Everyone makes mistakes, but making a mistake when you’re applying for a job really stings. To avoid making application mistakes, check over everything you plan to send, and then have someone else check everything – preferably that nerdy friend or family member who reads a lot (in my social group, I’m usually that nerdy friend).
Here are stories our members have shared about their own resume and application mistakes.
Have your own job application horror story to share? Leave it in the comments and we’ll include it!
References available
“I was writing down personal references and accidentally put my phone number on all the references. And I misspelled the company’s name… Twice!”
Can I get your number?
“I forgot to put my phone number on it, and when I called to check on it the lady who was doing the interview said that there reason why she didn’t call me for a interview because I didn’t provide a contact number. At least the interview went well – I am now working for her!”
EmaLI me
“I was helping my best friend review his application. When I tried to reach him at the professional email address he had included on his resume, I found an error that could have meant he never, ever got contacted by an employer: the font he used made the letters “I” and “L” look the same, and he had misspelled his own email address, even though it looked okay. That was a close call!”
Answering on autopilot
“I got used to the agree/disagree part of an application being in a certain order, and on one application they were swapped (disagree/agree). I noticed half way through, but I couldn’t go back to change it. You have to read every part of an application! It pays to read and pay attention, especially with the questionnaire parts of applications.”
SSN snafu
“I accidentally wrote my mom’s first three numbers and the rest of my social security number. Since then, I can’t even try to get a job with that employer!”
History repeats itself
“I once emailed a resume without a cover letter on accident. I waited until the next day, sent a small apology and resent it…without the cover letter again! I immediately corrected the problem, typed out another apology and sent both resume and cover letter. Needless to say, I never even received a response - I don’t blame them. Oh well, lesson finally learned!”
You owe me big time
“I accidentally put my friends number on a app and he got hired instead of me!”
We all know everyone makes mistakes, but it’s hard not to beat yourself up over blowing a shot at a great job over a careless error. And it’s painful to be left wondering why you’re not hearing from employers, which is likely to happen when you don’t notice a mistake. Want to make sure you do your best to submit a great application? Check out these tips:
About Amy White
I tried my best to fill in my forms and when i could submit it showed me a blank page i dont know whether you received it, and also trying to put in my info as its all from South Africa and does not except everything so i hope my application has been received ????????
Hi Beverly! I think I answered your concerns on Facebook, but please let me know if you have any additional questions!
Hello Amy, I have not worked in about four years, how do I apply to the best of my ability to receive employment. At one point I had applied to a job that I have had related experience in the past, and was told by HR that I have to have recent experience
Hi! I think these articles can help you: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/volunteering-it-does-a-job-search-good/ and http://www.snagajob.com/resources/getting-hired-with-employment-gaps/.
Hey I applied on snagjob alot and up to this date never even got called once? What could be happenig I need help plz i only eat once every day dont have money or a job.
I’m sorry to hear that! Check out these tips and see if you are missing anything http://www.snagajob.com/resources/whos-really-hiring-ive-applied-to-tons-of-jobs/
Make sure to check the spelling. In your comment, you spelled “alot” as one word. It is actually 2 words — “a lot”. Those types of errors could make the difference.
I often fill out applications but get very frustraighted to get the going back to scool pop up’s and never finish the application. Please give me any words of wisdom you can it would be very much appriciated thanks. George
George- You ARE kidding, wright?
For Electronic Engineering Technician, I have revised my resume to the distinct advice and template of HR pro consultant.
For all the hundreds of resumes and bold confident cover letters sent out since July 2008, I only recently got 2 interviews, neither had any callback.
I have completed many past years of pro electronics engineering projects and very successful works – 1 position lasting 11 years until biz closed. I have utilized and demonstrated more than a degreed person would ever do, but I think the lack of AS or BS degree may be nixing my opportunity with MBA people (not tech skilled people) doing the hiring. How should I list comparable education work experience of my many successful years of work experience FAR MORE EQUIVALENT THAN TYPICAL LEVEL OF DEGREED PERSON?
Hi Johnathan – It sounds like you have some great experience behind you. Make your experience the first thing on your resume, before education and any additional skills.
I do not have a comment on resumes, but i do have a comment on how i lost a job once which was a little unusual. I was asked to train a new employee on the switchboard. After working with her for about 2 hours the bookkeeper said to me “Can you let her learn the rest on her own and you type a report for us?” Well it was 3:00 in the afternoon and i was so tired i wanted to take a break and go get a hot chocolate and my back hurt. I thought to myself do i tell the manager i am tired and need a break or what should i do? Needless to say i told the bookkeeper “NO” i cannot and continued to sit in the chair with the new employee until 3:30 which was break time!!! Needless to say i got fired the next day!!! Interesting
Hi,
I have been on my computer and to a few employment services since November 2011. I’ve tried to get another job since 2006. I currently work in a job 50 miles away from my homeand because of Gas prices and health I need to work closer to home.(I had the job before I moved up here) I’ve had three responses from employers and lots of calles and notices from Colleges, etc. I never said I wanted more education and have so far warded them off. But, here is my problem: I sent my resume in for several positions that I’m perfectly qualified for and was told by one that my resume did not fit their criteria! I realised that they found out my age. After visiting said place, I saw NO OLDER people working there. I keep my jobs by being on time, not calling off, or not coming in & not calling like I have seen some of my younger coleagues have done. Matter of fact, I am an older worker who needs a part-time job to subsidise my Sos.Sec. Help!
Hi Gretchen – I am sorry things haven’t been working out do well for you. I think these articles can help you: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/retired-resume-tips/ and http://www.snagajob.com/resources/getting-retirement-jobs/. It sounds like you have a great work ethic and that should take you far. Good luck and keep us posted!
What is with these online tests that so many companies are using? The multiple choice type stuff, usually. i.e. My previous supervisors would say that I am most A. Efficient B. Punctual C.Trustworthy D. Hardworking I have taken more of these ‘tests’ than I can recall. EVERY TIME, without fail, that is the coup de grace and almost always results in a ‘Thanks anyway, have a nice life!’ letter/email. What am I doing wrong? Being honest ain’t cuttin’ it. WTH?
Hi! Is this the email address you are using to apply to jobs? Try creating another one that is just your name, it will make it easier for the recruiter to remember and contact you. It sounds small, but your email address matters. I think this article can help you understand assessment questions: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/the-right-answer-to-assessment-questions/. Good luck!
I applied for a job as a merchandiser located in Manistee Michigan. I do not know if they received my application. I have worked for a merchandising firm before and feel that I would be qualified for this job. There were two other merchandising job openings in the area that were posted too. I did not apply because I don’t know if they would get it. Please advise. Thank You.
Hi Cathy – Your best bet would be to follow up with the application directly through the employer. Tell them that you recently applied for the open merchandiser position and would like to confirm that they have received your resume. You should also apply to the other open positions in your area that you mentioned. Never stop applying until you’ve been offered the job! Good luck and keep us posted!
Is a cover letter mandatory, or is it just a ‘nice to have’ option?
Hi Kevin – You best bet would be to consider it mandatory. A cover letter can really set you apart from your competition and can be a deciding factor on who to call in for an interview.
I am in search of a resume making program for a mobile device. I do not have a computer so I use my phone to apply for job and I would like to have a resume.
Hi Aniesha – It may be difficult to create a resume from a phone. Have you thought about going to your local library and using one of their computers?
A hundred million years ago, I sent out a dozen resumes that said, “References? I don’t need no stinkin’ references!”
I put that sentence as a goof in when I originally made the resume – ’cause I wasn’t looking for a job at the time. I forgot to proofread the WHOLE resume when I sent it out.
That’s a tough lesson to learn, Jenn! Thank you for sharing this cautionary tale.
I need to up date my Identification info is there an 1-800 # pls respond,
Hi Mary! Contact our support team: http://www.snagajob.com/contact and they can get you set up.
I accidently checked no when they asked had I ever worked for the company that hired me now I have been terminated for falsifying documents what can be done to keep my job