Four Job Application Mistakes

It's easy to fall into bad habits when filling out a job application.  Even the most experienced job seeker can make a mistake, so don't feel too bad if you find you do any of these four common errors.  Just make sure to correct yourself the next time you apply for a job.

1. Making your cover letter an attachment: Most job seekers will do this without thinking twice about it.  The thought is that your cover letter will look more professional if it's in the form of a text document.  This might be true, but it will have a better chance of being read if you copy and paste it into the e-mail. 
2. Not reading the job description closely enough: Simply skimming through a job description will increase the chance you will miss valuable information.  Employers will often include specific information they want in a cover letter (salary requirements, etc).  You will likely be instantly disqualified if they don't see any of this information included, as this shows a lack of attention to detail.
3. Fail to explain large gaps in your employment history: Unexplained gaps in your employment history will make the employer believe you are unreliable.  This is especially true if these periods occurred during more prosperous economic times.  Include reasons for these gaps in your cover letter.
4. Forgetting (or not bothering) to proof-read: Typos and grammatical errors are a fact of life.  No matter how talented you are as a writer, you are going to make them.  That's why you must proof-read what you write before you send it out.  You should also have someone else look it over, if possible.

Making a mistake isn't the end of the world.  The important thing is that you learn from it and avoid doing it the next time.  That's the only way you will grow as a job seeker.