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With all the tasks today's job seeker must attend to, it is easy to let a mistake or two fall through the cracks. But if the oversight happens to catch the eye of an interested employer, the company may quickly lose interest in the candidate and toss the entire application in the garbage can. So what can job seekers to do avoid such an unfortunate fate?

Fix Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammatical Errors on the Resume

The number one error employers look for is spelling or grammar oversights on both the resume and cover letter. Job seekers should always run the word processor's spellchecker to ensure spelling accuracy. Proper grammar and punctuation is important as well; mistakes such as run-on sentences, misplaced apostrophes, and improper use of capitalization can make the candidate appear uneducated and unqualified.

If the candidate lacks confidence in his or her writing skills, it may be wise to consult an editor or professional resume writer. This way, spelling and grammar problems on the person's job application can be avoided, thus increasing the chances of being called in for an interview.

Lying on the Resume

If the employer suspects the candidate has inflated his or her resume or has outright lied about skills and job experience, it is a surefire guarantee the job application will be tossed in the trash can. Job seekers should highlight relevant experience but never lie just to get the job.

Mistakes Made During a Phone Interview

During phone interviews, candidates typically tend to be more laid back. This can be a big mistake. A more casual tone translates into the employer thinking the job seeker is a slacker. The job applicant should always stand up and walk around during the phone interview to ensure a proactive, confident tone of voice. Furthermore, the candidate should answer "yes" when appropriate rather than getting off topic or going on tangents. Telling the employer more than they need to know may result in the application being tossed in the trash.

Mistakes Made During In-Person Interview

Like the phone interview, the candidate should never be too casual during an in-person interview. Dress code should generally be business casual depending on the company. For example, executives and government employees typically are formal while many technology companies are business casual. Other mistakes include

* exhibiting poor body language that says, "I'm bored," "I don't like that question," or, "I'm not a team player" (e.g., looking at watch or eye-rolling)

* asking the interviewer about salary and vacation time
* taking mobile phone calls or texts during an interview (turn the phone OFF before entering the room)

The job search can be a time-consuming, confusing process. However, avoiding mistakes in the person's resume and cover letter, overstatements in skills and experience, oversights made during a phone interview, and mistakes made in the in-person interview will increase the chances the candidate will land the job.

Learn more about this author, Daniel J. Gansle.
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