By Daniel Okoro — Head of Talent Intelligence, Medcruit · Updated 2026-07-02
Application mistakes
These account for most silent rejections.
- Sending the same CV to every role.
- A two-column CV that the ATS cannot parse.
- Applying more than 72 hours after posting.
- No numbers in any bullet point.
- Listing duties instead of achievements.
- A generic cover letter naming no specifics.
- Missing licence or registration details.
Process mistakes
These waste the opportunities you did create.
- No tracker, so follow-ups never happen.
- Never following up at all.
- Applying only to advertised roles and ignoring your network.
- Binge-applying for two days, then stopping for three weeks.
- Not asking for feedback after rejection.
Interview and offer mistakes
These are the most expensive, because you were nearly there.
- Rehearsing in your head instead of aloud.
- Answers longer than three minutes with no result.
- No questions prepared for the panel.
- Giving a salary number first.
- Accepting immediately without negotiating.