Common Job Hunting Myths

Even with today's economy and the shear number of layoffs, the following beliefs are just that, beliefs - they are not supported - they are myths we tend to believe.

1. There are no jobs out there. In fact, there are jobs - you just need to know where and how to look. If you are relying on the classified ads and the Internet - you are right, there are no jobs out there FOR YOU! Relying on the classifieds and the Internet is a passive approach to job hunting and both have about a 1-7% success rate. A successful job hunter will network, cold call, research, and hustle - full time.
2. If I work hard, get a good education and am loyal, I will have a good job. False! According to Levinson and Perry, in Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters, the best person does not usually get the job - the best person who interviewed the best and showed (s) he could contribute to the success of the organization, gets and keeps the job.
3. You'll find a job by working with human resources. Nope - you will find a job seeking out and establishing a relationship with the DECISION MAKER. HR will gather the resumes, applications, etc and screen them (giving each about a 4-10 seconds glance) and pass on a few of the applicants' information to the decision maker.
4. Most jobs are with big companies. Nope, most are with smaller companies - about 2/3 of the companies are smaller operations and in today's competitive marketplace, may actually provide more positives than one might think.
5. Most employers won't talk to me if they don't have an opening. Most employers, actually the decision makers within a company or a chain of command to which you would report, are interested in finding people who have spunk or get up and go and will help them achieve their goals. Taking initiative to reach out and meet someone and ultimately help them means a great deal to most leaders.
6. Most interviewers are well trained. Not true, especially if they do not have a skilled and knowledgeable HR manager or employment attorney.
7. I haven’t ever worked for pay; I have nothing to put on my application and I certainly don’t have anything for a resume. False!!!! Volunteer work is work without pay. If you have volunteered, put it down. Parenting and running a household is work. Anything that involves work with or without pay has provided you with knowledge, skills and abilities that can be transferred to another work environment.
8. There are good times and there are bad times to look for work. Anytime and all times are good times to look for work. Funding is here today and gone tomorrow. Never stop looking for work.
9. Sending out 1000 resumes will surely get me a job. Now it will get you frustrated and spending unnecessary money. Learn how successful job hunters find jobs in the hidden marketplace. One good place is this blog. Another is to check out books that are listed in this blog.