How the youth disqualify themselves from jobs

Written by Impacting Youth Trust. Posted in News & Publications

HOW TO AVOID DISQUALIFYING YOURSELF FROM THAT PERFECT JOB

Going through thousands of applications that are sent to us is no easy task. After floating a few internship advertisements, I have come to some very interesting conclusions to why some of the young people sending hundreds of applications may not be getting any call-backs from the organizations.

1.Applying for what you haven't qualified for

Usually, the human resource department of organizations draft the adverts taking into consideration the objectives of the organization, the responsibilities that come with the job and skill set of the person to fill the position. However, a lot of the applicants ignore the requirements clearly spelt out in the advert and flood the organization’s email address with a lot of applications that have no relation to the advertised position.

2.Not following the requirements

Job adverts normally have a list of requirements an applicant should fill to complete a successful application. Some of the organizations require the basic cover letter, resume and a list of referees while others insist of certificates and testimonials. It has become very clear that some applicants STILL ignore the list of requirements set out by the organization and are therefore disqualified for not following the instructions of the application even though they have the right skill set.

3.Bad grammar

Where should I begin with this? I am not an English professor nor am I the most knowledgeable person but after going through thousands of applications has revealed that applicants are not keen on their grammar when filling out their applications. Normally, one draws up a customized cover letter that suits the position advertised and makes reference to the organization’s vision and mission (at least I hope you don’t send the generic cover letters that are meant for ‘ALL’ organizations). You always have to remember the person receiving your applications is trained to pick out the best suited people for an interview to fill the position. Bad grammar doesn’t help you get positive attention from the recruiter especially if the position requires one to write reports and make presentations. Please make use of the spell check on your PC/ laptop (which is not always right) and read through your cover letter and resume a couple of times before sending it out to the world. Never forget your application is the ‘first’ meeting one has with potential employers and can easily lock you out of your perfect job.

4.Canvassing

This must be one of the most frustrating habits that some applicants have and is forcing organizations to include a stern warning on consequences of canvassing in their job adverts. Firstly, the applicants give the person going through the applications extra work by having to go through their application more than once because of the numerous applications made for one position. If you qualify for the job and qualify for the next step of the recruitment, the human resource staff will short list will select you based on your suitability and not the number of applications you have made. Canvassing suggests that the applicant is extremely desperate and gives the impression that the applicant has a hard time following instructions.AVOID CANVASSING AT ALL COSTS- ONE APPLICATION IS ENOUGH.

5.Addressing the application to the wrong company/organization

I have insisted on using the above title to address an issue that I have observed in many applications. Assuming you are sending an application to company X, why would you still send the same cover letter addressing company Y in the cover letter? First off, it is offensive to the person receiving your application if you can’t be bothered to address the application to the right organization. Yes, something that small gets you disqualified on the first round. Secondly, it gives the impression that you are careless about your work you put out and you will probably make the same mistakes if selected to fill the position advertised. Can you imagine doing that with a major business partner? Yikes.

6.Non-official email addresses to send job applications

I had a friend that once advised me to open an official email for any business related correspondence. She reminded me that when human resource staff get your application, they only have your application to go on to justify whether you are suitable for the position or not. Often, they have so many applications that they also use little details such as inappropriate email addresses to disqualify applicants. Please use an ‘appropriate’ and official email address to send out your applications to avoid being disqualified because your email has offensive and inappropriate words. Consider using your official names to make it easy for the person going through your application to read your official name. I know no one would want to spend the whole day looking back through all applications to look for you because your email and official name are so different.

*Disclaimer- This thoughts and observations DO NOT reflect the views of Impacting Youth Trust though I had to write this because I believe that the youth need to know what keeps them out of the shortlisted individuals applying for a job opportunity.