Okay, job huntings. It’s, like, one of those necessary evils. You wanna be paid, live your life, maybe even love what you do—but oh boy, it can feel like walking through mud, blindfolded, with one shoe on. So let’s chat about what not to do, because trust me, we’ve all stumbled into these traps. Little heads-ups so you don’t face-plant.
Mistakes that Can Cost You the Job
1. Sending the exact same resume to everyone — lazy mode activated?
Remember that time you copy-pasted the same resume for three different jobs? Yeah, employers totally see that. You can’t just ghost-apply and hope it works. Tailor your resume for each application—highlight what matches the job, use keywords (ATS bots are lurking!), and drop the fluff. Every job has its own vibe, so let your resume vibe with it.
2. Keeping LinkedIn dusty—or worse, sketchy
Even if you haven’t logged in for months, LinkedIn is like your digital handshake. If your profile is incomplete, outdated, or worse, has a “partyanimal2005” email, you’re not exactly giving “I’m a serious professional” vibes. Polish that profile, update your pic, write a killer headline. And clean up any weird stuff lurking on socials—employers are checking.
3. Skipping networking like it’s optional
Online job boards are fine, but that’s, like, the tip of an iceberg. A ton of roles aren’t even posted—hidden jobs, referrals, whisper calls. If you ignore networking, you’re missing whole job-worlds. Reach out to people, ask for advice, go to meetups, slide into DMs (politely). Talking—not just applying—makes a real difference.
4. Not researching the company at all—walking in blind
“Oh yeah, I googled… something.” Noooo. You gotta get under the hood—what they do, what’s their vibe, who are they serving, what’s their culture? If you go interview-mode all “Tell me about yourself” without knowing squat about them, it shows. Do the research, so you can talk like you know them—instead of sounding like you just winged it.
5. Typos, cringe formatting, and overloaded resumes
Spelling mistakes? A surefire way to make someone cringe. Formatting that looks like ancient hieroglyphics? Please no. And please, don’t dump your life story. Keep it tight—1–2 pages max, bullet-friendly, with measurable results, not endless task lists. Employers skim. Don’t make their eyeballs bleed.
6. Overusing buzzwords and empty phrases
“Hard-working,” “detail-oriented,” “team player”… yawwwn. Those are the weeds everyone uses. Instead, show what you DID. Use action verbs: “led,” “delivered,” “improved this by 20%.” Show, don’t tell. It’s more real, more you.
7. Applying aimlessly (aka “spray and pray” or rage-applying)
Applying to a hundred jobs at once when you’re mildly annoyed with your current gig? That’s “rage-applying”—funny word, not a good tactic. You end up spreading yourself too thin and not investing in the things that matter. Focus on roles you care about, do your homework, make your application matter.
8. Leaving your references hanging
You list references like they’re your squad—but did you tell them that you did? No? That can blow up when that recruiter calls them outta the blue. Give them a heads-up, share the job you’re aiming for—let them prep. It makes a difference.
9. Jumping into interviews unprepared
Is your interview style: “uhh, I mean, I did stuff… yea.”? Not cutting it. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)—practice answers, prepare questions, test your tech if it’s online, be early, be real. And ask questions that show you care.
10. Relying too much on AI—losing your human edge
Yeah, ChatGPT can write a resume or cover letter. But if it looks like a robot wrote it? That’s not you talking. Generic, bland, emotionless. Employers are hungry for real tone, real voice. Let AI help with ideas—but make it yours. Also, lying on your resume? Big no. Seriously, clarity matters.
11. Ignoring mental health and chasing perfection
Job hunting can feel like an emotional roller coaster. Rejections sting. Staying sane matters. Don’t stop yourself by waiting for the “perfect job.” Be flexible, be kind to yourself, take breaks. Own that “I’m just human” vibe.
Real talk from people who’ve been there…
“One of the worst mistakes… not knowing their skills.”
“Get specific.”
“Tailoring your resume to that TYPE of job you want will help you get a job.”
…So, yep: knowing what you want and being clear? Makes a difference.
So, let’s wrap this up…Big takeaways, friend:
- Don’t be lazy. Tailor your stuff, make it personal.
- Be seen—LinkedIn, people chats, real convos.
- Clean up your resume like it’s your favorite outfit.
- Don’t just show up. Show you get them.
- Keep your sanity—not just your metrics.
Applying for a job doesn’t have to feel like you lost your soul. Keep it real. Keep it you. And trust me, the right one will notice all the little things.
