Myth #1 - Sending out 100 resumes will get you the job; quantity is always better than quality in the job search!
Spending time on writing an exceptional resume that best explains your talents and qualifications based on the job description can be more valuable than sending out 50 resumes for jobs you have not researched.
Myth #2 -Cover and thank you letters are a waste of time!
Often this is the one thing that you can do to differentiate yourself as a candidate. Often how a candidate writes a cover letter tells the company a lot about their writing and follow up skills.
Myth #3 - Longer resumes show that you have more credentials and are a better candidate.
A true myth since often longer resumes turn the recruiters off; well thought out bulleted points that show accomplishments rather than job duties will get you the interview. Fluff does not sell.
Myth #4 - The hiring process always begins with an interview.
This is a common mistake since applicants must display their best interview behavior, way before the 1st interview question is asked. Being a total professional starts when you receive the initial call or feedback from the company and will continue with everyone you speak to or meet even before the interview.
Myth #5 - College graduates are automatically paid higher salaries.
The economy has affected starting salaries for many entry level positions so be sure to check out salary ranges that match your skill set before sending out salary requirements and ask Career Services for advice.
Myth #6 - Companies never care about doing background checks or checking out social networking sites!
This myth is definitely “busted”. Many companies want the best candidates and will be checking out your profiles, pictures and doing background investigations. The best professional site is Linked In. You owe it to yourself to have a great image!
Myth #7 - Networking is not one of the top things that will help land a job!
Networking is probably one of the top things you can do to get your foot in the door.
Myth #8 - Writing your resume is a very hard, time consuming process!
Berkeley has excellent career counselors that can assist with resume writing and take the “pain” out of putting your best talents in front of a recruiter.
Myth #9 - You don’t need to have good references!
Actually time spent getting the best references that know your work will insure you get the offer once you are in contention for a job offer.
Myth #10 - Once you get the job you are all set! You can now take it easy and sit back.
You have only just started! Be ready to take on new and challenging assignments and keep yourself current in your industry!
Mythbusted by Lynn Page
Thank you for reveiling the truth! You definitely busted all the myths especially Myth #6 were students and graduates do not realize how social networking sites play a major role in the interview/hiring process.
ReplyDeleteI love this article! Especially Myth #8 and Myth #1, I thought my resume was “good” and it took me a while to get my 1st draft on paper and then I sent it out to as many people as I could. But once I visited the career center Ms. Page showed me the best way to tailor my resume to the jobs I was applying for using action words and the correct positive statements. Taking the time and using the resources Berkeley provided I’ve seen a huge difference in the response to my now better written and more “clean” resume. Thank you Career Services and Ms. Page!
ReplyDeleteWow! this was a very great article I liked myth #7 and myth #9 because getting a good reference shows how well you work and what the person has to say about you
ReplyDeleteThis blog is very insightful to me and helps me realize that the myths out there are not true. This helps me in many ways because now I don't have to be misinformed anymore.
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