Job Search Myths

Today’s job search environment is trickier than ever with the down economy. Some of the rules have changed and some have stayed the same. One way I try and make sense of the situation is to come up with some common myths that I frequently encounter.nnMyth #1: “In this economy, I should take whatever I am offered”nnWhile it is true that expectations have to be adjusted given the current economic circumstances, don’t sell yourself short. The career decision that you make could be with you for years or even decades to come so it is important to consider all angles. Initially target your job search for positions that are one level above where you are currently or where you were. This will give you a feel for the market. If that is unsuccessful, then target your search for positions at the same level. How can you tell which positions are at which level? One way is by title but that is not the only way. Another factor to consider is size of the company and scope of responsibilities. A director level position in a small company may be equivalent to a manager level position in a large company. You may want to consider targeting your search by size of company, title and scope of responsibilities. Planning your campaign this way will also help you with salary negotiations. Too many candidates will take the first figure offered, but in reality, even in these conditions, there is often room for some negotiation. nnMyth # 2: “I’ll find my job through the internet”nnThe internet is certainly a fantastic tool that every job searcher should have in their war chest as they conduct their job search campaign; however, most positions are landed through old fashioned networking – even today! The tried and true network is often the most trusted source for candidates because there is already a relationship that has been established and thus, supposedly, less risk on the part of the hiring company in making their decision. Current figures suggest about 60% of all positions come about through one’s network. However, since the internet pervades everything, it is a necessary tool even if one were to rely solely on their network. The internet allows you to research companies and potentially even projects online. In fact, the research that you do on the internet may help you discover a new project being developed by XYZ Corporation in your city which may prompt a call to someone in your network who may be connected in some way with XYZ Corp. The job search sites should not be discounted either, but complete confidence in their total effectiveness is probably misplaced.nnMyth # 3: “I got a nice severance; I’ll take some time off, relax, and then begin my job search”nnAlthough not a bad idea to take some time and spend more of it with your family and maybe catch up on some of those home projects that you have been putting off for the last two years, don’t get too comfortable. The typical time it takes for a successful job search is four months. That timeline might grow in a down economy. If you got a four month severance package and then expect that at the end of that time you will get an offer the first week you really begin your search, you might be in for a little dose of reality. Start initially planning your campaign right away. You may need some help doing that if you have been out of the job market for a while. Reach out for advice and resources on how to conduct an effective job search campaign. If you begin and something comes along that is only “so-so” in your mind, you don’t necessarily have to jump at it if you have your severance cushion. However, if your dream job comes along during this time, you will be ready to pounce rather than letting it slip away because you were “taking some time off.”nnMyth # 4: “I am working with some recruiters and they will find me a job.”nnI fell for this one myself on one of my job searches. I was so sure that “my recruiter” would get me the ideal job that I hardly did any work myself. I was a successful manager, after all, and they will come knocking at my door. How wrong I was! The truth is that recruiters rarely spend any time trying to find YOU a job. They get job orders from their client companies and then look to fill those job orders. Recruiting is a bit like the hotel business–you just need to put heads in beds—or candidates in positions in the case of the search firms. If you happen to be around when a recruiter gets a job order, then lucky you. But more often than not, the name of the game is still networking and recruiters are only a small part of your network.nnMyth #5: “I do great at interviews. Once I get a chance to talk to the boss, he will like me and offer me the job.”nnThis is a myth on several levels. First off, there are typically six other candidates who, like you, also have winning personalities which are sure to win over the boss. The only problem is that the boss can only pick one of you for the position. Who is it likely to be? Odds are the candidate who was most prepared will be chosen. That means someone who spent time researching the company, the position, and then conducting several practice interviews. Also, the days of interviewing with only one decision maker are over. There is too mush risk involved in hiring for a company to let that decision go to just one manager. Interviews generally take place with several team members and there is a consensus that is reached on the right candidate. The other reason this is a myth is because how do you know that you will like them—the boss, the team, the company? Not only are they interviewing you, but in a way you are interviewing them. Do they mesh with your values and work ethic? Is there a fit culturally? Interviews typically give only a brief glimpse of how this company works and you will have to quickly discern if that organization is right for you. nnThere are other myths out there but these five are very relevant for today. The bottom line: Don’t sell yourself short, but use all the tools in your toolbox and employ multiple tactics to get the job you want.