by: Jobs 4 Grads Now
Here are six common job search myths and
the real story that job seekers need to know.
Myth: If a company likes what they see in my resume,
they’ll call me.
Reality: Good jobs are never won by waiting by the
phone while the information age has made it extremely easy to send resumes, many
people forget that the work involved in a job search does not stop once the
“send” button is pushed. Companies receive so many resumes each day, and simply
do not have time to respond to every inquiry. Therefore, it is up to the job
seeker to make contact. Every resume you send should be followed up with a phone
call. You should call one week after sending a resume, and then again a week to
10 days later.
Myth: If it isn’t advertised, it’s not available
Reality: While there are certainly great
opportunities to be found in the classified ads and online job postings, many
open jobs are never advertised. So while it is important to include want ads and
career websites as a part of your job search, this should only be one element of
your strategy. In addition, you need to proactively call companies that interest
you, as well as network. Call the head of the appropriate department and ask
about openings. Request to come in for an interview. Have lunch with contacts
and get your name out there. Chances are you’ll find just as many opportunities
from cold calls and networking as you will from the help wanted ads.
Myth: A cover letter is just a throw away addition to a
resume.
Reality: In almost all circumstances, resumes
should be accompanied by a cover letter. This document can be used to your
advantage if your letter is well written and specific to the company and
position. Cover letters can serve five major purposes: Highlighting items that
are particularly relevant or impressive in your resume; reframing items to
connect them specifically to the company’s needs; adding new material that is
relevant to the specific job opportunity; explaining your interest in the
specific job; and addressing credibility gap issues that appear in your resume.
It’s clear cover letters can do a lot for your job search – make sure you put
the time into creating them
Myth: A resume should explain responsibilities at previous
jobs.
Reality: A resume needs to give the reader an idea
of past positions you have held, but should not read like a page of job
descriptions. Instead, you should write your resume like it is an advertisement
for yourself. Job seekers need to provide examples of success in their resumes.
Your resume should focus on results. Instead of just telling the reader about
your duties, include facts and figures to demonstrate your success and
accomplishments.
Myth: The more resumes I send out, the better.
Reality: While many people take a shotgun approach
to job searching, this strategy generally does not end in success. Your job
search needs to be intensive, rather than extensive. This means you should focus
your energy on quality contact with companies and opportunities that are truly
worthwhile rather than doing mass mailings and nothing else.
Myth: Every resume should show a chronological procession
of experience
Reality: While chronological resumes are good for
those who have been in the workforce for many years, new job seekers should take
a different approach. Job seekers with no experience should organize their
experience into categories. For example, if you are looking for a sales job, you
would have a category called “Sales experience,” and list facts from a wide
range of experience in that category. This will make it easy for the reader to
see how your past experience relates to the position available, even when you do
not have a long list of jobs.
COLLEGE GETS YOU THE DEGREE, JOBS 4 GRADS NOW HELPS YOU GET THE JOB.
