7 Unbelievably Bad Pieces of Job Search Advice

Job searching isn’t always a cakewalk. It can be a long process and not everyone has the same, specific path to follow to success. Any sort of help along the way is always welcomed and encouraged.

What isn’t helpful are the job myths floating around that some people pass along like solid advice. Things like “don’t wear red to an interview” or “make sure to show up an hour early” are perpetuated like statistically proven facts. They are not. And while those tidbits are advice a bit more farfetched, there are a lot more job search myths floating around that appear like legitimate guidelines. Here is some job search “advice” that you should stay clear of:

Stick to what you know

Throughout your job search, if you limit yourself to one specific industry and/or a related job title, you’ll miss plenty of employment opportunities that you could be a perfect fit for. Do active research through your job hunt. Looking to companies that you wouldn’t normally consider an ideal fit for yourself and read into their job descriptions thoroughly. There are plenty of positions out there that would cater to your specific talents. Don’t stick to what you know and what you’re used to. Get creative with your searches.

Apply to everything

Broadening your horizons with your job search should be emboldened; applying to everything and anything you come across should not. While some will say, “If you apply to 30 jobs, you’re bound to hit on one”, submitting your resume to an inordinate amount of job opportunities will just water down your job search. Chances are that more than half the positions are less than ideal in some facet or another (i.e., salary, company culture, benefits, etc.). Not to mention the clutter of keeping track of when you applied to where is a whole task in itself. Stay focused, find the best job descriptions that fit you, and apply accordingly.

Put everything on your resume

There is no reason to overload your resume with every job opportunity you’ve had since entering the workforce especially positions you’ve had during your teenage/college years. Employers do like to see employment consistency and longevity, but if you are an experienced professional, chances are your job as a Camp Counsellor might not be relevant to the position you’re applying for. Of course, if there’s some sort of correlation with prior experience and job duties to the current one, you’re applying for, they should be known. But don’t feel the need to personalize your resume to every specific job you apply to. Save that information and anecdotes for the interview or include them in your cover letter.

Cover letters are dead

That’s not always true. You have two obvious ways to sell yourself to a potential employer: your resume and your interview. But an overlooked option is the infamous cover letter. This is where you can bring up those personable, detailed stories about your prior work and/or life experience that will allow you to perform this potential new job to the best of your abilities. The cover letter is that buffer to make sure your resume isn’t a jumbled mess and to avoid that rambling rant of your life’s accomplishments during the interview. It’s that perfect filler to add anything you might’ve missed. As an added bonus, a cover letter can be more personalized to the specific position and company you’re applying for. Of course, you should always follow the application instructions. If the employer tells you not to submit a cover letter, don’t do it. If it’s optional, you should take advantage of this opportunity! Read also: Is the Cover Letter Phasing Out? It Depends.

Follow up every which way you can

Employers love when someone is interested and committed to a position. An appreciative e-mail thanking your interview is the way to go. On occasion and for safe measures, attaching your resume and cover letter along can’t hurt. But that’s it. Constantly calling to follow up on the job status is a bit excessive. You don’t want to overwhelm and bombard an employer with annoying inquiries every other day. Sending a gift or even stopping by is as taboo as it gets. Keep it professional and if a manager said they’d reach out to you, take them at their word for it.

Don’t be yourself

First and foremost, companies look for a hardworking and qualified professional when hiring. But throughout the interview process, a genuine and honest person always stands out. Being the best of yourself is always better than trying to edit your personality to what you think will appease a hiring manager. Acting one way in an interview to gain points only to completely change your demeanor once you’re hired wouldn’t be a good start to your career with the company. Be comfortable, be yourself, and let the rest work itself out.

Salary-focused is the only way to search

Just like applying to every job imaginable isn’t a good idea, solely focusing your job search based on salary isn’t the best tactic either. Striving for a decent or lucrative compensation is, of course, a priority, but doing the necessary research into other factors is what will keep you happy and employed at that position longer. Things like company culture, room for growth, benefits, etc. are things that don’t jump off the page like a salary does, but they’re what matters in the long term for most happy professionals. You can find a job, get paid tons, and end up being miserable the entire time because everything else doesn’t click correctly. If you do the appropriate research during your job hunt, you’ll come up with plenty of suitable options for yourself – that aren’t solely based on salary.

The job search process can be overwhelming and stressful, and many people turn to friends, family, and online resources for advice. Unfortunately, not all advice is good advice, and some pieces of advice can actually be harmful to your job search. Here are seven unbelievably bad pieces of job search advice to avoid:

"Just apply to as many jobs as possible, even if you're not qualified."

While it's true that you should apply to a variety of jobs, applying to every job that comes across your radar, even if you don't have the qualifications, is not a good idea. Not only will it waste your time, but it can also damage your reputation with recruiters and hiring managers. Instead, focus on applying to jobs that align with your skills and experience and tailor your resume and cover letter to each job application.

"Don't bother with a cover letter - they're not important."

A cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your personality, skills, and enthusiasm for the job. Skipping the cover letter may signal to recruiters and hiring managers that you're not truly interested in the position. Always include a cover letter that is tailored to the specific job you're applying for.

"Make your resume as creative and eye-catching as possible."

While it's important to make your resume stand out, using overly creative or flashy designs can be a turnoff to recruiters and hiring managers. Stick to a clean, easy-to-read design and focus on highlighting your relevant experience and skills.

"Don't bother with LinkedIn - it's a waste of time."

LinkedIn is a valuable tool for networking and job searching. Many recruiters and hiring managers use LinkedIn to find potential candidates and learn more about their professional backgrounds. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and highlights your skills and experiences.

"Don't follow up with employers after submitting your application."

Following up with employers after submitting your application shows initiative and interest in the position. It's important to be professional and respectful in your follow-up, but don't be afraid to reach out to recruiters or hiring managers to inquire about the status of your application.

"Lie on your resume to make yourself look better."

Lying on your resume is never a good idea. Not only is it unethical, but it can also damage your reputation and lead to serious consequences if you're caught. Always be honest about your skills, experiences, and qualifications.

"Don't negotiate your salary - just take what you're offered."

Negotiating your salary is a normal part of the job search process. It's important to research salary ranges for your position and experience and be prepared to negotiate for a fair salary. Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself and your worth.

In conclusion, there is a lot of job search advice out there, but not all of it is good. Avoid these seven pieces of bad advice and focus on strategies that are proven to be effective, such as tailoring your resume and cover letter to each job application, utilizing LinkedIn for networking and job searching, and negotiating your salary. Remember, your job search is a journey, and with the right approach and mindset, you can find the job that's right for you.