Struggling to find a job? You’re not alone. The job market is rife with advice, and the truth is that most of it is downright incorrect. We’ve all heard the clichés—the do’s and don’t’s you’re “supposed” to be doing, but what if they’re actually keeping you from landing the job you want?
It’s time to break free of the myths and concentrate on what truly works. Let’s dispel some common myths so you can more quickly and with a whole lot less stress get your next job.
Myth #1: “You have to apply to hundreds of jobs to get noticed.”
Reality: A targeted, strategic process is much more effective.
It might feel productive to be stamping off applications by the hundreds each week, but trust us, you’re likely wasting your time and energy. Consider it: are you making the best possible impression when you’re just clicking “apply” on every job listing on the boards? Recruiters can identify a mass-produced, generic resume from a mile away. It shows that you’re not particularly interested in *their* company or *their* particular job.
Rather than putting all your eggs in one basket, change your strategy to quality. Invest your time on a few top-notch applications. Customize your resume and cover letter for each position, emphasizing the exact skill and experience that most directly applies to the job posting. This demonstrates to the hiring manager that you’ve taken the time to do research and are genuinely interested. That extra effort in customizing your application will get you far in making it through the first screen.
Myth #2: “If the job posting is old, it’s too late to apply.”
Reality: Most fantastic jobs are available for weeks or months.
This is a myth that will make you lose out on great opportunities. It’s also the case that there are pretty good reasons why a job posting may be weeks or even a month old. Perhaps the company is slow to extend an offer, the primary decision maker was out of town, or they were searching for a highly specific kind of candidate and haven’t yet located him or her.
If the posting is still up, there’s a great possibility it’s still available. Don’t get discouraged by one date on a sheet. If you find a job that you like, **apply!** The worst you can do is have them say no, which is the same thing you’d receive by not applying in the first place.
Myth #3: “The most qualified candidate always gets the job.”
Reality: Your ability to communicate, fit culturally, and be enthusiastic tends to work in your favor.
Though possessing the correct qualifications is important, it’s not the end of the criteria. A killer resume can provide an interview, but your soft skills that provide employment. Employers seek an individual to become part of their organization culture and team. They desire someone who will be friendly toward people, creative in solving problems presented, and have a positive mindset when tackling challenges.
Your people skills, your personality, and your people-empathizing skills will have a greater chance to trump some other certification or fleeting glitch on your resume. Be yourself in the interview, and explain to the interviewer how much you enjoy the job and the mission of the company. That is what makes us human, and that is what can differentiate you from the guy who has the more “perfect” resume.
The Takeaway
Shatter all job search myths. The old, tired job search rules are antiquated and ineffective. By targeting a quality-over-quantity strategy, not minding if the post date on an ad is recent, and by allowing your personality and soft skills to take center stage, you will get more effective results, and you will have greater control over your search.
So what do you have to lose? Choose a few roles that you’re absolutely passionate about and send in a fantastic, individualized application. Your next big break could be just around the corner.