With the unemployment rate now at 3.8%, record numbers of jobs being added in the United States and wages steadily increasing, now is a great time to job search. So why does getting the job seem so impossible? Because there are so many myths about job searching that are getting in the way of people landing the position that is right for them. So many people don’t know is the right behavior and what are the right things to do. On top of it, it’s so easy for job seekers to lose faith and give up on their job search. Here are some common myths about job searching that you can throw out the window right now:
1) Job hoppers look bad to employers
This job search myth may have held some weight years ago, but job hopping is no longer seen as a bad thing. In this day and age, it’s often necessary to change jobs to grow in your career and develop new skills. Just proactively address this to employers, focus on the transferable skills you have gained from these jobs and you should be fine.
2) If a company is really interested they will respond right away
This is one of the myths about job searching that causes too many job seekers to give up. Often companies take more time to respond because they have other priorities, are waiting until all applications are in or are simply short staffed. If you are curious, feel free to give a company a brief follow-up phone call.
3) Lower your salary requirements to get the job
As long as you are asking for a salary that is reasonable to the industry and your experience and skill level, stick to it. Otherwise you are likely to appear desperate to the employer and if they do hire you, you will end up feeling overworked and resentful.
4) Your resume should only be one page
This is one of the job search myths that is extremely outdated. Unless you are just beginning in the workforce, it is ok to have 2 or 3 pages if you have numerous jobs that are relevant to the position you are applying for.
5) Job searching around the holidays is pointless
One of the myths about job searching that causes job seekers to miss out on some great opportunities is taking a break from their hunt during the holidays. In fact, many companies need to fill openings for the new year, employers tend to be in good spirits this time of year, and the holiday season is a great time for networking. What’s more, if you amp up your search during the holidays you are likely to have less competition since others will be taking a break.
6) The more resumes you send out, the more likely you are to find a job
Not really. This habit has become so common it isn’t as effective, and if you aren’t tailoring your resume and cover letter to each job you aren’t likely to get the attention of hiring managers. Narrow it down to a list of companies you are truly interested in and put in more time and effort so that you really stand out.
7) Take the first job offer you get
If you care about the future of your career, you shouldn’t feel pressured to take just any job that comes along. With job searching, it’s common that you will have weeks where you are getting multiple offers, followed by periods of time where you don’t hear back from anyone. As long as you aren’t in economic dire straits, don’t take a job offer unless it has a reasonable salary and is a good career move.
Author: Jessica Cody
Jessica Cody, a native of Fairfield County, Connecticut, has a background in online marketing and public relations. Currently, she works at VHMNetwork LLC in the role of Marketing Analyst. She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut, where she studied Journalism and Political Science. She is also an avid runner with a passion for the outdoors.
