5 Job Search Mistakes Recruiters See Every Day

The job search can be tough. Between polishing your CV, updating LinkedIn, and navigating endless job boards, it’s easy to feel stuck. What makes it harder is that many job seekers unknowingly sabotage their own chances.

If you’re ready to take the next step, fill in the contact form here to speak with one of our specialist recruiters and explore opportunities that match your skills and ambitions.

As recruiters, we see the same missteps time and again. The good news? With a few simple changes, you can stand out and make your job search far more effective.

Here are the five most common mistakes candidates make – and what you can do instead.

Sending A Generic CV

Recruiters and hiring managers receive hundreds of applications for competitive roles. A CV that looks copy-and-paste doesn’t give anyone a reason to move you forward.

From our perspective, a generic CV often:

• Lists responsibilities without achievements.
• Uses the same wording for every application.
• Doesn’t show how your experience relates to the specific role.

Why it matters: Employers want evidence of your impact. A tailored CV proves you’ve thought about why you’re a fit, rather than just sending out applications.

How to fix it:

• Start with the job description – highlight the skills or keywords it mentions.
• Showcase achievements with measurable results (e.g. “cut costs by 15%”).
• Keep it concise, but make every bullet point count.

Neglecting Your LinkedIn Profile

Your LinkedIn profile is often the first place recruiters look after seeing your CV. If it’s incomplete, outdated, or inconsistent with your CV, it can hurt your chances.

We frequently see:

• Out-of-date job titles that don’t reflect current responsibilities.
• Missing skills, reducing your chances of appearing in searches.
• Profiles without a photo, which makes them look inactive.

Why it matters: Recruiters use LinkedIn’s search filters to find candidates. If your profile doesn’t include the right keywords, you may never appear in search results – even if you’re perfect for the role.

How to fix it:

• Update your headline to reflect your expertise (not just your job title).
• List relevant skills that match your career goals.
• Add a short summary that explains who you are and what you’re looking for.

Limiting Your Job Search

Relying only on job boards may feel safe, but many of the best roles never make it there. Companies often fill positions through referrals or via recruiters who already know the right candidates.

Why it matters: Limiting your search to job boards means you’re only seeing a fraction of the market. By the time a role is advertised, it may already be halfway filled.

How to fix it:

• Reach out to former colleagues and managers – your network can be a valuable source of hidden opportunities.
• Connect with a specialist recruiter who has direct relationships with hiring managers.
• Stay active on professional platforms where opportunities often surface first.
   

Treating recruiter calls as casual

The first call with a recruiter isn’t “just admin.” It’s often the first step of the hiring process, and the impression you leave can influence how you’re presented to employers.

What we sometimes see:

• Candidates who haven’t thought about their salary expectations.
• Vague answers about career goals.
• A lack of enthusiasm or clarity about what they want next.

Why it matters: When we recommend you to a client, we’re not just sharing your CV – we’re sharing a picture of you as a professional. If you’re unclear or unprepared, it’s harder for us to confidently put you forward.

How to fix it:

• Treat the recruiter call as seriously as an interview.
• Be ready to talk about your achievements, motivations, and next steps.
• Ask questions – it shows you’re engaged and serious.
   

Slow responses

Top roles move fast. Employers want to secure talent quickly, and if you don’t reply promptly, someone else may take your place.

Why it matters: A delayed reply can signal a lack of interest — or worse, cause you to miss the chance altogether.

How to fix it:

• Check your inbox regularly when job hunting.
• Let recruiters know if you’re unavailable for a few days.
• Even a short reply (e.g., “Got your message, will review tonight”) shows commitment.

Job searching is challenging enough without these avoidable mistakes. The good news? With the right approach – and the right recruiter by your side –  you can avoid the pitfalls and focus on finding a role that truly fits your skills and ambitions.

At Thor Companies, we connect professionals across engineering, life sciences, and  with opportunities that might otherwise go unseen.

Want personalised guidance for your job search? Reach out to one of our specialist recruiters today by filling out the contact form here and discover the roles that could be the perfect fit for you.