The Biggest Mistake People Make When Applying for Jobs (And How to Fix It)

I have reviewed over 1,000 assignment submissions in the last year Students, freshers, freelancers, and even experienced professionals submit assignments every day hoping to get hired. Most of them work hard. Many are skilled. Yet, a large number of assignments fail to make an impact.

There is one common mistake I see again and again.

People treat assignments like homework. They think the goal is to finish the task and submit the final work. That is where things go wrong.

Here is the truth I want you to understand. Your assignment is not just a task to complete. It is your chance to show how you think, how you work, and how you solve problems.

As the founder of Fueler, a portfolio platform that helps companies hire through assignments, I have seen exactly what makes candidates stand out. I have also seen what makes companies reject submissions, even when the final output looks good.

In this article, I want to share what actually works, based on real hiring examples from Fueler.

Why assignments matter more than resumes today

Resumes tell companies what you claim you can do, and assignments show what you can actually do.

When a company gives you an assignment, they are testing much more than your skill.

They want to know:

• How you approach a problem
• How do you make decisions
• How you handle challenges
• How clearly can you explain your work

This is why assignments are becoming a key part of modern hiring.

Now let me share the three things people did differently when they got hired through Fueler assignments.

1. They wrote their process, not just the final work

This is the biggest difference between average and great submissions.

Most people submit only the final result. A design file. A document. A video. A piece of code.

The best candidates go one step further.

They explain their process.

They clearly write:

• Why they chose a certain approach
• What steps they followed
• What problems they faced
• How they solved those problems
• What they learned while working on the assignment

Companies do not only want good output. They want to understand how you think.

Two people can submit similar final work. The one who explains their thinking always stands out.

At Fueler, we have seen companies choose candidates with simpler output but better explanations over candidates with flashy work and no clarity.

Your process shows your mindset. That matters a lot in real jobs.

2. They had a complete and strong portfolio

An assignment never lives alone.

When you submit an assignment, companies almost always check your full portfolio.

This is where many candidates lose the opportunity.

A strong portfolio should:

• Have at least 4 to 5 solid projects
• Show variety in your work
• Prove that you are consistent, not a one-time performer
• Clearly explain what you did in each project

Your portfolio tells your long-term story.

One good assignment with an empty portfolio feels risky to companies.

A good assignment with a strong portfolio feels reliable.

Fueler is built exactly for this reason. It helps you publish your work properly, so your assignments and projects come together in one place.

Think of your portfolio as proof, not promotion.

3. They earned social proof through approved assignments

This is one of the most powerful but underrated advantages.

When your assignment gets approved by a company on Fueler, it appears on your portfolio with a clear tag like:

Approved by [Company Name]

This changes how future companies see you.

It tells them:

• Another company trusted this person
• Their work met real hiring standards
• They can deliver in real world situations

This creates instant credibility.

Instead of saying “I am good,” your portfolio shows that companies already believe in your work.

Over time, every approved assignment makes your profile stronger. Your portfolio starts working for you even when you are not actively applying.

The real mistake you must avoid

The mistake is simple but costly.

Do not treat assignments as tasks to finish. Treat them as opportunities to show how you work.

When you write your process, build a complete portfolio, and earn social proof, hiring becomes much easier.

This is exactly why we built Fueler.

To help people get hired based on their proof of work, not just resumes or marks.

If you want to take your applications seriously, start by fixing how you submit assignments.

And if you have not already, create your Fueler portfolio at Fueler.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do companies prefer assignment based hiring?

Companies prefer assignment based hiring because it shows real skills in action. Unlike resumes, assignments reveal how a candidate thinks, solves problems, and communicates. This reduces bad hires and helps companies choose people who can actually do the job.

2. How should I explain my process in an assignment?

You should clearly write your thinking step by step. Explain why you chose a certain approach, what challenges you faced, how you solved them, and what you learned. Even simple explanations help companies understand your working style and decision making ability.

3. How many projects should a portfolio have for job applications?

A good portfolio should have at least 4 to 5 strong projects. Quality matters more than quantity. Each project should clearly explain your role, your process, and the outcome. A consistent portfolio builds trust with recruiters.

4. What is social proof in a job portfolio?

Social proof means showing that real companies have trusted your work. Examples include approved assignments, testimonials, or tags like “Approved by Company Name.” Social proof increases credibility and makes recruiters more confident in hiring you.

5. How does Fueler help in getting hired through assignments?

Fueler helps you publish your assignments and projects as proof of work. It allows companies to review and approve assignments, which adds credibility to your portfolio. This helps candidates get hired based on real work samples instead of resumes alone.

What is Fueler Portfolio?

Fueler is a career portfolio platform that helps companies find the best talent for their organization based on their proof of work.

You can create your portfolio on Fueler, thousands of freelancers around the world use Fueler to create their professional-looking portfolios and become financially independent. Discover inspiration for your portfolio

Sign up for free on Fueler or get in touch to learn more.