Are you finally ready to start your career ?
As a fresher, finding your way in the job market can be confusing to say the very least. If you are just starting to look for a job, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that will hold you back. Being aware of what the most typical mistakes allow to be better prepared and be more confident. These are some common mistakes that freshers make which can help you identify them in advance and prevent them:
1. Not Looking in the Right Place
These days companies like Pathao, DHL Express Nepal, PRAN Nepal post their vacancies in job portals but many freshers are still searching for jobs in the wrong places like random social media pages or outdated classifieds
Tip: Use reliable job portals for freshers like Rojgari.com and merojob.com. Use filters such as entry level jobs, education qualifications and turn on notifications.
2. Fixating on a single job
Many jobseekers fixate on one dream job or one company and ignore other opportunities that may be equally good or better suited.
Tip: Keep your options open. Apply to as many of the relevant entry-level positions and take them seriously.
3. Not Enhancing Soft Skills
Although technical skills are important, companies also value soft skills such as interpersonal communication and adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving in freshers.
Tip: Improve your soft skills with online courses, workshops, or internships. Point them out in your profile and interviews.
4. Lack of Networking
This is one of the areas that many freshers get wrong since they fail to realize the need to meet individuals within the industry, either their peers, mentors, or experts who can help them out or refer them to employment.
Tip: Interact in alumni groups, and let people know you’re job hunting. Referrals help more than you think. Attend different events and do not hesitate to ask questions or seek informational interviews.
5. Not Updating Your Profile
Job portals typically have a profile section, where the job seekers can show who they are, their achievements, skills etc. Many people take it for granted but they're very useful and can get you noticed by the employers. Updating your profile ensures that your employers get to see the whole picture of what you can offer.
Tips: Make your merojob profile complete and professional.
6. Applying for Irrelevant Job
It's natural to be excited and nervous while searching for a job, but applying for all the vacancies isn't going to help. Apply for jobs appropriate for your level of work, usually entry-level jobs. Only applying for relevant job offers increases your chances of being shortlisted.
Tip: Only apply to entry-level positions in your line of background.
7. Ignoring the “Actively Seeking” Option
Merojob has an “Actively Seeking” toggle which gives you more priority when employers are looking to hire urgently. Not enabling it can reduce your visibility leading to missed opportunities.
Tip: Use actively seeking feature to increase your chances of appearing in recruiter searches.
8. Applying for the Wrong Job Level
Without understanding the experience needed, freshers proceed to apply in the middle level or even high level positions.
So you need to know about job levels:
| Job Level | Experience Required |
| Entry-Level | 0-1 years( Best for freshers) |
| Mid-Level | 2-5 years |
| Senior-Level | 5-9 years |
| Top-level | 10 years |
Tip: Read the job description carefully. Stick to entry-level jobs if you’re just starting out.
9. Failing to Mention Expected Salary
Some freshers leave the desired salary field blank, and some put very exaggerated figures. Both can damage your chances. Practice thoroughly and put in a realistic salary range for fresher jobs..
Tip: Look up the average salaries of freshers in the field and area you are applying in. Make a reasonable and fair estimate.
10. Turning Off Notifications
Job portals send alerts via email and application to notify you of the latest jobs posted. You might miss out on good opportunities if you turn them off.
Tip: Enable notifications on job websites and applications to among the first to apply when a new job is posted.
11. Lack of Communication
Timely communication is valued by all organizations. If an employer contacts you, reply as soon as possible whether through email, call, or message. Professionalism is demonstrated by being responsive.
Tip: Always check your email and phone regularly. Answer interview calls, email and messages within 24 hours.
12. Not Going to Interviews
First time job hunters often get scared when thinking about job interviews which leads them to skip interviews. However, missing out on an interview invitation even on a job position that you are unsure about can be an opportunity lost.
Tip: Attending interviews will help you gain experience, become confident, and know what are the expectations in that industry.
13. Not Being Prepared for Interviews
Presenting yourself in an interview unprepared can be seen through the way you conduct yourself. Employers immediately know that candidates did not take their time to do some research about the company or that they barely know or have no knowledge at all about the job that they have applied to.
Tip: It is always good to prepare the typical interview type questions, learn about the job, and the company.
