With over 100 applicants per job posting, it can be discouraging to think that your resume will stand out from the crowd. The job searching period can be difficult and tedious. There is so much advice out there to consider when you’re in the thick of a job search. Let’s debunk some of the most common job search myths.
Myth: I’m qualified so I will make it through the applicant tracking systems (ATS)
More often than not, when you submit your resume online it is immediately lost into the resume black hole and you are left wondering why you weren’t the right fit for the position. What many job seekers don’t understand is that almost 75% of resumes are rejected before they are ever seen by human eyes. Want to learn how to make your resume stand out in the eyes of a robot? Read our post all about ATS and how to beat the system.
Myth: Nobody even reads cover letters anymore so, I don’t need one.
If you’re serious about landing the job, a well-written cover letter gives you a chance to sell yourself to the employer and explain why you are an ideal candidate before you even go in for an interview. A cover letter gives you the opportunity to convey ideas that are too in-depth for your resume. In the digital age of job applications, a cover letter can seem valueless. Sometimes, your cover letter is just scanned over by an automated system checking for keywords, but later in the process will be viewed by human eyes. It is a good idea to get in the practice of attaching a cover letter with your job applications.
Myth: Once you choose a career path, you are stuck.
Luckily, this is not true! Sometimes, a career path is not what you thought it was going to be when you chose it, or you want a change, or you outgrew your old position. Whatever the reason, you are always able to change your career path. It may take hard work, but it is possible. One way to do this is through temporary positions. A temporary position is great for a lot of reasons: it can fill in gaps in your resume, you can learn new skills, and you can even try a new career path with no strings attached!
Myth: You’ll get a response to every application you send in.
In an ideal world, you would receive a prompt response to every resume and cover letter you submit either extending an offer for an interview or politely explaining why you did not get the job. The truth is, you probably won’t get a response from most applications you submit. And, if you do it won’t be a prompt response. Often, hiring managers only contact those who will be moving on to the next round of interviews. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to increase your chance of a response. To improve your chances, make sure you are contacting a real person, then make sure you are following up in the appropriate manner — not too soon, but not too late that they forget who you are.
Myth: I just need one really good resume to submit to all my job applications.
A good resume is only good if it is relevant for the job you are applying for. You should start getting into the habit of tweaking your resume to fit the job posting. One way you can do this is to mirror the job posting. Pull out keywords and skills from the posting and find a way to fit them into your resume. Find experiences and skills that have relevance to the posting and incorporate them into your resume.
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