5 Common Mistakes That Get Job Applications Rejected

1. Generic cover letters

A cover letter that could be sent to any employer signals low effort. Reference the organization's actual work.

2. Ignoring the job description's keywords

Many organizations screen applications for specific terms from the posting — mirror the language where it's genuinely true of your experience.

3. Unclear formatting

Recruiters skim. Use clear headings and bullet points so your key qualifications are easy to find.

4. No quantified achievements

"Managed a team" says less than "Managed a 5-person team that shipped 3 releases on schedule."

5. Missing the deadline window

Apply as early as possible — many organizations review applications on a rolling basis before the stated deadline.