Searching for a job is a long process concerning several steps.  With so much involved throughout your applications and interviews, it can be tempting to cut corners.  After all, you’re a competent professional; you know how to write about and discuss your own background.  However, there are simple mistakes that can be made when you are confident to the point where you bypass a step for expedience.  While you may feel like you’re above these pitfalls, being sure to check all of the boxes can give you a boost of confidence and ease your nerves.  Here are six common errors that should not be overlooked:

Not Proofreading Your Resume

While most job seekers are confident in their ability to spell or format a resume, typing too fast or even a copy/paste error can result in a critical gaffe.  Before submitting the file, be sure that you’ve combed through the document with a keen eye.  Otherwise, you may end up losing out on several opportunities by default.  As an added precaution, ask a friend to proofread your files before sending them.  When you’re so familiar with the material, you may accidentally pass over errors that a fresh eye can catch.

Not Tailoring A Cover Letter For The Organization

Cover letters can be the most time-consuming aspect of an application.  However, it is rumored that cover letters are often not read, and subsequently, job seekers will put little effort into their writing.  While it’s tempting to use a generic cover letter for every submission, this tactic can be easily spotted and get you disqualified.  Taking a few minutes to check out the website and re-read the job description can give you enough details to weave a thoughtful customized letter and land you an interview.

Not Conducting Research On The Company

Even if you’re familiar with the organization, going into an interview without any additional research can only do more harm than good.  While you may feel comfortable with your ability to react on the spot, you may miss crucial information that was readily available to you.  If the organization has been in the news or is promoting a product or service that you’re not aware of, that’s a red flag that might get you eliminated from the running altogether.  Plus, this is an easy way to boost your confidence before heading into the room.

Not Preparing Interview Answers

Of course, you can’t anticipate every question you’ll be asked, but you’re guaranteed to answer some basic questions through the interview process.  While you may feel prepared to articulate your history and experiences, you never know how you’ll feel in the room.  Once you get in there, you may be more nervous than you thought, or perhaps the interviewer will catch you off guard.  Having an idea of what you plan to say beforehand can smooth over any bumps in the road.

Not Preparing Interview Questions

Along the same lines, you may feel as though you will think of insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview.  However, without contemplating questions ahead of time, you may end up drawing a blank.  Plus, most of your basic questions may have been answered in the course of the conversation.  Using your research on the company to think about what to ask beforehand can help you feel more secure, and can ultimately put less pressure on you at the end of the meeting.  If you’ve prepared questions, you can feel less on the spot and take more care listening to your interviewer’s answers.

Not Following Up

If you’ve made it through the interview process, the final crucial step is to follow up.  However, for those who may feel especially positive in their performance, they may decide that they’ve already locked down the offer, and they don’t need to send a thank you note.  Even if you’re sure about your chances, ignoring the last (and arguably, easiest) part can be the final straw.  When you’re in reaching distance of the job offer, be sure that you don’t lose it over this fluke.