Myth #1
IF YOU CAN'T FIND THE RIGHT JOB, IT DOESN'T EXIST
This is a typical – but inaccurate – conclusion drawn by many job seekers. According to studies by a major foundation and the Federal Employment Service in California, over 85% of opportunities are not available through traditional resources. These include newspaper ads, civil service notices, federal and state employment agencies, private agencies, and search firms. Nevertheless, there are millions of professional and executive jobs filled every year.
The Moral: Do not worry about the lack of jobs; concentrate on finding what is REALLY out there.
Myth #2
MOST PEOPLE KNOW HOW TO JOB HUNT
Most people look for jobs with their resumes, a traditional – but ineffective – method. Consider this: Resumes produce one inquiry for every 850 resumes a company receives, yet only half of the inquiries result in an interview. Therefore, only one interview takes place for every 1700 resumes. The average company conducts 10 interviews for each job offer. That means one offer per 17,000 resumes, or 16,999 disappointed resume senders for every one person who is offered a job.
The Moral: Put traditional ideas of job hunting behind you; our methods can be five to six times more effective.
Myth # 3
EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES HAVE PLENTY OF JOBS
Less than 7% of all professional, managerial, and executive jobs are listed with agencies. Only one of every 20 candidates match jobs on their active job list.
The Moral: Do not rely on traditional employment agencies. Over 93% of the available top jobs are not listed with employment agencies.
Myth #4
EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES ACTIVELY MARKET JOBSEEKERS
Today, the average agency is in business of filling vacant positions for companies. As a job seeker, you must understand that companies pay commissions to employment agencies – hence, they buy their loyalty, as well. Instead of marketing job seekers to companies, agencies try to fit an available worker into a vacant position.
The Moral: If you are not careful, an agency might try to manipulate you into a position that you are not looking for. Should that happen, you are likely to quit and restart your job search. Agencies that do not have your best interest at heart can waste your time.
Myth #5
THE PUBLISHED MARKET IS THE BEST PLACE TO LOOK FOR A JOB
Millions of job seekers review the published market every day. Most do not realize that ads for professional and executive openings draw 200 to 500 applicants. For most of these jobs, there will be someone that has better paper credentials than you. Less than 3% of professional jobs are advertised in newspapers; 80 to 85% of employers in major cities do not hire a single person through published job listings.
The Moral: Answering ads is fine, but since they account for less than 3% of professional jobs secured, they should receive minimal time and effort on your part.
Myth #6
INTERNET JOB BOARDS ARE THE BEST PLACE TO LOOK FOR A JOB
The Internet has changed many things in everyday life, but it has not proven to have a major impact on where people find jobs. A recent study found that approximately 4% of the people changing jobs found their position through an Internet job board.
The Moral: While the Internet can be helpful in finding target companies and information about them, 96% of all jobs are found elsewhere.
Myth #7
EMPLOYERS HAVE ALL THE POWER
It is true – employers have the power to hire and fire, but most employers are as concerned about finding good employees as job seekers are about finding good jobs. In fact, recruiting costs are a major concern in all industries. Part of the problem is that many job seekers postpone screening until after they are hired. Too many job seekers find out that their jobs are not what they thought and end up quitting.
The Moral: Employers need good people as mush as you need the right job. Do not just go after a job. Instead, run a focused Career Market Campaign and go after a number of job offers. Even though employers have the power, you just might be in the driver’s seat.
Myth #8
THE HIGHER UP YOU GO, THE MORE SECURE YOUR POSITION
It does not work that way. Nearly a million middle manager and senior executive positions have been eliminated in the last decade. According to Business Week, the chances are one in three that you will lose your job, and the odds increase as you climb the corporate ladder.
The Moral: Be prepared. Develop a strategy for a job search now, even if your position seems secure.
Myth #9
THE BEST-QUALIFIED PEOPLE GET THE BEST JOBS
Not necessarily! People who are hired are the ones who know how to get hired…and then practice that skill.
The Moral: Your career is the key to most of the things you want in life. If you are serious about job hunting, get access to someone that can coach you on how to get hired and who has your best interest at heart.
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