10 Common Mistakes Applicants Made when applying for jobs.
As more applicants have received replies for Apt test or Video Interviews from their application, students who did not start wondering what they could have possibly done wrong. With HKCareers observations, here are 10 Common Mistakes Applicants Made when applying for jobs.
⭕Work on the Job Application carefully:
Applicants might apply for multiple jobs with a tight deadline, makes it possible that applicants may make mistakes filling in the application. Applicants might then need to spend extra time sending email to the HR department to explain and amend the application, but most importantly, there is no guarantee that the HR department would help you. So
1️⃣applicant must read questions listed on the job application carefully, try using a laptop to prevent unnecessary mistakes
2️⃣think twice before answering questions that ask in an opposite way, e,g, ‘Is it not illegal for you to work in HK?’
3️⃣you only apply for the numbers of divisions limited by the company, or else your application might get rejected
4️⃣double check if you have finished the whole application before submitting. Sometimes procedures are needed to be done after clicking submit. Also, check your email and spam for the confirmation on completing the application process. If not, check again in the company’s system
⭕How to best illustrate your GPA?
5️⃣cGPA is used as a quick screening tool, companies would ask for your GPA directly. If you don't fill this in, it is very likely these companies will reject your application directly. So it is very important for you to study hard for a higher GPA!
6️⃣But what if your cGPA is not up to standard? Many companies would give you the opportunity to fill in both ‘Expected’ or ‘Achieved’ cGPA, you could first fill in an up to standard expected cGPA, then catch up in the rest of the semester, as they would do a background check after giving you the offer.
7️⃣cGPA vs Highest GPA: Many students might mention their Highest GPA in their CV instead of cGPA, but when it comes to job application, please fill in your cGPA in the Achieved cGPA category.
8️⃣GPA vs Pass/Fail Grade: First, not every company will check every single module result of yours, so it is not that significant if you are choosing P/F. Second, as previous applicants would have chosen P/F too, so it's fine to do the same. Still, HKCareers suggest you not to choose P/F for the whole report card, as it would mislead companies to think that you did not study. Also, HR might ask you why to choose P/F and not filling in your Grade, so be prepared e.g. change in teaching mode or evaluation method
⭕Submission of Cover Letter
9️⃣Handing in your CL is an act of sincerity. Even if it is not required, you should still upload it with the CV file. Although it is not as significant as the CV in the initial screening, when it comes to the final round, it would be a bonus to have it, especially if other candidates might not.
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⭕No replies from applications?
1️⃣0️⃣Most applicants would expect replies from Email, however, HKCareers has discovered that some of the renowned companies’ systems won’t notify you for Apt test or Video In with Email this year, so make sure you log in to the system to check from time to time, not to miss any deadlines.
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Make sure you check all the things on this checklist before submitting your application!
Hopefully, this helps:)
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