13 May 2021

Ah yes, you’re about to write your first post-school resume or go for your first interview and you want to sound professional, like you’ve had that 5 years prior experience like all those jobs advertise for? 

It’s really not fair, innit. Mentioning your superior and exceptional skills in Microsoft Excel or Adobe Photoshop (that you may have no idea how to use) or interests such as walks on the beach or reading (defs not my thing) may just set you back - so have a squiz at the below for some red hot tips on what NOT to do when applying for jobs.

 

Write about irrelevant job experience

If you’re looking at a position as an undergraduate law student but then specify that you worked the drive-thru booth at McDonald’s 4 years ago, it may suggest that you do not have a lot of experience in the field. If it’s not crucial and relevant to the job you’re applying for, scratch it - only mention your skills and qualifications that are significant to the position, e.g. internships, placement, similar courses/certificates, volunteering - employers value seeing any industry work!

Too much information

To carry on from the above, you may want to include everything on your resume or speak your employers ear off in the interview but the truth is - keep it short and simple! Employers go through hundreds of resumes a day, so focus on the skills that make you a great candidate and stand out amongst the rest.

Giving unnecessary personal info

Alright, here it is - employers rarely care about where you’re from or how old you are, so if it is not relevant to the job, do not specify it. This information could potentially disadvantage your chances. Unless your religious beliefs, family situation or what side of politics you’re on is directly related to the position you’re applying for, I’d suggest leaving them out this time.

Being flowery and fluff with your language

I know you want to make the best first impression possible but using words like “outstanding”, “interesting” or “excellent” to talk up your skills or results may come across as… a bit of a distraction? Get straight to the point and stick to the facts. Also avoid referring to first-person language e.g. I, we, me. The employer knows the resume is all about you so use action words/verbs to describe your achievements!

Not doing your research

It’s a rookie move, really. If you do not have a geeze at how your potential future employer operates or what their purpose is as a company, you may as well say goodbye to your opportunity. 

Have a quick Google search, check out who their competitors are, look at reviews from previous employees, check out their ‘About Us’ page, literally any info to get a grasp on what they do + see where you fit into and how you benefit their business!

Having poor body language + active listening

I think this comes as a given but it’s probably the most forgotten one, especially when you’re in the spotlight answering 21 questions. Make sure to keep engaged in eye contact, keep a good posture, a positive and cheerful tone and answer directly + avoid going on tangents where possible! I am a fiend for taking forever to get to the point and explain 5 stories along the way, so make note NOT to do this.

On the contrary, if you're keen on more tips for nailing down your dream job, suss out the How To Land Any And Every Job webinar on May 17 and Sung Ho Lee's The Job Hunt: Tips & Tricks webinar on May 18 at the Year13 Expo this year!

RSVP + attend and you could be in the running to win a cheeky $10,000 scholarship to put towards future study, work or travel.