The hiring process has changed, and virtual recruitment jobs are more common than ever. If you’re wondering how to get hired in 2025, it’s all about timing, personalization, and avoiding common mistakes.
Whether you’re applying for 2025 high-demand jobs, a remote position, or a hybrid role, these are the top things to avoid—plus tips on how to apply at the right time and follow up without being annoying.
1. Applying Too Late (Be Seen First!)
The best candidates don’t always get hired—the ones who get seen first do.
Many companies start reviewing applications within hours of posting a job and may close the listing within a day or two if they find enough qualified candidates.
If you wait until late at night to apply, there’s a good chance your application gets buried under hundreds of others by morning.
✔ Set job alerts so you get notified as soon as relevant positions are posted.
✔ Check your email often. If you really want the job, don’t wait hours (or days) to respond—hiring managers move fast.
✔ Apply immediately to increase your chances of getting seen before the first wave of applicants is reviewed.
💡 Tip: If you’re serious about job hunting, treat it like a priority. The best jobs go fast, and if you’re too busy to check emails or respond quickly, someone else will take the opportunity.
Hiring Story: I once received an application 20 minutes after posting a job. The resume was clear, addressed the job description, and they followed up professionally. They got the job before I even finished reviewing the next batch of applicants.
2. Applying with a Business Email Address
If you own a company, don’t apply using your business email (e.g., yourname@yourbusiness.com).
It can make it seem like your business failed, you’re not serious about job hunting, or you’re just looking for a backup plan.
💡 Tip: Use a professional personal email (e.g., yourname@gmail.com). It looks cleaner and prevents assumptions about your business.
3. Over-Exaggerating Work Skills
If you’ve never worked remotely, don’t claim to be a “self-motivated remote work expert.”
Instead, highlight how you’ve worked independently, met deadlines, and communicated effectively in past roles. Be honest and focus on adaptability.
💡 Tip: Keep your resume ATS-friendly (Applicant Tracking System). Overly designed resumes with complex formatting can be unreadable by the software, which means your application may never even reach a human.
Professional Tip: One should never wait until they are fired or laid off before they begin looking for a new job. If you are unhappy or if you believe that you should be earning more money, always be on the lookout for new opportunities.
4. Giving Generic Answers in Applications & Interviews
If you’re asked, “Why do you want this job?”, don’t say, “I just need a job.”
Employers want to know why you’re a good fit. If it’s a remote role, highlight your ability to stay organized and communicate effectively. If it’s hybrid or in-office, discuss how you collaborate with teams.
💡 Tip: If you’re in a creative field, submit a clean, professional resume alongside a portfolio link.
Hiring Story: I once hired someone on the spot because they sent in a document outlining what they would do in their first three months on the job. It was clear and actionable, and showed initiative—way better than a generic cover letter!
5. Ignoring the Job Description
If the listing says, “Must have experience with Slack, Notion, and Zoom,” and you don’t mention those tools in your application, you’re hurting your chances.
Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan for key terms before a human even looks at your resume.
💡 Tip: Keep your resume simple and text-based, especially if the job listing is through a big company. Fancy graphics and unique fonts might make it unreadable for an ATS.
6. Submitting an Outdated or Unpolished Resume
Your resume should be clear, error-free, and up to date.
If your last job ended two years ago and you haven’t added new experience, it looks like you haven’t been active in the workforce.
Small typos can also get your resume tossed aside.
💡 Tip: If you’re in marketing or design, submit a standard, easy-to-read resume alongside a link to your portfolio. Don’t make your main resume an image—hiring managers need to copy and paste information easily.
Hiring Story: I once skipped over an applicant because their resume had a typo in the company’s name. If you can’t proofread a one-page document, how can I trust you with company materials?
7. Waiting Until Late at Night to Apply
Many people think applying at night will put them at the top of the inbox in the morning, but that’s not how it works.
Hiring managers often review applications throughout the day, and by morning, your application is buried under hundreds of others.
💡 Tip: Apply during normal business hours (9 AM – 5 PM) for the best chance of being seen early.
8. Following Up the Wrong Way (Here’s How to Do It Right)
Some job postings get 600 applicants in one day and only 10 the next.
Following up the right way can help you stand out.
✔ DO send one follow-up email a few days after your interview.
✔ DO connect on LinkedIn with a short, polite message.
❌ DON’T spam emails every day or demand answers.
❌ DON’T comment on their LinkedIn posts asking for updates.
💡 Tip: If you’re reaching out on LinkedIn, make sure your profile is fully updated. An incomplete or outdated profile could make recruiters hesitant to respond.
9. Ignoring LinkedIn (Even If You Don’t Like It)
Many job applications go through AI and applicant tracking systems (ATS) before a human sees them.
Large companies often scan LinkedIn profiles to verify applicants and match them to open positions.
💡 Tip: You don’t have to apply through LinkedIn, but keeping an updated profile helps recruiters find you.
10. Doing Something Dumb (Because We Will Remember)
One bad interaction can make you instantly unforgettable—for the wrong reasons.
Rude emails, aggressive follow-ups, and unprofessional behavior leave a lasting impression on hiring managers long after a position has been filled.
Some HR departments maintain a blocklist of candidates who will never be considered for employment again. Additionally, larger companies may even prevent candidates from applying by withholding their IP addresses.
💡 Tip: If you’re in marketing or design, don’t submit a resume as an image or a locked PDF. If hiring managers can’t copy and paste, they might just move on.
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