So why wouldn’t an employer read it?Additionally, if you’re up against a number of similar candidates, your cover letter could be what sets you apart from the competition.And if no one reads it? You won’t lose any points by submitting one, which is something that can’t be said if the tables were turned.How to write a cover letterFree cover letter template  2. ‘Just apply for as many jobs as possible’It might seem like that job hunting is a ‘the more you put in the more you get out’ kind of gig, but ‘more’ doesn’t necessarily refer to actual numbers (you know, unless you’re an Accountant).In fact, employers are far more likely to be impressed by carefully tailored applications that relate back to their role and company, than someone who submits the same CV and cover letter to every job.Because not only does this compromise the effort you’re able to put into each one, it also means you might be applying for roles that aren’t actually suitable.So step away from the ‘apply’ button, and spend more time on searching for the right roles, doing your research, and tailoring your application.Job search: Dos and don’tsSix ways to make your CV stand out from the crowd  3. ‘Your CV should include everything you’ve ever done’Newsflash: your CV isn’t an autobiography.Although it should include aspects about yourself (e.g. your skills, education, and work experience), you should only cover what’s relevant to the role. This means cutting out the extras, and focusing on what the employer is really looking for.How? Read the job description thoroughly, and adapt your CV in line with the organisation’s requirements â€" whilst also ensuring it doesn’t run over two pages.That way, a recruiter will be able to see if you’re suitable, without having to wade through pages of irrelevant information.Which parts of my education should I include in my CV?Should I include hobbies and interests in my CV?How to write a CV  4. ‘Lie’Exaggerating on your CV or cover letter is a risky game.It might feel like a great way to stand out from the crowd and enhance your application, but at what cost?Well, aside from causing a potential awkward moment when you’re asked to discuss said white lie at the interview you could also be caught red-handed if you’re hired and can’t follow through with your claims.After all, probationary periods are a thing; and employers aren’t afraid to use them.Eight myths about CVs  5. ‘Just wing it’OK, so you don’t have to turn up at an interview with a set script. But you should always prepare for the different types of questions that might come up.After all, interviews are designed to make you think on your feet and assess your personality which isn’t going to be easy if you’re flustered and completely unprepared.Instead, pick out your most relevant skills and experience, and think of real examples that you can use to back them up. And always ensure you have a look at a few sample questions before the big day.That way, you won’t be under pressure to think of something on the spot â€" meaning you can keep all ‘ums’ and ‘errs’ to a minimum.Common interview questions and answersFive interview questions you sh ould stop being scared of  6. ‘Big yourself up’So, to a certain extent, job hunting is about you. But it’s not all about you.In fact, the purpose of an employer recruiting for new staff is to solve a problem or gap they currently have in their business. This means that your pitch should aim to solve their problem; not yours.So before you talk about how much you want the job, ask yourself: what skills could you bring to the business? How does your experience prove you’d be good at the role? And most importantly, do you actually know what they’re looking for?Thorough research is key if you want to stand out to an employer, and knowing about their business and the role they’re hiring for is a great way to demonstrate that.In other words, bigging yourself up is fine (just as long as you make sure you big them up too).  7. ‘Something will turn up’If you haven’t heard back from a recruiter, it’s easy to become disheartened.What you shouldn’t do, however, is become co mplacent. That doesn’t necessarily mean you should apply for another hundred roles and random. But adopting a ‘plenty more fish in the sea’ attitude will only be successful if you put in the legwork.This means continuing to search for relevant roles, tweak your CV, and tailor it to every position you apply for. And it also means learning from any mistakes you might have made in the past â€" something which you can do by asking recruiters for their feedback.Even if you don’t want to talk on the phone, following up after every application or interview to thank them for their time and ask how to improve could be just the thing to lead to your next role.So stop waiting by the phone, and be productive. It’ll only increase your chances of success.Four ways to follow up after an applicationWhy haven’t they called? The importance of asking for feedback    Still searching for your perfect position? View all available jobs now