Ten Myths that Keep Job Seekers from being Hired

Ten Myths that Keep Job Seekers From Being Hired

How to be a

Valued Candidate

in Today’s

Economy

Who am I? • Don’t just listen to me

– I won’t be offended if you disagree with everything in my presentation.

• Qualifications – B.S. Degree from Trinity University,

• Management Information Systems (MIS)

– 15 years as an IT Pro • Texas Instruments; Mobil Oil; Frito-Lay; PepsiCo; Cap Gemini; CitiGroup; Verizon;

Fidelity Investments; Bank of America, and others

– 19 years – owner of an IT Placement firm – Placed over: 1,425+ IT Professionals – r2 Tech grew 15.8% in 2012 – r2 Tech grew 11.1% in 2013 – r2 Tech grew 8.7% in 2014

• Try to find 2-3 items that you can use in your Job Search!

Myth: Registering on 2-3 online job portals will result in maximum call-backs

• FALSE: Online portals are accessible and increase visibility to Potential Employers and Recruiters.

• The more you register, the better!

Myth: Registering on 2-3 online job portals will result in maximum call-backs

• Advice: Register on a realistic number of good job boards, and update your resume DAILY to stay on top of the results lists.

• Pick 5-10 Job boards that display jobs that you are qualified.

Myth: A majority of vacancies are posted online or in the newspapers

• FALSE: It’s common practice for job openings to be “closed” or “hidden,” meaning recruiters will search for candidates or get references without ever posting the job online.

• You want to be presented BEFORE the position gets posted to the general public.

• The higher the title or salary, the less likely it is that the position will be advertised at all.

Myth: A majority of vacancies are posted online or in the newspapers

• Advice: Start NETWORKING and GOING TO PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS (Like today). It is the one and only fool-proof method of knowing what’s happening in the current job market.

• You have a better chance of finding what you seek if you make connections with others in your desired industry.

• For example, if you want to work as a Project Manager, building relationships with other PM’s and Directors is your most critical resource in finding a position of your own.

Myth: Changing jobs regularly is frowned upon by employers

• People who change jobs frequently, also called job hoppers, have always been scrutinized. However, since the great downsizing of companies and increase of limited-term positions, employers have recognized the need for frequent change.

• To climb the corporate ladder and get a better salary, job seekers often need to change jobs regularly. It’s not only logical, but necessary for professional development.

Myth: Changing jobs regularly is frowned upon by employers

• Advice: Avoid the really short stints lasting three to six months, unless they are contract.

• Stick to one job profile for at least a year if possible.

• When writing or updating your resume, focus more on your transferable skills rather than your time duration at a given position.

Myth: Cover letters are Important / Not Important

• Cover Letters can be used as part of your job-search strategy. A resume just gives an account of your work experience, skill set, and core competencies.

• Cover letters are a document that gives a detailed description of why you are uniquely qualified for the particular job profile.

• Some Recruiters hardly ever read Cover letters.

Myth: Cover letters are Important / Not Important

• Advice: When you apply for a position and decided to send a cover letter… It MUST be customized, written specifically for the company that you are applying to.

• If you are NOT going to customize your cover letter, don’t send it.

Myth: Your resume needs to be one page

• The length of your resume should be determined by your amount of experience.

• Resumes should be anywhere between one and five pages.

• Anything less might deem you inexperienced, anything more is simply unnecessary information that won’t be read.

Myth: Your resume needs to be one page • Advice: A resume should highlight and emphasize on your

education, experience, and transferable skills. • If you are newer to the workforce (with less than 5 years of

experience under your belt), you should probably stick to one page.

• The more experience you have, the more you can include, so long as it’s highly relevant and unique to you.

• Do not leave out important information like your achievements and project experience just to limit the length of the document to one page.

• Rule of Thumb: 1 Page for every 5 years of experience, up to 5 pages.

Myth: A resume is sufficient enough to be called for an interview

• This ideology is so not true. Maybe you are applying to niche positions for which you are specifically qualified, you might land an interview instantly.

• For all other intents and purposes, this job-search strategy almost never works.

Myth: A resume is sufficient enough to be called for an interview

• Advice: Shake a leg and be proactive when job hunting.

– Send Professional References!

• LinkedIn Recommendations are highly valuable!

– If you truly feel you are qualified for a job, apply more than once!

Myth: Asking for less salary will make you a more attractive candidate

• Lowering your salary expectations will only make you look weak or desperate.

• Most companies do market salary comparisons and know what the compensation is for a particular role.

• Worst-case scenario, you will be frustrated for the rest of your tenure because you will feel that you were cheated out of the money that you deserved.

Myth: Asking for less salary will make you a more attractive candidate

• Advice: Never initiate the salary topic.

• Let the employer go through their motions and then set your demands accordingly.

• As long as they are within the acceptable range of the job profile, the employer, and the organization – you should be good to go.

Myth: You need to be overqualified to get the job

• The truth is that the most qualified individual does not always get the job.

• Those who have “networked” into the job, have a better chance of getting the offer.

• Employers seek candidates with the mix of interviewing skills, confidence, qualifications, and overall personality that fit with the company’s culture.

Myth: You need to be overqualified to get the job

• Advice: Do not be arrogant if you feel you are the most qualified for the job,

• Don’t be discouraged if you feel that you know a little less than the other applicants. The employer saw something to call you for an interview.

• Be confident and prove why you are the best contender for the job.

Myth: Accept the first job offer you get

• Seasoned professionals should refrain from accepting the first job offer they receive.

• With experience and enhanced qualifications you might get multiple job offers at a time or within close proximity of each other.

• It is always wise to analyze your options before committing to a position or company.

• Of course, if the first offer is for your dream job, or the salary package and location is perfect, don’t hesitate to pull the trigger.

Myth: Accept the first job offer you get

• Advice: Weigh your options rationally before you make a career move.

• Understand the Marketplace to see if this role will help you grow and develop your career.

• If it’s not a perfect fit, hold out for the job offer that makes the most sense for your career.

Myth: You will have a tough time looking for a job if you are over a certain age

• Gone are the days when people over 50 were considered old.

• Employers look for education, skills, and experience over superficial, uncontrollable attributes.

• Your experiences will only add value to your potential candidacy at a new organization.

Myth: You will have a tough time looking for a job if you are over a certain age

• Advice: Have the right attitude and temperament regardless of your age.

• Dress Appropriately

• If you are a team player and not just a seasoned professional who is unwilling to embrace change, your age will not matter one bit.

In Summary

• We are in an Excellent Job Market!

• Don’t Be on an Island

• Find someone to meet with you one-on-one weekly. They need to hold you accountable.

• Update Your Resume and Social Media DAILY!

• Call me at (214) 382-3992

• E-mail me: [email protected]