When applying for jobs after graduation, freshers are excited, motivated, and eager to do everything needed to land the perfect job of their dreams. But in this excitement, they often end up making a lot of mistakes, which can cost them dearly.
If you are a fresher, make sure you are not making the most common mistakes that the majority of freshers are guilty of. If you are, make sure you fix them now so that your chances of getting hired increase, and you leave a good impression on prospective employers, getting an edge on your competitors.
Mistakes to Avoid for Fresher Jobs After Graduation
There are a lot of mistakes that you as a fresher might be making when applying for jobs after graduation. Here are the most common ones:
No. 1: Applying for Every Job
It can be incredibly tempting to just hit ‘Apply’ on any job that remotely resembles a fit. But not reading the job description carefully would be a mistake many of you will make at first. Each job has different job specifications. Some jobs may require a good level of Excel knowledge, some jobs after graduation may require someone who enjoys communicating with customers, and some will require even basic programming knowledge!
Recruiters can tell if you have just sent in a generic application. It is aggressive, and it shows a total lack of effort and interest on your part. If you do somehow get into a position that you had no intention of being in, it's likely going to be one that does not fit any of your strengths or goals.
No. 2: Not Tweaking Your Resume
Many freshers use the same resume for every application for jobs after graduation. No modifications or, even worse, no summary section and sometimes no explicit career objective. In a sea of 100 resumes, how can yours possibly grab a recruiter's attention? Most times, companies are implementing ATSs, which scan resumes for keywords, etc. If your resume does not fit the specific job post, it may never even reach human eyes.
Make small modifications for every job you apply to. Make sure the summary and skills section match what is asked. If a job role demands problem-solving and teamwork skills, then make sure you mention them in your resume. If you have demonstrated them in the past, include them in the resume.
No. 3: Trying To Sound Too Smart In The Resume
Fancy fonts, three columns, and an overabundance of buzzwords. Are you doing all this in your resume when applying for jobs after graduation? It is easy to see how a fresher might overcomplicate their resume in an effort to make it cool or to seem impressive. The reality is, it ends up looking unprofessional.
Remember, recruiters will spend less than 10 seconds looking at your resume before they decide. If it is already overcomplicated and not clear, they will move on. Keep your resume simple. Use standard fonts. Try to be clear rather than creative. Avoid jargon unless you can relate to it personally. Let your accomplishments speak for themselves while searching for jobs after graduation.
No. 4: Not Adding a Cover Letter
Especially as a fresher, when you do not have much work experience, the cover letter allows you to have a voice. It allows you not just to mention the role you are applying for, but why you are applying and why you believe you would be a good fit for the best jobs after graduation.
No one else would have likely taken the time to include a cover letter, and a cover letter that is well written and clear can help you to distinguish yourself from other applicants' resumes that do not include a cover letter.
You do not need to write a book. Just mention why you are applying to the role, what skills or experiences you bring to the role, and what excites you about the opportunity. Show enthusiasm, naturally.
No. 5: Not Researching the Company
You found the job title, and within 10 seconds, you hit the ‘apply’ button. But when you get a call for an interview and have no idea what the company does, it becomes obvious. Employers are always looking for candidates who demonstrate a care for learning about a company’s culture, work, and values. Additionally, knowing about the company can help you assess if this role is actually suitable for you. Spend at least 10-15 minutes reading about the company's services, vision, clientele, and news.
No. 6: Ignoring Soft Skills
Out of university, freshers tend to only focus on the technical knowledge or qualifications while submitting job applications. However, in many entry-level roles, employers see soft skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and time management as equally important. Companies want to hire people with the right attitude and then train them. If you can show the employer that you are a quick learner, consistent, and friendly to be around as a team member, then you are already ahead. Consider adding a soft skills section to your resume, along with supporting information relating to you.
Get Ahead With Concentrix
At Concentrix, we help freshers find the perfect jobs after graduation and get started on their careers. If working with the biggest brands in the world is your aspiration for roles like customer support advisor, content moderation expert, tech support advisor, foreign language advisor, risk management expert, KYC and AML expert, or insurance expert, then we have the right opportunities for you. Browse our website to find open positions and apply to the roles that match your skills and career goals. So what are you waiting for? Visit our website today.
Conclusion
Applying for a job is stressful enough, more so when you are a fresher. You want to make a good impression and try to look and sound smart in every way. Many times, you can end up making mistakes and not even realize it until it's too late. If you have been making any of the mistakes that we mentioned above, get ahead and correct them at the earliest to increase your chances of getting hired at a job that matches your dreams.
