10 Myths of The Job Search

Dec 5

Job search myths abound. Mouth-to-mouth stories, unsubstantiated online stories, they all add up to what many believe to be the truth. But being online, does not make it true. Here are 10 myths that I get asked about :

Keep your resume to one page. If you have worked 15+ years and can keep your resume to one page, you are definitely not selling yourself properly. Your resume needs to be concise and shouldn't be multiple pages in length but two pages is very common. Remember, you can use addendum pages for awards, achievements etc.
Send your resume to everyone possible. While you want to get the word out, you want to do it in the best way possible. You need to know what someone is looking for you so you can tailor your resume accordingly.
I'm perfect for this job so I'll get through the ATS system. According to Career Confidential, only about five of every 1,000 online applications make it through to a hiring manager's desk. Try to make direct contact with a company or carefully redo your resume to fit the job description/qualifications exactly.
Every application will get a response. Unfortunately, this does not happen. Not hearing back is an answer in many cases.
Avoid job hopping. While not ideal, job hopping is not necessarily a deal breaker. In some industry sectors, a year in each job is acceptable.
Formal business attire is necessary for an in-person interview. This is not always the case. It really depends on the dress code where you are interviewing. Business casual can be approrpriate dress. You can check with the recruiter or HR regarding this.
I lack the qualifications but have the passion/interest. While you don't have to have the exact job requirements, you must meet the minimum qualifications.
Cover letters aren't important. If an application asks for a cover letter, the employer is looking to see how you write, think, how you think you fit in etc. If you are contacting someone, a cover letter is your chance to sell yourself beyond your resume. Cover letters can be extremely important.
Keep your resume generic so you get more interest. Most recruiters spend less then 10 seconds reviewing a resume. They are looking for specifics that match their needs. Tailor your resume for every job.
My social media doesn't matter. It matters a great deal. According to Career Builder over 70% of employers use social media to research a candidate. You can put more information online than you can on a resume so this gives an employer an idea of your knowledge, connections and passion for your discipline. So remember, nothing provocative or inappropriate.