By Janice Worthington
In the job search process, there are several misconceptions that the job seeker holds onto. As a career coach with nearly 40 years experience, I’ve heard them all – and know the difference between a factual statement and bad information passed between job seekers.
Here are samples of the statements I’ve heard over the years:
You can stay at a job for too long. False: In this current job market, employers want to see an employee with a history of longevity, stability and loyalty. When they see an individual with a long history at a company, it’s an excellent sign for them. However, be sure that you are keeping your skills up in that position: stay in touch with new technology, procedures and continue to build on your experience.
Your resume is one of your best introductions to an employer. True: A well-written resume can outline your experiences, job history and qualifications for the job you are looking for. When distributing your resume, make sure that it outlines how your skill set and job history is a good fit for the company and position you are targeting.
You’ll never get hired if you’re terminated. False: There are a lot of reasons that people are let go or terminated – not all of them are bad. Be honest about what happened, see if you can get a reference or recommendation from your former boss and discuss the situation in a way that does not implicate your former employer. People who get terminated can get rehired.
You’re at a disadvantage if you’re unemployed for too long. False: In the last five years, we’ve been through an unbelievable recession. A longer unemployment stretch is now looked at as acceptable as long as you can validate who you are and qualify what you have to benefit your next employer. Make sure employers know the good that you’ve done in your cover letter, resume, and interview.
No one calls references these days. False: Candidates are far more vetted than they have ever been. Companies will normally not call references about a candidate before the interview, but once they have an interest they want to make sure they that there are no dark secrets about candidate of choice. Don’t ever believe that companied will only off confirmation of employment. A good recruiter can always get someone to talk!
With many different misconceptions about job search, it can be difficult sorting fact from fiction. By knowing a fact from a misconception, and how to rise above it, you will have the upper hand in your job search.
Janice Worthington, MA, CPRW, JCT, is the president of Worthington Career Services, a resume and job search consulting firm that provides strategic career coaching to professionals at all levels of the corporate ladder. Janice works with The Ohio Society as a career coach to the membership, providing regular columns in the Society’s electronic publications and on the Society’s website. Got a question about your resume or networking opportunities? Ask the expert! Send your email to Janice today.