Throughout your job search, you’re bound to come across situations that may deter you from the overall process. You’re likely to be getting information and advice from a variety of online resources and those in your industry, as well as friends and family. It can sometimes be hard and frightening to take on all a job search entails. Nevertheless, during this Halloween and beyond, don’t let the following seven myths scare you as you begin your search for a new opportunity.

1. Your resume can’t be over one page.

When first creating your resume in college, you were most likely told that it absolutely has to be one page and nothing longer. However, this simply does not have to be the case. You may have completed a number of internships, or as your career has progressed, have had several jobs by this point. It’s perfectly fine to have your resume be two pages. It’s best not to go over this length, because then it will be too much information. As long as you keep your document to two pages and it can be printed on one sheet of paper (front and back), it will assist you in your search.

2. You need to apply to as many jobs as possible.

As you start applying to jobs, it may be tempting to try and submit an application for as many positions as you can to increase your chances of landing an interview. This approach won’t necessarily help you make it to the interview process. Before applying to a job, you’ll want to do a little research on the employer, to not only tailor your resume to a particular role, but to also see if you’d actually want to work there.

3. You have to meet every single qualification listed on a job description.

After looking at the list of qualifications listed for a particular job you’re interested in, it’s quite possible to get deterred if you feel like you don’t meet every single one of them. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply. You just have to be realistic as to how many qualifications you do meet, and then put in a little extra effort to prove you are the right fit. Some ideas include writing a very strong cover letter proving your skillset, attaching a creative portfolio of work with your application, and highlighting your skills that translate directly to the job at hand.

4. You have to know someone to get an interview.

While knowing someone already working at an organization you’re interested in is obviously helpful in getting your foot in the door, it’s not the only way for you to get the hiring process started. In addition to having a polished resume, you can establish other means to get introduced to an employer. You can make those network connections yourself by connecting with employees through LinkedIn or at specific networking events. You can also work with a recruiter or staffing consultant, who will already have connections with organizations and can speak on your behalf to a potential employer.

5. You should only focus on the employer’s needs.

It’s not only important to determine what an employer is looking for in a potential employee, but to also determine what you’re looking for in a potential employer. Does the organization have a company culture that you want to be a part of? Are their benefits the ones you’re hoping to get in your next job? While you obviously want to prove you can be a fit for their organization, you also need to make sure it’s also the right fit for you.

6. You have to wait to hear back from an employer.

There may be points during the job search and hiring process when you don’t hear back from a recruiter, hiring manager, or employer. While there are a variety of possibilities of why you have not heard something, you shouldn’t be afraid to reach out to them. People have different schedules and can be busy, so it’s perfectly fine to reach out to a recruiter or hiring manager after a phone screen or interview for any follow-up. As long as it’s been a reasonable amount of time and you’re not pestering them every day, take matters into your own hands to hear back from an employer.

7. It’s impossible to change your career path.

When you begin your job search, you may be nervous to change your career path or join a new industry all together. Don’t let this fear discourage you, as it is possible to make that change. Depending on the industry or role, you may need additional training, experience, or skills in order to qualify. Take it upon yourself to gain the necessary skillset by taking a class and networking with those currently in that type of role. It will take extra work to make a career change, but it’s far from impossible.

At times, the job search can seem like a scary and menacing process. However, it’s important to not let these particular myths get in your way of successfully finding a new career opportunity.

 

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