by Vilie Farah

Created on: January 12, 2010   Last Updated: February 15, 2010

Each candidate for an available job positions wishes to stand out and make an impression. Getting your job application noticed can be a challenging task, especially in the face of severe competition.

Sometimes, a job application will never make it any further than the office shredder. Applicants troubled by the lack of knowledge or confusion may commit mistakes that will determine the fate of their candidacy.

Applying for a job has its specifics and a set of rules that should be followed. Honesty, brevity and confidence in professional skills are of key importance when trying to impress a potential employer. Avoid these common mistakes that people applying for a job usually make.

* Grammar and spelling *
Before submitting a job application double check for grammar and spelling mistakes. This is one of the top reasons for employers to turn down an applicant.

Overlooking such mistakes is a demonstration of sloppiness and lack of serious attitude towards the application. They reveal that you did not care enough to check the information you provided.

Selecting illegible and ornamented fonts is another reason for applications to be turned down. The information should be readily accessible and easy to read. No potential employer will bother deciphering a job application, even if the applicant is the best candidate for the position available.

* Incomplete application *
Your job application should answer all questions that an employer has. The failure to answer some questions, weather intentionally or by mistake, is a serious reason for your application to be turned down.

Be sure to include information on your educational background, experience and additional qualifications. When answering, be honest and keep it straight to the point. The manner in which you answer questions should be a reflection of your personality – confident, professional and punctual.

The biggest mistake that you can make is to avoid providing information that has been specifically demanded. If an employer has placed a specific demand it is there for a purpose. Find a way to answer, even if the question makes you feel uncomfortable.

* Irrelevant information *
Having experience in many sectors will naturally make you want to include all of it in your job application. Consider twice before doing that. Employers are usually busy and nobody will bother reading a 12-page job application.

When you are applying for a specific position, you need to provide relevant information. Never submit a uniform application

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