A Recruiter Shares the Mistakes People Make When Looking for a Job

At one point or another, we have all had to go through the job application and interview process. Most of us have probably done it more than a few times. I know I have. Unless you’re born into money or won the lottery, you’re probably going to have to work. Applying for jobs can be stressful enough without adding the whole applying for jobs abroad challenge to it. In the past, I have written a lot about making sure you have a good CV and cover letter, how to look for a job, where to apply for jobs, and more.

As someone who helps people create their CVs and cover letters as well as update their LinkedIn profiles, I feel like I have a pretty good understanding of what needs to be in those documents, etc., before applying for a job. But there’s a lot more to the whole job application process. That’s why I sat down with Agnes Rakstelyte, a recruiter here in the Netherlands, to share what to do and not to do when applying for jobs.

Agnes Rakstelyte is originally from Lithuania. She worked in various jobs for four years in the Netherlands before switching careers and becoming a recruiter. She has worked for several agencies in the last three years. She specializes in hiring blue-collar workers. Although she works for a Dutch company, the company only works on helping foreigners get jobs. Here’s what she had to say:

CV and Cover Letter

“A bad CV and cover letter is like going abroad without a passport.”

Your CV and cover letter need to be professional and concise. Don’t make it several pages. Take a look at the photo on your CV. Is it a professional-looking photo, or is it a photo of you at the club or something?

Check your contact information. Is it up-to-date? Can the employer call you or email you? Is your email a professional-looking email address, or is it something like ilikedogs@gmail.com?

Social Media Accounts

Make sure the information on your CV and cover letter aligns with the information in your LinkedIn profile. Recruiters and companies look at your social media accounts. So please don’t post anything you don’t want them to see.

The Job

Try not to apply for jobs that you have no experience in. If you want to change careers, that’s fine. But first, take some courses or get the required degree and apply for a junior position. Don’t apply for jobs that you aren’t qualified to do.

How far from the job do you live? Will you be able to get to that job? Employers care that you’ll have reliable transportation and won’t have to travel too far. When choosing an employee, that may be a deciding factor.

Do you speak the language required for you to do that job? Do you speak any Dutch at all? Dutch may not be required for the job, but learning Dutch helps show that you’re here to stay and can be part of a team. So, if you took any Dutch classes, add that to your CV.

What time of year are you applying for the job? If you’re applying during the month of August or between Christmas and New Year, for example, don’t expect to hear back anytime soon. If everyone is on vacation, no one is going to be able to look at your application and interview you. Keep that in mind before applying for jobs.

The Interview

Wear professional clothing. The more put-together you look, the more serious people will take you. People do judge a book by its cover. So take a shower, style your hair so it’s neat, put on deodorant, don’t wear ripped jeans, etc. Think about the type of clothing your potential colleagues are wearing. Try to dress to fit in with your new colleagues. And don’t forget to wear a different outfit to every interview if you have to go through several interviews.

Don’t ever say, “I’m gonna be honest with you.” No one wants you to be that honest. Remember that this is a professional environment, not your family’s monthly barbecue.

Do Some Research

Do your homework before applying and before going to the interview. Read up on the company. Prepare some questions about the position and about the company. Come prepared. Bring a printed copy of your CV and cover letter.

Don’t talk about salary in the first interview. Check the job vacancy to see if the salary range is mentioned there. Talk to a recruiter if you are applying through them. Don’t talk to the company about salary right away.

Come early! Coming late sets a very bad impression. It’s better to be early than late. Be positive and in a good mood, even if you aren’t. People do make assumptions and decisions based on feelings, even if you are qualified for the job. So put your best foot forward.

Learn some common words and expressions relating to the job you’re applying for, especially if you’re being interviewed and going to work in a language that isn’t your native language.

After The Interview

In the Netherlands, many companies require you to undergo several interviews before starting the job. So be patient and prepare for every interview. If a company is very interested in you, they’ll probably reach out as soon as possible. Usually, the longer you wait to hear back, the more likely you are not getting the job.

How We Can Help You

If you need help with your CV, cover letter, or LinkedIn, feel free to reach out to me here. I’d love to help you. If you have any questions for Agnes, she can be contacted here.

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