Everyone has tips and advice on how to find a job. Your approach to job searching is likely a mixture of advice from your colleagues, friends, managers, and family members. As helpful as some of those strategies might be, there are also some major myths and misconceptions floating around!
Our team of recruiters at MaintenanceBest is debunking some common job searching myths that we hear from the hundreds of candidates and companies we work with:
- Landing an Interview is Simply a Matter of Numbers:
The more resumes you submit, the more likely you will get a job, right? Well, not exactly. According to Zippia, “It takes 21 to 80 job applications to get one job offer, on average.” While 80 applications is certainly a huge amount, quality is far more valuable than quantity. Taking the time to tweak and tailor each resume you submit to the specific job description will help you tremendously versus submitting the same exact resume to every job you come across. Your resume for a Mechanical Engineer shouldn’t look the same as your resume you submit for a Fork Lift position.Point is: You need more high-quality, tailored resume submissions. Need help writing your resume? Reach out to your local MaintenanceBest team who will work one-on-one with you (for FREE) to tailor your resume so that it stands out.
- Lowering Salary Expectations will get you Hired Quickly:
Lowering your pay expectations will of course widen your job search and make more opportunities available to you, but those jobs may be below your qualifications or your salary range that you require. Being underpaid is one of the top reasons people quit their jobs so it is best to first speak with a Recruiter to help you make sure your salary expectations meet the market/industry standards. Recruiters are able to review your resume and talk with you about your skills/experiences/qualifications to give you a pretty accurate idea of what to expect in regards to pay when you’re job searching. - Don’t Apply if you Don’t Meet Every Requirement:
All too often, people don’t apply for a new position simply because they don’t hit every single criteria included in the job description. But we say: still go for it! The posted job requirements are sometimes more of a wish list from the hiring manager and there might still be room for flexibility. There’s rarely ever a perfect candidate that checks all the boxes.So, apply for the job because even if you do not fit every criteria, that doesn’t mean you aren’t the right fit for the role. You might have experience outside of their requirements that can make you an ideal candidate. Or, perhaps you have strengths in areas they won’t realize they need until they interview you. So, give yourself a chance and submit your application. - Your Experience is All that Matters:
Your past experience is crucial, but a hiring manager is looking for more than just that. Your soft skills and culture fit also play a big part in getting hired. A company wants to know you can work well with the team and contribute to the company’s mission. Being a “good fit” for a company doesn’t always translate well on a resume but these are definitely points you want to convey during an interview. Before an interview, be sure to research the company thoroughly via their website and social media profiles so that you can discuss how your experience and skills can be a great contribution to their team. - You Shouldn’t Change Jobs in Less than a Year:
“Stay in a job for at least two years.” “Never leave a job until you have your next one lined up.” We have all heard of these age-old wisdoms about job-hopping but the market is constantly changing, even from just a couple of years ago. It is more and more frequent to see brief periods of employment on resumes that many employers have become accepting of it.There are many outside factors and valid reasons that affect a person’s decision to change jobs, like wanting a pay increase to offset inflation or wanting a better career fit or needing to change for personal/family reasons.That being said, be mindful that a numerous amount of job-jumping on a resume might raise red flags with hiring managers. They might be hesitant to invest the time and money of onboarding and training if there is a past history of short stints at many companies.
- You Should Never Disclose your Disability:
Job searching can be very stressful, especially if you’re one of the millions with a disability. According to the CDC, 27% of the adult population in the United States (1 out of every 4) have a disability. Legally, you are not required to mention your disability on your resume or during an interview. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990 and it protects you from getting passed over due to discrimination if you are qualified for the position.During the interview process, employers are also not allowed to ask you questions about your medical history or health. They can, however, ask questions about whether you are able to perform job responsibilities with reasonable accommodation. If you’ll need, for instance, a wheelchair-friendly desk, a screen reader, a flexible schedule, or any changes to the office layout or supplies, it may make sense to share your disability with potential employers during the application process. In order to really benefit from the ADA, you must first disclose your disability.
- Your Resume is All that Matters:
Gone are the days where the only information the employer had on an applicant was the printed copy of the resume hand-delivered or mailed to them. Nowadays, many companies are researching applicants on their social media profiles and online presence. 1 in 3 employers rejected candidates based on something they found out about them online. Networking and branding your image are very beneficial in your job searching process. It’s best if they all help with your overall image and complement your resume. - Take the First Job Because You Might Not Get Another:
Jumping at the first offer you get, especially if you’re unemployed, underpaid, or unhappy, might be very tempting, but it also might not be the best move. Just because you receive a job offer, doesn’t mean another one might not come along.Don’t rush into taking an offer just for the sake of having a job. Make sure it helps with your overall career path. Research the company, set your priorities, and look at the entire compensation package to ensure it’s the best fit for you.
The “rules” about job searching are always changing, especially in certain industries. Make sure you’re not limiting your possibilities with the above misconceptions. What is the best way to navigate the “uncertain waters” of job searching? Speak with an expert who will work WITH you and FOR you: your local MaintenanceBest Recruiter. They are your best resource in the process. Reach out today: 623-777-0701.
