6 Common Job Search Mistakes That Are Costing You Interviews (And How to Fix Them)
Episode 3
Why aren’t you getting interviews, despite sending out dozens of applications?
If you’ve been stuck in job search limbo, you’re not alone—and you might be making some surprisingly simple mistakes without realizing it. In episode 3 of The People Success Circle podcast, we’re diving into six unexpected job search mistakes that could be holding you back from landing the role you want.
The good news? Every single one of them is fixable.
Tune in or read on to discover what’s really going wrong—and how to turn your job search around with clarity, confidence, and strategy.
In Episode 3 of The People Success Circle, I walk you through six of the most common (and fixable) job search mistakes that keep candidates from getting interviews or moving forward in the hiring process.
You’ll learn:
The resume mistakes that send qualified applicants straight to the spam folder
Key applicant tracking system resume tips to ensure your resume gets seen
Why focusing on results, not responsibilities, makes your resume stand out
How to approach networking for job seekers (even if you're introverted or hate LinkedIn)
Simple, actionable LinkedIn tips for job seekers to boost visibility and credibility
The STAR method explained—and how to use it to answer behavioral interview questions with confidence
Listen in or read on to help job seekers avoid these pitfalls and land the right position faster.
🔗 Helpful Links
🌐 Mindy’s website for business consulting: https://www.limerockcareerco.com
🎧 Listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Episode 3: Watch or Listen
Key Takeaways from Episode 3: 6 Unexpected Mistakes Job-Seekers Make That Stop You From Getting the Position
Tailor every resume to the job, and keep the format simple
One of the most common resume mistakes I see is using the same version for every application. If the resume isn’t customized to the job description, it likely won’t get past the applicant tracking system (ATS). I recommend using a plain Word document without graphics, images, or links, which often cause your resume to be rejected by the ATS entirely. Content matters more than creativity.
Your bullet points should sell your impact, not list duties.
Too many resumes read like job descriptions. A hiring manager wants to quickly see what you've accomplished and how. Swap vague bullet points for clear, outcome-driven ones that show the results you delivered and how you got there. That’s how you grab attention in a 5–7 second scan.
Networking Beats Applying Online Every Time
Less than 5% of hires come from online applications. If your job search strategy doesn’t include strong networking, you're relying on the least effective method. My top tip for job seekers is to get out from behind the screen—attend events, reach out on LinkedIn, and let people know what you're looking for. Networking for job seekers is essential, not optional.
LinkedIn Is a Non-Negotiable Tool
Too many candidates neglect their LinkedIn presence or assume it’s just social media. In reality, it’s a powerful networking tool. If your profile is incomplete, outdated, or invisible to recruiters, you're limiting your visibility. One of my top LinkedIn tips for job seekers is to identify 10 companies you're interested in, connect with people who work there, and start building those relationships today.
Interview Prep Isn’t Just About the Company
Most candidates over-prepare company facts and under-prepare for how to connect their experience to the role. Spend 80% of your prep time thinking about how your skills match the hiring manager’s needs. Come ready with a few well-thought-out questions and take time to craft your success stories using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). That’s how you stand out.
Don’t Job Search Without a Strategy
Many job seekers wake up, check listings, and apply without direction. That’s not a strategy. It’s a trap. A strong job search combines online applications, networking, LinkedIn activity, and goal-setting. Block time on your calendar, track your efforts, and adjust based on what’s working.
Ready to help your candidates succeed?
Listen to the full episode for more insights, and feel free to share it with anyone in your network who’s on the hunt for their next role.
Read the full transcript
Welcome to the People Success Circle podcast. I'm Mindy East, and in this series we are breaking down what I like to call the big disconnect. This is when employers and hiring managers say they can't find good people, and when job seekers say they can't find a job. There is a breakdown of hiring on both sides.
In episode one, we uncovered why so many job seekers are having a hard time landing a position and why companies say they can't find top talent. Last week in episode two, we tackled the hiring mistakes many companies are making. And today, in episode three, we're flipping the script to talk about the mistakes that job seekers are making.
If you've been applying and not hearing back, not getting through the interviews, or feeling like you are lost in the job search process, this episode is for you. I'll uncover the six biggest mistakes that job seekers are making—and of course, how to fix them. Let's dive in.
When a job seeker calls me and asks for my help, the very first thing that I do is what I call a litmus test to figure out what's not working for them. And the first question I ask is: Are you getting interviews?
If they say no, then there are two things that could be the problem. First, their resume is not working in their favor. Second, they're not networking enough.
Let’s start with the resume. Many job seekers use a generic resume that they’ve created once and never update. They miss the opportunity to tailor it to the job they’re applying for. Now, I don’t mean writing an entirely new resume every time—but it is important to look at the job description and incorporate relevant keywords.
If you don’t customize, your resume might not even get seen. Hiring managers and recruiters use keyword searches in their applicant tracking systems (ATS), and a generic resume won’t make the cut.
Another mistake I see is when someone focuses more on creativity than content. There are resumes out there with graphics, icons, logos, QR codes, hyperlinks—you name it. But most ATS platforms can’t read those elements. They often send resumes with graphics straight to the spam folder. That means you could be applying over and over again, and no one is even seeing your resume.
Formatting errors are a big deal. They literally mean your resume is invisible.
I also see job seekers trying to include everything they’ve ever done, making the resume too long or filled with outdated info. Hiring managers spend about 5–7 seconds scanning a resume. You need to grab their attention fast. If you're including things you did 25 years ago or listing every single task from your last role, you’re missing the opportunity to make a quick, relevant impression.
The final common issue is generic bullet points. Too often, they read like a job description rather than showing the impact someone had. Resume bullets should sell your results—what you accomplished and how you did it. Hiring managers want to know what kind of success you can bring to their team.
So how do you fix your resume?
Use a simple format—no graphics, no images, no QR codes. Avoid tools like Canva unless you’re 100% sure the formatting is ATS-friendly. Use a Word document.
Make sure your bullet points highlight your results and how you achieved them.
Add keywords from the job description.
And check that your resume is actually getting seen.
If you’re unsure, I offer a resume review service for just $27. It’s a great way to check if your resume is doing the job before you waste time applying.
Now, back to the second issue: networking.
If you’re not getting interviews, and your resume is solid, chances are you’re not networking enough.
And yes, I know people say, “I’m an introvert,” or “I don’t like social media,” or “I don’t even know how to network.” But it’s essential. In fact, it’s the most effective way to get noticed in your job search.
Less than 5% of hires are made through online applications. It’s actually easier to get into Harvard than to get hired from a job board.
So, make networking a priority. Use LinkedIn. Attend career fairs. Go to industry events. Join networking lunches. Get out from behind your computer.
Next, let’s talk about interview preparation.
This is mistake number three: not preparing well for interviews.
Preparation doesn’t just mean researching the company. I follow the Pareto Principle here—spend 20% of your prep time learning about the company, and 80% connecting your experience to the job.
Hiring managers have a need: they need someone to fill this role. What impresses them most is when a candidate can clearly explain how they’re a fit. Not just waiting for questions, but proactively connecting the dots between your background and their needs.
One of the best ways to prep is to take the job description and your resume, and line them up side by side. Highlight where your experience meets their requirements.
Also, come prepared with 4–5 thoughtful questions. Saying “I don’t have any questions” is a missed opportunity. Show that you’ve thought deeply about the role and how you can contribute.
Set aside at least an hour to prepare for each interview so you can walk in confident and ready to have a two-way conversation.
Mistake number four: not knowing how to sell yourself.
In interviews, hiring managers are looking for evidence of leadership and competencies. That’s why they ask behavioral questions like “Tell me about a time when…”
They want real examples—specific situations where you showed initiative, leadership, or problem-solving.
This is where the STAR method comes in. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Use it to clearly structure your responses so hiring managers can envision you doing the same great work in their company.
Generic answers won’t cut it. The more specific your examples, the more compelling your story.
Mistake number five: not having a strong online presence.
Some job seekers tell me they don’t like LinkedIn, or that it feels like social media. But LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool—and not using it is a big mistake.
Make sure your profile is complete and optimized. Set your privacy settings so recruiters can find you. Post, comment, and engage to stay visible in the algorithm.
And be strategic. Choose 10 companies you’d like to work for, look up employees, and start building connections. That kind of targeted activity can open doors you never expected.
Mistake number six: not having a strategy.
Too many people wake up each day, check the job boards, and start applying. That’s not a strategy—that’s guesswork.
Your job search should be multi-pronged. Yes, apply online. But also block time for networking, for LinkedIn outreach, for attending events, and for goal setting.
Create a plan. Decide when and how you’ll search. Track your progress. And most importantly, adjust as needed. Without a strategy, you risk spending months in limbo—with little to show for it.
That wraps up my three-part series on The Big Disconnect.
If you’ve been struggling in your job search, I hope this episode gave you clarity and tools you can use today.
If you found this helpful, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Success in hiring is a two-way street—when people succeed, businesses thrive.
Thanks for tuning in to The People Success Circle. I’ll see you next time.
