Job hunting online? Don't make these mistakes

Source: http://www.rediff.com/getahead/slide-show/slide-show-1-career-job-hunting-online-dont-make-these-mistakes/20130215.htm#1

Rajesh Nair, CEO, TopGear Consultants has advice for online job applicants.

Job hiring for almost 90 per cent of the companies happen online these days.

CVs are downloaded from job portals or networking sites and if the profile matches the requirement, the deserving candidates are approached and offered the job within a matter of days.

This trend will continue for the next few years.

Hence it is very important that you avoid some of these mistakes that are common among job seekers who apply online.

1. Applying for positions that don't match your profile

Although it seems very usual for candidates to apply only for roles that matches their profile, it is not always the case.

Most often, we find candidates with three years of experience applying for a senior management role even when it is clearly specified that profile demands 15 years of experience.

There are also candidates who apply for different roles in the same company.

If you think, you are merely taking a chance, I'd suggest you avoid doing it from the next time.

Applying for multiple positions in the same organisation will give a wrong impression to your prospective employer and chances are they might not take you seriously.

In fact, even if there is a position that matches your experience, the recruitment manager will not even consider you for it.

2. Having multiple online profiles

This is a very common trend these days.

Candidates sometimes have more than two profiles online, often contradictory to the other.

Recruiters will avoid such profiles at any given time and will in all probability doubt the credentials of such candidates.

We have encountered an incident when the candidate was shortlisted and about to be offered a position when then the HR manager discovered a second profile of this candidate online.

3. E-mail etiquette

While emailing your CV to the HR Manager you must follow certain etiquette to create a good impression.

Never misspell the name for whom the email is intended. S/he in all probability would be offended and your chances of getting an interview call is reduced.

If you are applying for a job and writing to Pranav Mistry, use "Dear Mr Mistry" (Not "Dear Mr. Pranav Mistry:" Use only last name after Mr/Ms/Dr)

If you know you're writing to Sonia Das, please use "Dear Ms Das:"

Assuming a woman's marital status is strictly avoidable. Therefore, don't use "Mrs" or "Miss" in business communication.

Use "Ms" for women, it's the feminine equivalent to the masculine "Mr".

The only exception to this rule is when a person uses those salutations for him/herself.

Avoid typing the covering note or any part with the Caps lock on as it means 'shouting' in the online world.

Subject line should never be kept empty.

It should be precise and mention the position you are applying for.

Never forward your CV as an attachment without an accompanying mail or covering letter.

4. Not keeping track

If you fail to keep a track of the jobs you have (randomly) applied for, you might be caught unawares when the recruiter calls you in response to your application.

The fact that you don't remember when or how you applied for that particular position actually questions your interest levels.

5. Not having enough keywords

While drafting your CV to apply online, you must be aware of the keywords that a recruiter might type to search for profiles that best matches the requirement.

Research well and use powerful words that will highlight your profile among the top searches.

6. The one-size-fits-all CV

It is common for most candidates to have that one CV for all positions.

Most of them don't bother updating or tweaking the elements to match the profile they are applying for.

This creates an impression that the job seeker is really desperate for work.

Expect the recipient to delete this mail before even reading it.

Research shows that e-mails written with proper salutations and addressed to the concerned person stands a better chance of being read and taken seriously.

By avoiding some of these mistakes, you will inch one step closer to your dream job.

With this hope, I wish you all the best!