10 Myths About Job Searching

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thanks for the insights into what the employers view is. I wonder why they advertise a need when after applying usually there is no response to the application. A nice little we recieved your resume or application is how I know whether or not to give up and go back to college or into some other occupation. If it is recieved and there is no longer an opening or they are just collecting resumes for future possible openings I know what to expect within the next 12 months at least.
I also need to know where to buy a home Nevada or Texas...in Texas they are giving homes away!

Dental Hygienist 15 years of NV 3:57PM February 01, 2012

Every published list of job-hunting myths, tips & tricks, and "do's and don'ts" have a contradictory position taken by an expert of some sort. That being said, I've heard all ten of the myths presented and the busting happening here seems pretty reasonable.
However, I think a corrolary for #8 should note that unless the HR or hiring manager is a complete dunce, they will "keep you on the hook" if you're a high-interest candidate (setting a hard and fast date for next steps vs. bemoaning how many other people they still have to screen.) Also #10 should spell out that not only do employers contact whomever they choose, the fact is that any past employer can say anything about you that is factual - I'm thinking myth #11 is that previous employers can only validate dates of employment and title/role.

Bobby of NJ 8:05AM December 05, 2011

I have to second KAYDAY - I also got two jobs by simply applying online with my resume and cover letter. Still, networking helped me make (unpaid) connections that allowed me to build my resume and ultimately stand out to the manager.
Busting another myth, my current position called me in based on my cover letter! The hiring manager complimented me on it within a minute of meeting me. And to agree with one more myth, my company is hiring this month, December. Happy job hunting, it's definitely possible!

anonymous LA of LA 7:44PM December 03, 2011

I've never heard of the 5th myth. I've actually got 3 interviews booked next week, so clearly job searching shouldn't stop in December!

Beth 9:01AM December 02, 2011

I think this is the biggest myth of all....."but plenty of people get jobs by spotting an ad, sending in a resume"....... Without some direct connection with the recruiter and/or hiring manager the chances of getting an interview are slim to none.
Don't know why companies are clinging to this ineffective concept. I also think it's why so many people can't find work.

Penelope Alexander of TX 9:49AM December 01, 2011

Alee, totally agree -- videos aren't generally effective in this context. When a hiring manager is screening resumes, she's spending maybe 20-30 seconds on each. A video makes it impossible to scan and get the relevant facts quickly. There's a reason resumes are the standard.

Alison Green of DC 1:51AM December 01, 2011

ummm...I'm going to strongly disagree with the video. When I've hired someone, I DID look at the resumes (that's why I asked for candidates to send them). The video, especially one that made it apparent that the candidate facebook stalked me, would kinda creep me out. Oh, and I am definitely not going to open an email with a video attachment that a stranger sent me at work.
If you have an interview, maybe do the research (on linked in, not facebook), to develop a rapport with your interviewer, but not for the screening stage.

Alee of DC 11:30PM November 30, 2011

Here's an idea... Find a job that you are really interested in applying for. Find out who is handling the interviews and do some research - find out about them via social media - who they know, where they went to school - other people you know in common. Then create a powerful video and attach it to your resume as "click here to meet me". No one pays much attention to resumes but they can't help clicking that link to see and hear you. In your video, talk about what you can do for them - things you learned during your research e.g. "I also attended Florida State" or "My brother worked for X too". These are potent ways to stand out from the other folks that simply "click and send". Good luck!

David of OH 9:52PM November 30, 2011

I got not one but two jobs from plain old applying online :) Not that you shouldn't network (you definitely should) but people do get hired for jobs via the normal application process.

KayDay of MD 5:34PM November 30, 2011

Number 3 is completely true. In fact, in my current position, I applied in July and wasn't even called until January of the following year. Turns out there were some maternity leaves happening. You never, ever know.

Anonymous of CA 5:12PM November 30, 2011