Exploding Job Search Myths

Posted on Nov 23rd 2009, 01:26 am, under Career Advice

There are some things about job hunting that seem so natural, so obvious that they MUST be true. However, the reality can be surprisingly different. Are you a smart and savvy job seeker? Test your knowledge against our brief list of some of the most pervasive myths about job hunting. Read on:

1. The applicant with the best qualifications always gets the job. It may sound counter-intuitive, but this is false. This one is probably the most widely-believed of the numerous myths out there. In truth, interviewers aren't just looking at your qualifications, but at your people skills and personality. They need to see if you're a good fit for their company. Therefore, never write yourself off if you don't necessarily meet all the qualifications for a position. And conversely, if you think you're the most qualified person for the job, don't get too cocky just yet. You'll need to prove yourself in the interview first.

2. In a bad economy, you have to take the first job you can get. Unless you're on the verge of losing your house or already suffering from financial and emotional problems, this is probably a bad move. Of course, if you like the job description and the compensation is satisfactory, by all means go for it. But if it's not going to take your career where you want it to go, you're probably better off holding out for a job that fits your plan for life.

3. Confining your job search to the Internet will get you multiple offers. Some people nowadays think that they can conduct a successful search solely on Internet job boards, without ever leaving their house. However, with the economy in its current state, this isn't feasible. Looking for employment online is an important part of any job search, but it is only one element out of many. Applying to ads in the newspaper's help-wanted section and making calls to companies are still necessary for getting those all-important interviews. To make things easier, consider getting a job-hunting buddy.

4. The lower your salary demands, the better your chances of getting a job. Actually, by going below a reasonable salary for the job requirements and the employer's location, you show that you're desperate to get the job, any job in fact. And that's one thing you never want to show a potential employer. Even if you do get the position, you won't be happy for long because you'll feel that you're working for less than what you really deserve.

5. Job postings and want ads make up the majority of available jobs. Not true. In reality, publicly-advertised jobs make up only around 15 percent of all employment opportunities. The "hidden" job market constitutes the vast remainder. The higher the salary, in fact, the less it will be advertised. So how do you find these jobs? By networking and knocking on doors. Read our article on accessing this market here.