6 Job Search Myths Put to Rest

Nancy Anderson
Posted by in Career Advice •


Finding work can be a frustrating experience, particularly in a poor economy. Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a decrease in the unemployment rate from July to August of 2014, there were still not enough job openings for the number of people looking for work. For those believing in job search myths, the problem is even worse.

Holding on to job search myths can cause you to miss opportunities. Although one of the biggest deterrents to finding a job is the media-hyped belief that there are no jobs, there are other myths that could stand in your way when you're trying to land a job.

Job Search Myth #1: You Should Only Apply for Jobs That are Posted Online

According to Hannah Morgan of U.S. News & World Report, only a small percentage of jobs are filled through job boards. You have a better chance of getting a job through a personal connection than you do by applying online.

Job Search Myth #2: Don’t Bother Looking for Jobs in the Summer or at the End of the Year

Hiring managers experience less stress in the summer, making this an excellent time for you to contact them. As for the end of the year, December is one of the best months to find a job, as employers start hiring for the new fiscal year.

Job Search Myth #3: Your References are Contacted Immediately

According to Morgan, this is rarely the case. Since it costs time and money to contact references, this step may not be taken unless the company is seriously thinking of offering you the job.

Job Search Myth #4: Your Social Media Profile Does Not Matter

A 2012 CareerBuilder survey indicated that 37 percent of employers check a candidate’s social media profiles before making a hiring decision. When looking for jobs, make sure all of your social media activities are professional.

Job search myth #5: A Resume Should be Only One Page

Believing this myth could cause you to leave important information out of your resume and cost you the job. The average length of this document is two or three pages. Only those with little work experience should have a one-page resume.

Job Search Myth #6: After Applying for a Job, You Should Wait for the Employer to Contact You

Many people have lost job opportunities because of this myth. Call the company's human resources department soon after submitting your application. Ask the hiring manager when he expects the job to be filled, and when you should follow up.

Although this list represents only six job search myths that can delay your chances of being hired, they are some of the most common ones. By changing your beliefs, you can increase your odds of finally landing a job.

 

Photo courtesy of Kate Hiscock at Flickr.com


 
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  • Bruce B.
    Bruce B. •

    The only reason that I apply to jobs online is that's effectively the only place (in THIS economy) where I can find jobs for which to apply. I have slight trust in the Net. For myth 2, I apply year-round: I need a !! job. I never heard of myth 3 and I don't have a social media profile. I was taught myth 5 in college, but my job experience wouldn't fit on a page by itself. Their debunking of myth 6 makes a lot of sense, but I don't just apply to a few jobs. Finding my way through the hierarchies of many different employers to find how to play each one's "right person" seems untenable,

  • tony w.
    tony w. •

    cook in max beach

  • Robert Gilchrist
    Robert Gilchrist •

    It's about time, employers were reminded that Customer Service is of the utmost importance. Most employers realize that these precempts are important. For those who do not, this article should serve as a reminder.

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