Job Hunting Myths That Could Be Hurting Your Search

If you’re looking for a new job, you’ve probably encountered a lot of advice from internet forums and well-meaning friends. While this advice can sometimes be helpful, a lot of it is contradictory—and some of it might even be hurting your chances. We’ve addressed a few of the most common myths about job hunting so you can find your new position quickly without lowering your standards.

Steps

Myth: You need to meet every qualification in the job post.

  1. Fact: You don’t need to be the perfect candidate to apply. If you meet some of the criteria that the job asks for, take a chance! It’s pretty rare for a company to find someone who checks all of their boxes.[1]
    • There are some things that companies won’t bend on, like years of experience or skills. However, it never hurts to try.

Myth: Your skills matter more than your behavior.

  1. Fact: Your personality is equally as important as your qualifications. You may have gone to a top school, have years of experience, and are exactly suited for the job—but if your attitude doesn’t match the company culture, there’s a good chance you won’t be hired. Do your best to make a good impression by being personable and kind during your interview.[2]
    • When you show up, shake the interviewer’s hand and thank them for seeing you.
    • Throughout the interview, answer the questions clearly and reiterate how you'd fit into the company culture.
    • Don’t forget to send a thank you email afterwards!

Myth: The best job opportunities are found online.

  1. Fact: Many jobs are filled via networking and word-of-mouth. Studies show that anywhere from 70% to 85% of jobs are filled by networking, not traditional job applications. If you want to up your chances of finding a position, reach out to your professional network for tips.[3]
    • A lot of job opportunities are never even posted online, which only supports the need for a good professional network.
    • If you’re having trouble connecting with people in your field, consider making a LinkedIn account. You can network with other professionals right from your computer.

Myth: Your college degree determines your career path.

  1. Fact: You don’t have to work in the field your degree is in. If you graduated from college and decide you aren’t a fan of your degree, feel free to go in a different direction. Having a college degree shows that you put in hard work and effort, but it doesn't lock you into one specific career.[4]
    • If you do decide to take a completely different career path, consider getting experience in your new field of choice with an internship or vocational classes.

Myth: Temporary jobs are dead-ends.

  1. Fact: Many temp jobs turn into long-term or full-time work. Some companies are cautious about hiring new people, so they use temp jobs to test the waters first. If you stumble across a temporary or contract job that seems perfect for you, consider applying to get your foot in the door.[5]
    • Temp jobs are also a great way to earn some cash if you’ve been unemployed for a while.

Myth: You won’t get hired if you were fired before.

  1. Fact: Future employers can’t tell if you’ve been fired or you quit. Chances are, it probably won’t even come up in your interview. If you’re asked why you left your last job, you can handle it diplomatically by saying it just wasn’t a good fit.[6]
    • Most employers won’t bring up your old job position unless you do. If you can steer clear of the topic, you should be fine.

Myth: No one hires older employees.

  1. Fact: Older employees are more appealing because of experience. Senior employees are also more likely to be dedicated to the job and have a better handle on time management. While it depends a lot on the field you’re in (the technology sector might need younger workers who are experienced in the latest tech), if you’re older than the average applicant, it doesn’t mean you won’t be considered.[7]
    • If you are an older adult, consider taking a few community college classes to brush up on your skills. Learning about new technology is a great way to make your application stand out.

Myth: You need to lower your salary to attract employers.

  1. Fact: You shouldn’t compromise on how much you get paid. If you’re asking for a fair salary and your future employer won’t budge on it, it might not be the right fit. You should never feel compelled to take a low salary just so you can get a job.[8]
    • Good employers will be willing to negotiate with you about your pay. If they won’t accept reasonable offers, they might not be great employers.

References

  1. ↑ https://hbr.org/2019/05/you-dont-need-to-meet-every-qualification-to-apply-for-a-job
  2. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2018/11/19/11-hr-experts-dispel-some-common-job-hunting-myths/?sh=33735d263e9e
  3. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2018/11/19/11-hr-experts-dispel-some-common-job-hunting-myths/?sh=33735d263e9e
  4. ↑ https://www.uah.edu/career-services/news/15640-haunting-job-hunting-myths
  5. ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2011/12/20/10-myths-about-job-hunting-during-a-recession
  6. ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2011/12/20/10-myths-about-job-hunting-during-a-recession
  7. ↑ https://www.aarp.org/work/job-hunting/info-07-2013/older-workers-more-valuable.html
  8. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2018/11/19/11-hr-experts-dispel-some-common-job-hunting-myths/?sh=33735d263e9e
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