Now you’re finally out to face this practical world and want to earn, but you’re not ready.

You scroll endlessly through job sites, send dozens of applications, and hear… nothing. 

If you’re nodding your head, don’t worry. You’re not alone—and more importantly, you might be making a few small mistakes that you don’t even know, but are easy to fix.

At the end of the blog, you’ll learn why freshers struggle to get their first job and what strategies you could follow to get your dream job.

14 Common Job Search Mistakes Students Make & How To Fix Them

As a fresher, I know you don’t have proper assistance about how things work. You’ll make unlimited mistakes, but if you know how to cover them… can make you successful in getting a job. The following tips can save you and help you land a job faster after your degree.

1. Going After Large Organizations Only

I know students dream big. You desire to imagine life in major companies like Google or Microsoft, which tempts most students. The belief that big businesses are the sole employers is incorrect.

University students turn away from smaller businesses and new companies simply because they lack fame. You don’t understand, but it’s their trick to draw attention, so students crave to pursue them. That’s a mistake. 

Smaller businesses provide superior practical training alongside quick career advancement. You’ll gain experience and then can target the brands (Your knowledge will increase the chances of securing a job).

What to do instead:

Search for startup listings on platforms like Working Nomads, Wellfound (formerly AngelList Talent), LinkedIn Jobs, etc.

These platforms present numerous specific hirings from companies actively searching for qualified individuals like you. Don’t ignore them.

2. Dependence on Online Job Search Methods Only

I know many people use this function because it is easy to do in online job applications. But most opportunities require more than clicking on online job platforms. 

You have seen that well-paid positions close easily than less rewarding… why?

Networking, personal contacts, and referrals are necessary for profitable career opportunities where you’re missing out.

Real example:

My friend landed a marketing firm position through LinkedIn when he reached out to his internship mentor to check hiring status. He received a call to interview exactly seven days after making contact. No job portal involved.

So…

You should keep in contact with your college alumni through messages while joining business groups on LinkedIn and attending both in-person and digital career events. People often find better prospects when they connect with others in person.

3. You will not win by sending many generic job applications

The belief that more application submissions boost your chances of success is wrong. That’s false.

The results from submitting 100 basic applications will be less effective than submitting 10 personalized applications that fully match the job profile.

The hiring team will overlook your application when you send them a resume that looks uniform to previous ones they received. The employer will take notice once you present an application that matches their specific position and company profile.

What you should do:

  • Read the job description carefully
  • Render your resume using the job description keywords directly
  • Display your most fitting qualifications and skills to match the position and company requirements.
  • You will start receiving improved job responses from those who review your application.

4. Not Matching Your Skillset to the Job

You should match your abilities to the required tasks in the job opening, like considering applying for finance job openings only if you hold finance-related work experience. 

Before applying, ask yourself, “Based on my understanding, should I keep pursuing this job opportunity?” Explain it by showing examples of what you achieved at work with documented projects or internships. Gain missing skills online or physically.

Example:

Describe your Instagram festival management experience when the position requires social media marketing expertise.

5. Not Using the Right Keywords in Job Portals

Most employment websites screen applicants through keyword matching procedures. Your resume faces little to no visibility when it does not mention the specific keywords listed in the job description.

For example:

When the job description mentions civil engineering and your resume discusses only engineering, normalize your resume to cover both.

You can optimize your resume using tools like Jobscan and Resume Worded to apply for each available position. 

6. Paying Money for Jobs (Just Don’t!)

Do not hand out money as payment to increase the chances of job opportunities.

Real organizations do not ask their application candidates to pay anything. Decide against engaging with any offer that asks for money in exchange for a job guarantee.

Students should choose free platform services that they can rely on, such as LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.

7. Not Verifying Job Postings

Fake job postings are everywhere. Before applying, do your research.

You can use Google to find if the company has a valid website. Look at their LinkedIn page, and use Glassdoor to find real employee feedback about the company.

An unclear job description and payment requests signal an issue.

8. Expecting Too Much Too Soon

Everyone seeks both good income and work conditions combined with home employment and an attractive job title. At the start of your working life, you need to learn more than you need to enjoy yourself.

You should devote your maximum energy and time to practical work experience and the collection of job examples. When you establish value in your professional area, money and benefits will naturally follow you.

9. Not Creating a Job-Specific CV or Resume

Sending one CV for all your job applications…? That’s a RED FLAG.

Your CV requirements should be specific and different for different applications.

Like if you’re applying for software development, your CV must significantly differ from those needed for marketing tasks.

But how?

Change your CV to fit the requirements for each position. Pick out qualifications that best match career requirements. Convert your CV with professional templates from Canva, which are available at no cost.

10. Not Discussing Skills

You should showcase skills over certification credentials. It will increase your worth. Companies prefer hiring job-ready employees instead of those displaying only certifications.

Spend your time practicing what you learn instead of just learning more and more free content. Implementations and their records (Portfolio) can boost your chances of securing a job. That’s what companies notice.

11. No Idea About the Job Profile

Being unfamiliar with the job profile during your interview will create major problems.

You should know all the details, like what the company does, job responsibilities, and why you even applied. That’s a deal-breaker.

Before going for the interview, here’s what you must prepare:

How do you stand out as the top choice among other candidates? What special skills and knowledge do you contribute to this position? The job responsibilities provide the main focus of this position. Read the job post carefully. Describe how you will benefit the company. Think of real solutions.

12. Not Reaching Out to Hiring Managers

Students who talk only to HR representatives seldom influence hiring managers who make all employment choices.

Look for the person in charge of hiring on LinkedIn. Introduce yourself professionally while delivering your CV through email. Provide 5 to 7 points describing your results and career history. Send a professional email when interviews do not get back to you after your follow-up. When you contact hiring managers, your initiative impresses them whether you land a position or not.

13. Not Using Your Network

Your network includes both recent college graduates you met in school, along with previous work mentors, plus your present colleagues and blood relatives. Feel free to ask people for help, and they will guide you to the needed resources.

If you’re currently working or interning, don’t discuss your job hunt with everyone. Be professional.

14. Giving Up Too Soon

Job hunting is tough. Rejections hurt. But don’t take them personally. Sometimes, it’s just timing. Other times, it’s a mismatch. It takes job applications to multiple employers before obtaining any job offer.

But please, don’t stop trying.

Keep developing new skills and refining your professional profile while meeting new contacts.

It’s not simple, but you have to do it.

Career Advice For Students Struggling To Find A Job

Many students are reluctant to step out of their comfort zones during their time in college. After graduation, when they face the harsh reality check of failing to secure job opportunities, they often recognize the mistakes they made during their studies. These include not focusing on communication skills, being inactive in developing practical skills, and more. 

The root of these issues lies in how they approached their student life. However, improving networking, communication skills, practical abilities, and job search techniques can significantly enhance your chances of getting hired after college.

If you’re going to study abroad for your Master’s degree, learn how to write an email to get an acceptance letter from a professor.