Are you having zero luck when it comes to your job searching? If that is a yes, there might be something wrong with your job search strategy.
Coming up with one is easy, but there are job search myths you have to debunk, so it won’t affect how you see job searching and its nuances.
Here are 10 job search myths you shouldn’t believe in and why they are myths.
1. You Will Get Your Next Job Online
Some believe that if you apply to many jobs online, you will eventually get to the top list and land the job. While applying to all the jobs you see will make you feel productive, there is no guarantee that you will get it as some positions are filled through recommendations or internally.
To get more chances to get considered for the job, don’t just stick to online job applications. Check with recruitment agencies, connections, career listings in your university and forums to see how you can get into these jobs.
2. You Should Get A Reply Soon After You Send Your Application
Once you do your search and send your application to a company, you may think that you will get a response immediately. However, it may take some time before you hear from a company, especially if they are a large one. In my experience, usually, you will hear from the interested party within 2 to 6 weeks.
You need to be proactive in following up on your application and speak to a person from the company’s HR department regarding the company’s time frame for job applications and interviews. At the end of each message, ask who you should speak to for follow-ups. It is recommended that you seek follow-ups after you apply to show that you are eager to get the position.
After 6 weeks, if you do not hear any news from them, you may consider the lead cold.
3. Your Cover Letter Will Be Read Completely
Time is money in business, and they will not waste time reading a cover letter in full when they get applications. Some even ignore the resume if they see the cover letter.
To prevent your applications from being ignored, personalize each cover letter for each company and explain why you want to take on the job and why you should be considered.
4. You Can Ditch The Cover Letter
With online applications now popular for many companies and businesses, some applicants believe they can skip the cover letter, highlighting why they are interested in the position and why they are qualified for it.
However, these cover letters can play a crucial role in getting considered for the position, even if you are applying online. It allows hiring managers to see the context of your resume and know what to expect.
5. Networking Should Begin After The Job You Want Is Posted
When you see a job that you like to apply for, you may think of finding a connection who can get you a word in. However, if you do this immediately after seeing the job opening, you will be ignored. The job has already been circulating within the company before it was publicly posted, and there’s someone who heard it before you.
With this in mind, it is best to network before any job opportunities are posted. This will allow you to learn about the job opening before it is made available to the public.
6. Every Job You Apply To Will Offer An Interview
Some often submit a general resume in the hopes of landing an interview since they did not expound on their skills. However, this only reduces the chances of you being called back for an interview since hiring managers want to see specific details to determine if you are suitable.
7. Don’t Quit A Job Without Getting A Job Offer First
Life can be very unpredictable, and you can’t really tell when you will get a job offer once you quit a job. While ideally, having one ready can help you transition easier, it is not the end of the world if you decide to leave your current job and do your job search afterwards. It may just give you an added edge that you can commit to the job immediately, rather than needing to provide a notice period to your current employer.
Generally, a notice period can range from a month to 3 months, and if it is a hot position, the potential employer may not want to wait that long for you.
8. Passion Outweighs Experience In Getting A Position
While your passion is a good indicator that you will do well in the position you are applying for, experience is still king since this will show that you already know your responsibilities.
If you don’t have enough experience but have a passion for the position, you can tailor your resume to showcase your skills and speak about how you will do your tasks if accepted.
9. You Can’t Change Career Paths After Picking One
Career goals change as we grow older, and even if we love our current career option, there is a possibility that you may outgrow your passion for it and want something else. Don’t hesitate to consider a career switch if you feel ready to face the challenge and want to make the change.
10. Your Application Will Be Pushed On Top Because It Will See You Are Qualified
Don’t immediately think that just because all the qualifications are in your resume will mean that the system used by companies to streamline applicants will notice it immediately.
Automated systems look for keywords that will indicate if the application is good or not, so you need to put many keywords to get noticed. You can grab those keywords off the job ad and try to include them in your resume without appearing awkward.
Conclusion
Every career journey varies per job seeker, and you can get quite a lot of advice for any concerns you may have during this period. Since you may get a lot of advice during this time, it can be hard to tell which one is right or wrong. Don’t hesitate to take some time to do your research and learn which job search facts will help you become a better candidate and guide you through your career journey.
Searching for your dream job? Check out these tips to help you stand out from others: The Best Way to Job Search When You Are Employed Conquering Your Fear of Changing Jobs Common Networking Mistakes Job Seekers Often Make
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