5 Common Job Search Myths

5 Common Job Search Myths

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Improve your job search results. Don't fall vicitim to fallacies and misperceptions about how to be successful in today's job market.

1. A resume should fit on one page. This is foolhardy unless you have very little experience or you are a new graduate. In general, the rule of thumb is 2 pages for 5-15 years of experience, 2-3 for 15+ years. Omitting key experience and skills will kill your chances of getting an interview. Omit the objective and use a powerful message on the heading of your key accomplishments. Quantify accomplishments where possible and be specific about the goals you have achieved for your employer. A good resume will aide in your branding, tell your story and should convey why you should be interviewed - in 20 seconds - the time the person reviewing the resume will make his/ her decision if they are going to read further.

2. The more resumes sent, the more interviews received. Ridiculous, unless you are taking the requisite time to modify your résumé and cover letter specifically for each job for which you apply, and are following up every one with a personal contact. The average company interviews one person per 245 résumés it receives. Competition is fierce. The sophisticated job hunter identifies specific firms and pursues hiring managers within those companies. Reach out to the people who may hire anytime within the next few months—and keep in touch with them.

3. The Internet is the Place to Look for Jobs. This is a huge fallacy. You might as well look for a needle in a haystack. Internet job postings vs. actual hires are about 5% of the market. The belief that online postings will result in employers knocking down your door for an interview is pure fallacy. Use the internet to network, research company information for an interview, and research contacts within a targeted organization. The internet is useful as a part of your job search but certainly not the only one you depend on for job leads.

4. If a Company Isn't Advertising, You Will not Get an Interview. This is yet another erroneous belief. One of the most productive ways to spend time in your job search is informational interviews. Arrange an informal meeting with people working in your field to learn more the industry, get expert career advice and, most importantly, build a network of contacts in your field. Many times they are aware of an opening elsewhere, resulting in a referral interview for you. Countless times, in weeks after your meeting, you will receive a call for an opening that the company did not have at the time of your interview and that hasn't been advertised yet. Instead of getting into a line, you will be creating the line, and hopefully eliminate the need for the position to be advertised. At the very least, you will have made a contact that you may find helpful at some point in the future.

5. The One Who is Hired is the One Who Will Do the Job the Best. Not so. Hiring managers hire people they like. Possessing the right skills is obviously essential, but fitting into the company culture is also critical. This means that you will have to do some research to find out what the culture is -- the goal and ideas that shape the company, the way people communicate, and the kinds of people who are respected within the organization. You will find this information by talking to people via social media and networking contacts. You may be qualified, but it will come down to interviewing skills and your rapport with your interviewer. Domonstrate why you are the right candidate to fill the job, make a good first impression by being on time and dressing professionally. Use strong examples to show your skills. Most of all, indicate your interest by asking when and how to follow up. Show your continuing interest in the job without being annoying. Be sure to send a thank you note promptly.

Looking for a job in today's market means acquiring new skills. The more you interview, network and communicate the easier the process becomes. Avoid beginner errors and stick to established techniques and you will get hired, faster.

About the Author:
Community Job Club is a non-profit, affiliated with the Dept. of Labor, providing free resources to job seekers. Founded by Diana Miller, a leader in the career industry. With extensive experience as a career coach, job search strategist and professional resume writer, Diana provides top-notch service to those in need. Find out more or receive assistance at =>http://www.communityjobclub.com



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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