In today’s digital world, most hiring processes have shifted online. From submitting resumes to attending virtual interviews, everything happens through job portals, mobile apps, and emails. But while online applications have made job hunting easier, many candidates still make common mistakes that can cost them good opportunities.

If you want to increase your chances of getting shortlisted quickly, you must avoid these mistakes and apply professionally.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the 10 most common mistakes jobseekers make during online job applications—and how to avoid them easily.

1. Uploading an Unprofessional or Unclear Resume

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is uploading:

• Old resumes

• Poorly formatted resumes

• Images of resumes instead of PDF

• Resumes with spelling errors

• Too long or too short resumes

✔ How to avoid this

• Always upload a clean, well-formatted PDF resume

• Use simple fonts like Arial or Calibri

• Keep it 1–2 pages maximum

• Highlight skills and achievements

• Update it with the latest experience every 3–6 months

A professional resume increases your selection chances by 40%.

2. Using the Same Resume for Every Job

Every job is different. But many candidates apply with the same generic resume.

Recruiters can easily identify resumes that are not customized for the job.

✔ How to avoid this

Create separate resume versions:

• One for customer service

• One for office/administration

• One for marketing/sales

• One for technical roles

Change skills and keywords according to the job description.

3. Applying Without Reading the Job Description Properly

Many candidates apply blindly to every job.
This leads to:

• Unnecessary rejections

• Wasting recruiter time

• Getting ignored for future openings

✔ How to avoid this

Before applying, check:

• Required qualifications

• Skills needed

• Experience level

• Job location

• Salary range

• Work timings

Apply only if you fit at least 70% of the requirements.

4. Using an Unprofessional Email ID

Emails like:

❌ coolguy123@gmail.com
❌ babydoll_09@xyz.com
❌ rockstarhero@abc.com

These look unprofessional and reduce your credibility.

✔ How to avoid this

Create a professional email:

firstname.lastname@gmail.com
amitahuja123@gmail.com

This instantly makes you look more serious and reliable.

5. Not Checking Email and SMS Regularly

Many candidates miss:

• Interview invitations

• Skill test links

• Job updates

• HR follow-ups

Because they don’t check email or phone notifications.

✔ How to avoid this

• Check your email twice a day

• Enable notifications

• Keep phone switched on

• Save unknown numbers from HR

Missing a single email can make you lose a job opportunity.

6. Uploading Wrong or Incomplete Documents

Some candidates upload:

• Wrong certificates

• Old photos

• Incomplete documents

• Blurry uploads

This causes automatic rejection by many online systems.

✔ How to avoid this

Before uploading, ensure:

• Photo is passport-size

• Resume is in PDF

• Certificates are clear

• File size meets portal requirements

Keep a folder named “Job Documents” on your phone or laptop.

7. Applying Without Filling the Profile Completely

On job portals, 50% of candidates leave profiles incomplete, such as:

• No photo

• Missing skills

• No work experience details

• No expected salary

• No location preference

Recruiters filter candidates based on complete profiles only.

✔ How to avoid this

Fill 100% profile sections:

• About me

• Skills

• Experience

• Education

• Location

• Resume

• Social links

Complete profiles get 5x more visibility.

8. Not Preparing for Online Skill Tests

Many online job applications include:

• Aptitude tests

• English tests

• Typing tests

• Technical assessments

Many candidates take these tests casually.

✔ How to avoid this

• Practice sample tests online

• Check internet connection

• Sit in a quiet place

• Keep pen and paper ready

• Attempt carefully

Skill tests are often the deciding factor for selection.

9. Ignoring the “Experience” and “Skill” Filters

Candidates often apply for jobs:

• Outside their skill set

• Beyond their experience

• Below their qualifications

This wastes effort and lowers confidence.

✔ How to avoid this

Apply only to suitable roles:

• Fresher level → entry jobs

• 1–2 years → junior level

• Technical candidates → relevant technical roles

This increases interview chances.

10. Not Following Up After Applying

After applying online, candidates often wait and never follow up.

But companies receive thousands of applications.

✔ How to avoid this

Follow up after 3–5 days:

• Email

• WhatsApp (if provided)

• Portal message

Example follow-up message:

“Hello Sir/Madam, I applied for the position of Customer Support Executive on 25th January. Kindly let me know if my profile is shortlisted. Thank you.”

Follow-ups show professionalism and interest.

Final Thoughts

Online job applications are simple—but only if done correctly.
If you avoid the mistakes listed above, your chances of getting shortlisted and hired will increase dramatically.

Quick Summary

✔ Create a professional resume
✔ Upload clear documents
✔ Customize your application
✔ Check email regularly
✔ Follow up politely
✔ Fill your profile 100%

Success comes from smart and careful job application habits.

Want More Help?

Bharat Rozgar provides:

• Resume assistance

• Professional profile building

• 100% verified job updates

• Career guidance

• Interview preparation