If you’ve just graduated and you’re dying to get hired immediately, make sure you avoid the following mistakes:
1. Copying and editing online resumes without further analyzing the document
It’s a mistake to obtain resumes online then to just edit certain parts without further review of your document. Online formats of resume can serve as your guide, but always remember that your resume must be designed for a certain job in a particular company or institution. All its contents should be relevant to the job you are applying for. So remove all unnecessary information because the resume you copied might contain data which are not needed at all for your preferred company.
You should also avoid submitting resumes consisting of many pages.
Try to make it just one page up to a maximum of two pages. Remember that a resume is a summary of your qualifications, while a curriculum vitae is a more detailed document of your qualifications.
Also, as new graduates, you should determine what should come first on your resume after your “Objective” or “Objectives.”
Don’t just copy other people’s resumes, especially if they are already working in companies for years. Since you’re fresh from college, the next section must be your “Educational Background.” This is because you still don’t have much experience. Your academic performance surely has a major impact on your resume. The next section right after that should be your “Work Experience.” You may place your on-the-job training or student assistantship if you applied for that while enrolled at your school. “Skills,” “Trainings and Seminars Attended” are also important segments of your document. Make sure you put all the skills you have. Remember that you’re “selling” yourself, so go ahead and include all the things you’re adept at.
But do you know that there are some sections on the resume which are not needed at all?
They are the “Personal Background” and “References.” You’ll tell your interviewer anyway about all the personal information they’ll need from you as an applicant. As for your references, you only have to write this line on that section: “References available upon request”. Just don’t forget to request the approval of your references beforehand. This way, the persons involved will have the time to build you up once your prospective employer calls them up to inquire about you. It’s also better if you can prepare a separate sheet of paper and place your references there. You may give that during your job interview. Just don’t forget to ask for permission so that you can safely provide your interviewer with your references’ contact numbers and email addresses.
2. Not reviewing the tone of application letter
An effective application or cover letter should be straight to the point yet polite. Letters have tones, right? Make yours respectful, friendly, eager to work and learn. Also, don’t forget that documents like your cover letter should be neat and error-free. It simply means that you have to review your grammar and determine if you have relayed your message effectively to the reader.
And as it appears friendly, your letter should also reveal that you’re confident without being conceited. At the same time, put across your desire to contribute to the company. Refrain from expressing the thought that you’re applying for your own personal gains only.
3. Not researching about the company or institution you are applying for
One of the mistakes of new graduates is not finding and learning about the company profile.
You have to check first the important details about the company. That will give you an edge over other applicants. You’ll be more confident during job interviews because you’ve gained enough knowledge about the company, and you’ll know better if you can contribute to the company’s goals and objectives.
4. Applying and accepting a job offer in haste
You may encounter a serious problem when you apply in haste and sign a job contract in haste too, just because you want to get hired at once.
You really have to make a quick observation on the company, including the officials and staff. If you feel that you like the environment, go ahead and grab the opportunity. But if you are having second thoughts from the very start, I think you should not decide at once to accept the job offer. It’s better to think it over first.
5. Thinking about getting a big salary for your first job
I know of course where you’re coming from. But gaining experience is the most vital thing during your first job. Yes, money is important when you’re expected to provide for your family. But then the training, as well as the experience, you’ll gain is far more important than the first compensation. Rest assured that you will be promoted and will obtain salary increase later on, when the management finds you to be an asset to the company.
