Job seekers will hear dozens of common myths throughout their career, and these misconceptions can lead to missed opportunities and unnecessarily prolonged job searches.

Let’s do some myth busting!

Myth 1 - The more applications you send, the better

While it might seem logical that sending more applications increases your chances, a scattergun approach can be counterproductive. Prioritising quality over quantity is likely to make a tangible impact on the outcome of your job search.

According to Glassdoor, 55% of recruiters say that the biggest mistake job seekers make on their resumes is not tailoring their resume. Invest a bit of time in creating a few different versions of your CV or portfolio, depending on the roles you’re looking for. You can tailor these CVs by role or by industry. For example, if you’re a generalist Marketing Manager, you could create a social media-oriented CV, a digital marketing-oriented CV and a growth marketing-oriented CV.

Or, if you’re looking specifically for a role at SaaS companies or startups, research the top skills recruiters in these industries are looking for, and tailor your CVs accordingly.

The same goes for the job application itself. If the application involves questions you’re expected to write an answer for, don’t just copy and paste generic statements in and hit submit. If you’re invested in the role in any way, take a few extra minutes to investigate the company you’re applying to, understand what they’re looking for, and craft tailored answers.

Myth 2 – Your CV is the most important thing

While this might seem counterproductive to Myth 1, it’s important to think about your job search holistically. Yes, a well-crafted CV is still important, but it’s only part of the equation.

Employers are increasingly looking for cultural fit and soft skills that aren’t easily conveyed through a CV. Research by Robert Walters reported that 91% of companies are screening for a good cultural fit in addition to the usual skills and experience check.

Be prepared for interviews or tasks that go beyond the information in your CV. Practice common interview questions, prepare examples of your past work that best demonstrate your skills, and be ready to discuss how you feel you can contribute to the company’s goals.

Additionally, you also might be given tasks or tests during the interview process. Many companies are increasingly using innovative screening tools to help them narrow down candidates to find the best fit. These are designed not to trip you up or catch you out, but to give you a chance to showcase your skills and show the employer whether you might be a good fit for the role.

Myth 3 - You must meet 100% of the job requirements

Many job seekers will refrain from applying to a role unless they’re certain they meet 100% of the listed requirements.

But in fact, employers are often looking for potential and a willingness to grow, not just a perfect skill match. One piece of research by TalentWorks revealed that if you meet 50% of a role’s requirements, you actually have the same likelihood of securing an interview as somebody who meets 90% of the requirements.

While you probably shouldn’t be applying for Senior Software Developer positions if you think Python is just something that lives at the zoo, if you meet a significant portion of a jobs requirements and believe you can quickly learn the rest, go ahead and apply.

Myth 4 – You should only apply to big companies for credibility or stability

If 2024 has taught us anything, it’s that we should all be prepared for the industries we work in to take an unexpected turn at some point.

Large corporations have long seemed like the safest choice, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that they’re not the only (or sometimes, the safest) path to a stable and rewarding career. We don’t want to scaremonger, but as we’ve seen with the widespread 2024 tech layoffs, anybody can be at risk of losing their job. Statistics show that large organisations are currently much more likely to make redundancies than companies that employ less than 250 people.

You should consider the benefits of working at smaller companies, which often include more diverse job roles, faster career progression, and the ability to make a tangible impact.

Myth 5 - You shouldn’t negotiate with employers

Those newer to the workforce often still believe the outdated myth that they should accept the first job offer they receive without negotiation. They fear that negotiating might make them seem ungrateful or risk losing the offer altogether.

In reality, employers often expect candidates to negotiate and usually do have some flexibility in their offers. Negotiating your salary and benefits can set a positive precedent for future compensation and show that you value your skills and experience. If you don’t ask, you don’t get - research by PayScale found that 75% of people who negotiate their salaries got a raise!

But, it’s also not all about the financial compensation. Take some time to reflect on what’s important to you, whether that’s a different job title, more flexible hours or hybrid working options; these can often be negotiated, too.

The ending note

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