5 things that could ruin your job prospects

Finding a job, the right job is one of the hardest things we do in life. And unfortunately, when we do find the perfect fit, the smallest of things can jeopardise our chances. So here are 5 simple things to be mindful of when going for your next job.

Skeletons in the closet online

It’s now common practice for recruiters and employers to scan social media, looking for more information about potential employees. In fact, AI recruitment systems solely rely on scanning social media to determine your suitability. So make sure you don’t have any skeletons in the closet, or behaviour you might not be proud of online.

Strange resume formats

In order to stand out from the crowd, having a unique presence is very important however, when it comes to your resume, a simple and easy to read document is always best because it makes it easier for time-poor employers to skim. Plus, digital recruitment tracking systems can overlook your application altogether because they can’t be properly scanned.

Not addressing the elephant in the room

Have you frequently changed careers or fields of work? Have you had a long period of unemployment? While this is common and in no way a negative thing, it can raise a red flag with a potential employer. To address the elephant in the room being proactive about your career history can go a long way in establishing trust and transparency.

Career inconsistencies

Contradictory information on your resume is another thing that may raise a red flag with a potential employer. For example, if your employment dates on your LinkedIn profile are different to your paper resume it might be construed as dishonesty. So ensuring consistency of information is key.

Going it alone

When it comes to finding a job, it can sometimes be beneficial to get some professional assistance. For instance, if you’re struggling to get a response from employers, it might pay to have a professional recruitment agency advise you about the quality/style of your resume.