Looking for a job can feel frustrating. You send out your CV, wait days (or weeks), and still don’t hear back. You start wondering: Is something wrong with me?
Most of the time, the problem isn’t you, it’s the small mistakes people make during the job-hunting process that cost them the chance.

The good news? These mistakes are easy to fix once you know what they are. Here’s a list of the most common ones, and what to do instead:

1. Sending the Same CV to Every Job

The mistake: You create one CV and send it to 50 different jobs, hoping one will stick.
Why it hurts: Employers can tell when your CV is too general. It looks like you didn’t bother reading the job ad.
What to do instead:

• Adjust your CV slightly for each job
• Add keywords from the job posting
• Mention the role in your email or message

Even a small effort makes a big difference.

2. Applying Without Reading the Job Description Properly

The mistake: You apply too quickly, without checking details like required skills, location, or work hours.
Why it hurts: You end up applying for things that don’t suit you, and waste both your time and the employer’s.
What to do instead:

• Read the ad carefully
• Only apply if the job makes sense for your current situation
• If in doubt, ask questions before applying
  
  

3. Writing Boring or Messy CVs

The mistake: Your CV has no clear structure, or it’s full of spelling mistakes and confusing language.
Why it hurts: First impressions matter. If your CV is sloppy, employers assume you’ll be the same at work.
What to do instead:

• Keep it short (1-2 pages max)
• Use simple formatting, bold headings, bullet points
• Get someone (like a career expert or your client) to review it before you send it out
  
  

4. Not Following Up After an Interview

The mistake: You do the interview and then go silent, hoping they’ll call back.
Why it hurts: You seem disinterested, even if you’re not. Employers often choose people who show enthusiasm.
What to do instead:

• Send a polite message 1-2 days later
• Thank them for their time
• Say you’re still interested in the role

It doesn’t have to be fancy, just enough to show that you care.

5. Being Overconfident or Too Casual in Interviews

The mistake: Acting like you already have the job, joking too much, or speaking without thinking.
Why it hurts: It comes off as unprofessional, like you’re not taking the job seriously.
What to do instead:

• Be friendly, but respectful
• Speak clearly, listen more
• If you don’t know something, say: “I haven’t done that before, but I’m open to learning.”

That honesty goes a long way.

6. Giving Up Too Soon

The mistake: After a few rejections, you stop applying.
Why it hurts: Job searching takes time. Even great candidates get rejected.
What to do instead:

• Keep applying, even if you’re tired
• Use every rejection as a lesson
• Ask someone experienced what you can improve

The more you apply and learn, the better your chances get.

7. Ignoring Help That’s Available

The mistake: You try to figure everything out on your own.
Why it hurts: You miss out on advice from people who’ve already helped others get jobs.
What to do instead:

• Reach out to career coaches, job placement services, or mentors
• Ask them to review your CV, guide your interview prep, and suggest real openings

This is exactly where your client’s work becomes life-changing.

Final Thoughts: Small Fixes, Big Results

You don’t need to be perfect to get hired. You just need to avoid the small mistakes that push your name to the bottom of the list.

If you take these tips seriously, you’ll stand out from most other applicants, even with no experience. So fix your CV, show up prepared, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Your next job might be one application away.