Did you know that 98% of job seekers are filtered out during the initial resume screening? That leaves just 2% who actually make it to the interview stage. If it feels like the odds are against you, you’re not alone—but you can improve your chances by addressing the following common mistakes.
Let’s dive into the first, and possibly the most critical, error: making a poor first impression.
1. You Skipped the Cover Letter (or Wrote a Generic One)
It’s easy to see cover letters as a hassle, especially since they often repeat the same information found in your resume. However, skipping a cover letter or writing a generic one can seriously hurt your chances.
A strong, personalized cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself, show your personality, and explain why you’re a great fit for the role. Employers want to see that you’ve put thought into your application and are genuinely interested in the position.
A generic or missing cover letter, on the other hand, suggests a lack of effort and interest—giving employers an easy reason to move on to someone who took the time to craft a thoughtful introduction.
Pro Tip: Create a cover letter template that can be tailored for each job. Customize it by mentioning where you found the job, highlighting your relevant skills and experience (especially for remote work), and expressing your enthusiasm for the role. Keep it concise—just a few short, engaging paragraphs will do.
2. Your Resume Feels Too Generic
Just like your cover letter, your resume should be tailored to the job you’re applying for. Sending out the same generic resume for every application won’t make you stand out, and it might not even make it past initial screening.
Rather than overhauling your entire resume for every application, create a flexible template that you can tweak for each job. Highlight the skills and experience most relevant to the position. For example, if you’re applying for a remote graphic design job focused on digital ads, prioritize those experiences rather than unrelated ones.
Think of it like real estate: The top of your resume is prime property, so use it to showcase your most relevant experience. Be sure to include keywords from the job listing—just don’t overdo it with keyword stuffing. Make sure they flow naturally within the context of your qualifications.
3. You Don’t Have Enough Experience
Even with a perfect cover letter and resume, you might not hear back if you don’t meet the job’s experience requirements. It’s important to be realistic about the positions you apply for.
Stretching your qualifications or ignoring required experience levels might feel like taking a shot, but employers are typically looking for specific skills and expertise. It’s best to focus your efforts on roles that align with your current experience and qualifications, while working to build the skills needed for roles outside your current reach.
Show Employers You’re Invested in the Role
By putting time and effort into your cover letter and resume, you’re showing potential employers that you’re serious about the job. This can make a big difference—especially in the competitive world of remote work, where employers receive hundreds of applications from candidates worldwide.
Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll increase your chances of standing out, landing interviews, and securing the remote job you’ve been dreaming of.
