7 Early Career Job Search Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
1/31/2025
From resume mistakes to missed networking opportunities, learn how to avoid the most common early-career job search pitfalls.
When you're starting your career, there’s a lot you don’t know — and that’s okay. The trick is knowing what mistakes to avoid so you don’t stall your progress before it really begins.
Here are 7 early-career job search mistakes — and exactly how to fix them.
1. 🚩 Applying Without a Target
Mass-applying to 100 jobs sounds productive, but if they’re all a poor fit, you're just exhausting yourself.
Fix it:
Get clear on 3–5 types of roles and industries that align with your strengths, values, and interests. Tailor your resume and outreach accordingly.
2. 🧱 Ignoring Your Soft Skills
If you’ve never had a “real job,” that doesn’t mean you have nothing to show. Employers care about communication, initiative, and leadership — even from school, volunteering, or side projects.
Fix it:
Pull examples from clubs, internships, or team projects where you made an impact.
3. 📝 Submitting the Same Resume Everywhere
A generic resume signals one thing: “I didn’t care enough to tailor this.”
Fix it:
Customize your resume for each job by adjusting your headline, keywords, and top skills. You don’t need to rewrite it — just adapt the framing.
4. 💌 Skipping the Cover Letter
Even when it’s optional, a great cover letter can make you memorable.
Fix it:
Use it to explain your story, passion, or connection to the company. Don’t just restate your resume — add depth.
5. 😶 Being Passive on LinkedIn
Having a blank profile or no activity hurts your visibility.
Fix it:
Post a short intro, highlight your work or interests, and connect with people in your field. Recruiters often use LinkedIn before reaching out.
6. 🤖 Not Optimizing for ATS
If your resume isn’t readable by Applicant Tracking Systems, you might be filtered out before a human ever sees it.
Fix it:
Avoid columns, fancy designs, and weird fonts. Stick to clean formatting and match your keywords to the job post.
7. 💤 No Call to Action
Submitting your resume and waiting isn’t a strategy — it’s a gamble.
Fix it:
Follow up. Network. Send a short, thoughtful email to someone at the company. Let them know you're serious and curious.
🚀 Want to Fix These Fast?
Upload your resume to ApplyBoost and get instant, personalized feedback on formatting, clarity, structure, and keywords — all optimized for modern job search standards.
Your early career is the foundation — and fixing just a few of these habits can help you land better roles, faster.