Looking for a new job? Then you might want to hit pause before firing off your 200th application. Fast Company’s article “6 Big Mistakes Job Seekers Commonly Make” breaks down the most common blunders people make when they're desperate to land that next role — and some of them may surprise you. From carpet-bombing your résumé across the internet to sending the same cookie-cutter CV to every employer, these mistakes can tank your chances before you even land an interview. In today's tight job market, especially for coveted six-figure positions, quality truly beats quantity. As one expert quoted in the article warns: “Applying for too many jobs can actually hurt you.” So before you hit “Submit” on ten more job posts, listen up — because a smarter, more strategic approach could make all the difference.

Here are the six biggest job search mistakes to avoid:

🔹 1. Applying for Too Many Jobs

• It seems productive, but flooding the job market with hundreds of apps isn’t effective.
• Stats show job seekers who apply to 21–80 jobs have a 30% chance of getting hired, while those who apply to more than 81 drop to 20%.

🔹 2. Not Customizing Your Résumé

• Generic résumés are a huge red flag to employers.
• Tailor each résumé to highlight how your skills match that exact role. For example, say “led a supply chain team” not “optimized supply chain processes” if you're applying for a leadership position.

🔹 3. Ignoring the Power of the Cover Letter

• Many skip it—don’t. A customized cover letter shows effort and connects your experience to the job.
• Hiring managers still read them, especially in competitive, high-paying roles.

🔹 4. Targeting Roles You're Not Qualified For

• Ambition is good, but reaching too far wastes time.
• Algorithms and recruiters will skip résumés that clearly don’t align with job requirements.

🔹 5. Poor Interview Preparation

• Not researching the company or rehearsing your pitch can derail even the most qualified candidate.
• Prep talking points that align your experience with the company’s mission and pain points.

🔹 6. Not Following Up After the Interview

• A thank-you email isn’t just polite — it’s a strategic move.
• It keeps you top-of-mind and shows professionalism.

Bonus Tips:

• Focus on roles where you meet most (but not necessarily all) listed criteria.
• Tools like Jobscan and Zety can help you tailor your résumé to individual job descriptions.

Bottom line: If you want to stand out in today's crowded job market, don’t just hustle — hustle smart. Tailor your strategy, focus your efforts, and boost your chances of landing that dream gig!
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