Common Mistake to Avoid When Applying for Remote Jobs

Companies are using a little trick to catch out remote job applicants. To be honest, when I first saw this, I was impressed by the creativity behind it.

It’s a clever trick that will filter out many people who do not have this particular skill.  In recent years, the number of people applying for remote jobs increased. Companies use tricks to filter out people they know are not a good fit for the job.

When you apply for remote jobs, have you made this mistake?

Companies Use Applicant Tracking Software

Before we get into this trick, let me remind you that companies use Applicant Tracking Software to shortlist applicants.

This software looks for keywords in resumes that refer to specific skills, experiences, and personality traits.

If you use the same resume for every job, you will struggle to get shortlisted. Spend time looking through the job advert and highlighting the skills, experience, and personality traits that are mentioned.

• Make sure you reference them in your resume.
• Ensure all of the essential requirements are included.

Creative Trick to Catch Out Applicants

So far, this trick has been used in customer service and quality assurance jobs because they seek people with attention to detail. In the bottom paragraph of the job listing, they write:

“In your cover letter, please make sure to include the words JUNGLE, PIZZA, HIKE, so we know you are not a bot.”

The three words they include will be different for every advert.

Of course, this helps with bot applications. What if a job listing requires attention to detail? Do you send your resume without these words?

If not, you have failed the first test.

Please read every word in the job advert, especially the instructions for applying for the remote job.

Companies are getting creative and do not always want you just to send them your resume and cover letter.

Hidden Test or Not?

Another trick you will see used is including mistakes in the job listing. The advert for one quality assurance job I applied for was littered with spelling mistakes and inaccuracies.

When sending the resume, I highlighted these mistakes because it’s difficult to tell if they’re a hidden test or a genuine mistake.

What’s next?

Hopefully, this guide will help you apply for remote jobs, but grab a drink and read my other guide on common mistakes when applying for remote jobs. I am biased, but it’s a great read.