Finding a new role can sometimes feel like a full-time occupation in itself…
You might feel like you're doing absolutely everything right, but the interviews just aren't rolling in. It's incredibly easy to blame a tough market, but you might actually be making a few common job hunting mistakes without even realising it.
Whether it's through your CV, your cover letter, or at an interview, selling yourself effectively is a non-negotiable part of the process. If you want to impress recruiters, you have to show them exactly what you can do and why you're the best person for the job.
To help you secure the right role, we've highlighted 11 ways you might be selling yourself short in your job search, along with our expert advice on how to turn things around:
Job search mistakes you need to stop making
Let's look at the most common pitfalls people face when applying for roles, and exactly how you can avoid them.
1. You’re playing down your achievements
Sure, admitting how amazing you are can be tough; but when it comes to your job search, it’s pretty much an essential requirement.
So forget (almost) everything you’ve heard about self-proclaimed greatness equaling arrogance, and accept that blowing your own trumpet is often the only way a recruiter will know you’re qualified – providing your stated achievements are relevant, honest, and you don’t go overboard.
Remember: a recruiter can’t see how good you are unless you actually tell them.
Example: I have [insert qualification type] but it’s really only an introduction to the subject…
2. You’re using clichés
Hands up if you know what a goal driven, detail oriented, multitasker actually is? Nope, neither do recruiters.
Not only are clichés like these notoriously overused, they also don’t really say a lot about you. And let’s face it, if your CV is tenth in line after nine others that also open with ‘I’m a self-starter’, yours is unlikely to stand out.
To really impress, figure out what makes you unique – and use it to demonstrate your abilities, backing each claim you make with real-life examples.
Example: I’m a dynamic perfectionist with excellent people skills.
What word should I use on my CV?
3. You’re overusing qualifiers
Job searching can often cause you to doubt yourself, especially if you’ve been dealing with a lot rejection.
And even if you talk about all the right things, a lack of confidence or interview nerves can shine through in your applications – all due to a few simple words that you probably don’t even realise you’re saying.
Whether it’s um, maybe, possibly, perhaps, or worse – I don’t know – fillers like these will do nothing but compromise the validity of your statement. Instead, take a pause to think about what you’re going to say – and say it with confidence.
Example: Maybe this is a stupid question…
Questions to ask at the end of a job interview
4. You’re not taking the ball
Knowing when to talk (and when to stop talking) at an interview can be difficult – especially if you’re not given clear indicators.
This can often result in cutting your answers short in the hope that it’ll stop you from rambling and/or boring the interviewer. But although oversharing can be a danger, that doesn’t mean you should hold back.
The key? Find the line between the two, and elaborate on your most relevant skills and experience in each answer you give. Then, end the interview with well-thought out questions. After all, an interview should be a two-way conversation, not an interrogation.
Example: You want to know about my skills and experience? Have you not got my CV?
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5. You’re not being yourself
Although exaggerating (see also: lying) in a job application can be tempting – it’s never a good idea.
In fact, even a tiny white lie can weave a tangled web when it comes to explaining yourself at an interview. For example, bragging about your fictional ‘advanced skills in coding’ might seem like a harmless claim at the time…until you’re asked to translate languages, or worse, build a webpage whilst face-to-face with a recruiter.
So to make sure you’re showing the best (and most genuine) parts of your abilities, focus on what you can do. And if your experience doesn’t match up perfectly? Think transferable skills.
Example: Statistical analysis and data reconfiguration? Yeah, I’m a pro…
6. Your CV is hard to digest
Not getting any interviews? Check your CV.
Even if you’re the best person for the job, a poorly structured CV could be affecting your chances of being considered. In other words, presentation matters.
So before you send off your application, check that it follows a logical order, has a professional font, and includes bullet points where possible. Complex graphics, long paragraphs, and life stories should be avoided at all times.
Example: *long-winded section of text without any headings or bullet points that includes way too much information and no one really wants to waste time reading*
7. You’re not backing up your abilities
Anyone can say they’re good at something, but only the best candidates can prove it.
Because let’s face it, saying you’re goal-oriented won’t impress a recruiter unless it’s backed up with real evidence. How have you met goals in the past? What were the results? And how can you bring these expertise to your prospective employer?
Answer these questions in addition to things like tasks, duties, and impressive sounding adjectives, and you’ll be far more likely to go further in your application.
Example: I’m a hard worker.
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8. You’re not proof reading your CV
Nothing negates your ‘strong attention to detail’ like a spelling mistake (and/or a severe confusion between their, they’re, and there) in your CV.
After all, if you can’t demonstrate your skills in your application – how will you do it in a job?
So to ensure your abilities aren’t disguised by bad grammar, always proofread your CV more than once. Asking a friend or family member to double check it is also a good way to spot mistakes you may have missed.
Example: I’m interested in pursuing a vacancy at [wrong company name].
Top CV mistakes to avoid (and what to do instead)
9. You have unclear career goals
Applying for every single vacancy you see might feel productive, but a scattergun approach rarely works. If you don't know what you're looking for, recruiters will absolutely notice.
This lack of focus also makes it incredibly hard to articulate why you want a specific role or how you fit into the company culture.
So, take some time to list your non-negotiables before you start applying, considering factors like flexible hours, remote working options, salary expectations, and clear paths for progression.
Narrowing your focus helps you target opportunities that actually match your ambitions.
I need a job: where do I start?
11. Your online presence is non-existent
Your CV is only half the story, and the vast majority of employers will look you up online before deciding whether to invite you in for an interview.
This means that if you have absolutely no professional footprint, you might be missing a trick. So to make sure recruiters like what they find (and can actually find something), curate your online profiles so they reflect your current experience, skills, and professional interests.
While you're at it, do a quick audit of your personal social media accounts. You definitely want to make sure your privacy settings are tight and your public posts are appropriate.
12. You're falling for job scams
Unfortunately, job scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. And falling for one isn't just a waste of time - it can put your personal data at risk.
Always be wary of roles that offer huge salaries for minimal work, or demand you pay a fee for training, background checks, or equipment up front. A legitimate employer will never ask you to transfer money on their behalf.
Additionally, pay close attention to the email address of the recruiter. If it comes from a generic provider rather than a verified company domain, proceed with extreme caution.
How to: Keep your online job search safe
Frequently asked questions about job search mistakes
Still trying to figure out what to avoid in your job search? Here are a few common questions to help you refine your approach.
How do I address being overqualified for a role?
If you have extensive experience but want to step into a slightly lower-level position, you must explain your reasoning clearly - using your cover letter to highlight why this specific role suits you. You might be looking for a better work-life balance, a change of sector, or a chance to focus on the parts of the job you actually enjoy. Frame your extensive experience as a massive bonus for the employer, showing them you can hit the ground running with minimal training.
What should I do if a job offer has a lower salary than advertised?
Don't panic, and definitely don't accept it on the spot if it doesn't meet your expectations. Bring a copy of the original job description to your interview or negotiation meeting, and politely point out the discrepancy and express your confusion. And remember to come prepared with recent salary data to demonstrate the market value for a professional with your level of expertise. If they refuse to budge, you have to decide if the lower pay is worth the opportunity, or if it's time to walk away.
Should I apply for remote jobs if I want a hybrid role?
If an advert specifically states the role is fully remote, you shouldn't assume the company has an office space you can pop into twice a week. Many fully remote companies operate without a physical headquarters. So if you thrive on in-person collaboration and want a hybrid setup, look for roles that explicitly offer a mix of home and office working. Applying for positions that don't match your preferred working style is a fast track to job dissatisfaction.
Work from home jobs vs. hybrid jobs: Which one is right for you?
How to find remote jobs (with no experience)
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