Two huge mistakes job applicants are making

Wednesday 27 April 2016 15:40 BST

Google used to be a big example of this, with high standards and head-scratching questions. (Garo/Phanie/REX/Shutterstock)

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As an assistant managing editor at Business Insider, a big part of my job is hiring for our internship program.

Summer-internship season is in full swing, so I've been reading applications and talking to a lot of candidates.

These are the two biggest mistakes people are making over and over again that sometimes prevents them from getting an interview or the position:

1. Not including a cover letter when the job listing asks for one

If the job listing asks for a cover letter, write one. End. Of. Story. Your cover letter not only gives me a good sense of your writing style, but it also shows me that you care about getting the position and can follow directions.

Even if you have the most impressive résumé I have ever seen, I'm probably not going to set up an interview with you if you don't include a cover letter.

And by the way, keep your cover letter short and write a different one for every job you apply to.

2. Not sending a follow up thank-you email

This is huge.

Sending me a thank-you email a few hours after we speak, or the next morning is the only way I'm going to move you forward in the application process. The thank-you note shows me that you want the job, and also puts your name at the top of my inbox. If I don't get a thank-you note, I assume that after chatting with me you realized that the job wasn't right for you and you've moved on.

If you talked to more than one person, you should send a note to each of them.

Here's a great example of a thank-you note:

"Hello Leah,

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today about the internship at INSIDER. It was a pleasure meeting you and Julie. I wanted to reiterate my appreciation for the time you spent discussing the responsibilities of the internship. After our conversation, I believe my skills and experiences are a great match for this opportunity. I am truly excited about the possibility of joining the INSIDER team. If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me! Have a great weekend and I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Best..."

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Two huge mistakes job applicants are making

1. Not including a cover letter when the job listing asks for one

2. Not sending a follow up thank-you email

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