It is common for job seekers to envision that dream job that offers a generous salary and an opportunity to make an impact, resulting in success of the business and the employee's professional brand. However, career myths can derail your path to success if you are not aware of how you are limiting yourself during the job search.
1. You Can't Do It
Confidence is one of the most common obstacles preventing job seekers from landing the job of their dreams. Fear and an inability to see your strengths within the industry can stop you from even applying for jobs you should. Avoid letting a negative attitude about yourself hold you back. Instead, make a list of your strengths and weaknesses. Highlight these strengths on your resume and cover letters, and take pride in what you have achieved. Evaluate your weaknesses and view them as strengths-in-training. You can build your confidence and your skill base by seeking to improve these weaknesses; consider taking professional development courses or working with a mentor. Small steps toward reaching your goals should be celebrated to boost your confidence in your professional abilities.
2. Focusing on a Dream Job
Regardless of how much they envision the perfect career, the reality is that job seekers must know that they can achieve multiple dream jobs throughout their careers. Think about how you can grow and develop within a prospective position. Evaluate the advancement opportunities and how the company invests in professional development. The company culture should also be a significant part of your dream. Do you enjoy working among people who are encouraging, innovative and forward thinking? These people exist in any industry. It's up to you to find them, collaborate and make your dreams come true instead of buying into career myths that are just that — myths. Think about what you can achieve, and continually seek out these opportunities. You may soon realize that there is more than just one dream job out there.
3. Living in the Past Works
Job seekers are much more creative and innovative when submitting application materials than they were decades ago. Technology has prompted the use of online resumes and portfolios, video blog applications, and real-time interviews that show both experience and personality of potential candidates. Avoid sticking to what you know and distributing the same old resume you have used for years. Employers are searching for job seekers who think outside the box and can bring innovative ideas to the table to enhance customer service, improve productivity and increase profits.
Myths can derail even the most competent job seekers. Build your confidence, focus your job search on innovative strategies and visualize a lifelong career of dream jobs to advance your professional success in any industry.
Photo Courtesy of renjith krishnan at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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