Finding a job isn’t always easy. It can take a while, and not everyone will have the same, clear road to success. Every kind of assistance is always appreciated and encouraged along the journey.
The widespread job fallacies that some individuals spread as sound advice aren’t useful. It’s common knowledge to repeat advice like “don’t wear red to an interview” or “be sure to arrive an hour early” as if it were backed up by data. Not at all. While those nuggets of advise are a little more implausible, there are many more job seeking myths that circulate and seem to be followed as rules. The following job search “advice” should be avoided:
Just stick to what you know
You’ll pass up a lot of employment prospects during your job hunt if you restrict yourself to one particular industry and/or job title. Conduct active research through your job quest. Look at businesses that you might not ordinarily think would be a good fit for you and carefully read the job descriptions there. There are several jobs available that might suit your unique talents. Stay away from doing what you are accustomed to and what you know. Be inventive in the ways you seek.
Apply for every job
While expanding your job search horizons is encouraged, applying to every position you come across is not. While some may argue that “If you apply to 30 positions, you’re guaranteed to hit on one,” sending your resume to an excessive number of openings will only saturate the employment market. It’s likely that more than half of the available roles aren’t perfect in some way (i.e., salary, company culture, benefits, etc.). Not to mention how difficult it is to keep track of where and when you applied for jobs. Keep your eyes on the prize, identify the job descriptions that most suit you, and submit your application.
Put everything on your CV/resume
There is no need to list every position you have held since starting your career, particularly those from when you were in high school or college. Companies certainly prefer to see consistency and length in employment, but if you are a seasoned professional, it’s possible that your work as a camp counselor is unrelated to the job you are looking for. Of course, they should be disclosed if there is any connection between your former experience and the position you are applying for and its responsibilities. Yet, you shouldn’t feel compelled to tailor your resume to each individual position you apply for. Save such details and stories for the interview, or add them to your cover letter.
Cover letters are a thing of the past
It isn’t always the case. Your CV and your interview are the two most straightforward ways to market yourself to a potential employer. The notorious cover letter, however, should not be disregarded. This is the time to provide those relatable, in-depth tales about your previous employment and/or life experiences that can help you accomplish this potential new job as effectively as possible. The cover letter serves as a barrier between the tangled mess of your CV and the interviewer’s questions about your life’s accomplishments. It’s the ideal filler to add any information you might have overlooked. An added benefit is that a cover letter can be more uniquely tailored to the job and organization you’re applying for. Naturally, you should always adhere to the application’s guidelines. Don’t send a cover letter if the employer requests that you not. You ought to take advantage of this chance if it is optional!
