You can’t downplay the importance of a well-written job application form. It’s your first opportunity to make a great impression and spike the interest of recruiters who see hundreds of applications every month.
It may surprise you to know that only 35% of applicants make it through the initial screening process to telephone interview stage, with very many being filtered out for mistakes they could have easily avoided making. So which are the most common job application mistakes to avoid?
Thinking your degree will land the job
If you’re applying for an internship or graduate opportunity it’s a pretty safe bet that every other applicant also has, or is working towards, a university degree. Although it is interesting to me what you’re studying in each of your modules, I also need to know what sets you apart from the competition. Have you held any part-time jobs? Done any volunteering, maybe for a charity? Played for any sports teams? Belonged to societies? It’s often these extra-curricular activities that give you the edge, so tell me about them. At Enterprise we want to know what makes you, you.
Not bragging about relevant skills
You may well have held a previous position with ‘customer service’ or ‘sales’ in your job title. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you were any good at it. We’ve all been served by someone wearing a badge claiming they’re ‘Happy to help!’ when they’ve seemed anything but, so you need to tell me how you are passionate about helping customers, that you understand the correlation between service and profitability and that you’re a target-driven individual. Give evidence of this on your application form. Ensuring each of our customers at Enterprise receives the very best service, every time is part of who we are – show us how it’s part of who you are.
Listing incorrect contact details
If I had a pound for every time I’ve emailed someone only to have it bounce back because the email address is spelled incorrectly, or tried to call someone who has a digit missing on their phone number! This is basic stuff, but you need to check and double-check your contact details are right. What’s the point in creating an amazing application if the recruiter can’t get hold of you to discuss it? On a similar note, check your email settings. If they are set too rigid, company emails may be filtered off to your junk folder without you seeing them.
Who wants to go through all the effort of crafting an application, just for it to end up in the bin? Next time you apply for a job, check that you’re not making any of these three common job application mistakes mistakes and make sure you’re one of the 35% that makes it through.
At Enterprise Rent-A-Car we’re very transparent in terms of what we’re looking for from successful candidates. Our website is full of hints and tips for getting the most out of the recruitment process and there are lots of opportunities to engage with our team of recruiters, whether you’re online or meeting face-to-face. Feel free to reach out to us for help, advice or questions.
If you’ve followed these tips and want a career that really takes you places, you’re ready to show us your awesome talent! Find out more about our great graduate job opportunities, work placements and internships or take a look at the exciting roles you can apply for today.