ten myths that keep job seekers from being hired
TRANSCRIPT
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]