Searching for a new job is no easy task – there are many challenges and obstacles to overcome before you even get to the interview stage. And you still might end up walking out of there without a job offer. If you’ve found that you’re struggling to make progress in your hunt for a new position, you could be making any number of these common job search mistakes.
As the leading PA recruitment agency in London, we know some of the common mistakes that candidates make when searching for a job in London - and we don't want you to make the same mistakes, so check out the common job search errors here and improve your job applications in no time!
You’re sending out generic cover letters
If you’re desperate to move away from your current office support or PA job and into a new role, it can be tempting to simply send off a dozen CVs and generic cover letters to companies with vacancies. The problem with sending out these mass applications is they can be spotted from a mile away. You need to make each cover letter personal to the company you’re applying to and tailor it to the particular job you're applying for. It may take a little longer this way, but you’ll have a much better shot at getting an interview.
You’re putting all your eggs in one basket
When you see a dream role that stands out above all others, it’s natural to make this your number one target – but that doesn’t mean you should halt your applications to other companies. By all means, apply for that dream top London PA job, but also keep sending your applications in for other PA jobs you think you’d be suitable for. You can also enlist the help of a recruitment agency like us to find multiple suitable roles, rather than pinning all your hopes on one.
You’re not paying attention to what the company wants
It’s been drilled into many people to talk themselves up when they apply for a job or go to an interview – but there’s no point in outlining your many strengths and qualities as a skilled EA or an invaluable office support team player if they’re not relevant to the job you’re going for. Pay close attention to what the company wants - there will be plenty of information in the job description, and you’ll need to align your own skills and abilities with their demands, rather than simply trying to impress them with lists of irrelevant qualifications and skills.
You’re leaving it too late
When you see that dream receptionist job opening and think you could possibly apply for it, go for it as soon as you can! Unfortunately, in many competitive markets, recruiters or companies will receive so many great applications that they’ll be less interested in the ones that come in five minutes before the deadline. Give the company every chance to see and review your CV and cover letter thoroughly, rather than waiting until the last minute.
You’re not following up
We always recommend that you follow up on a job application, whether it’s with a recruitment agency or the company itself. If you’ve had an interview but didn’t manage to make it through to the next round, send a thank-you note or a short email. Don’t wait two weeks to send it, and don’t simply bring up a generic ‘thank you’ template and fill in the blanks – make it personal and emphasise that you were grateful to the company for taking the time to interview you.
Need more tips on applying for top PA or office support jobs in London? Explore the Love Success blog today!
Love Success is a leading recruitment agency in London.
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We specialise in the placement of Permanent PA jobs,
Temporary PA jobs, Executive Assistant jobs,
Office Support jobs, and Receptionist jobs.