Job seekers hear all kinds of so-called advice. LinkedIn, Reddit, TikTok, and well-meaning friends and colleagues are quick to tell you what you should and should not be doing in your search. But are these truths or job-search myths?
Following the wrong advice can have you chasing your tail and spending more time wondering and worrying than need be. Instead of getting bad information, let’s break down what you might have heard and see what the real truth is. Some of these suggestions have been true at one time and no longer are, and some are just bunk. But all of them deserve to be revisited and clarified.
Myth #1: A job Search Is a Numbers Game
You’ve seen the boasts on LinkedIn: “I applied to 100 jobs last month.” It sounds like it’s a competition. However, continue reading that post, and you’ll often find that number followed by: “And I didn’t get any interviews.”
The numbers game can work, but it’s a long haul. The law of averages being what they are, the more roles to which you apply, the higher your chances of getting an interview. That much is absolutely true. They myth lies in the effectiveness of a spray-and-pray approach.
Busy does not equal productivity. Even the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the average job search lasts several months—regardless of the market. However, volume alone doesn’t accelerate that timeline. There are actually several negative components to the spray-and-pray numbers game, including:
- Your materials are less tailored.
- Your energy gets diluted.
- You miss opportunities to build connections around the roles that actually matter.
Focus on quality over quantity. If you apply to a couple of jobs each day, you’re doing well.
Myth #2: Apply to Every Role for Which You’re 60% Qualified
This is one of the job-search myths that started with good intentions. The goal was to encourage applicant to not self-select out of opportunities that might be a good fit for them. I love that idea. However, 60% isn’t the number for which to aim. Instead, look for jobs where you meet 80% or more of the requirements.
I get it: Some job adverts seem to be describing a purple squirrel or some kind of nonexistent unicorn. You look at the role and think, “They want one person to do all that?” But if you meet a good majority of the requirements, you’re probably in the running to move forward.
The goal here is to find a good mix between not limiting yourself while not applying to just anything. Stretch yourself; don’t get scattered about your career goal.
Myth #3: You Need Multiple Completely Different Resumes
I’ve often come across job seekers who like to share how many resumes they have. That’s great for you, buy why?
For most people, one base resume is where you’ll start. If you have two wildly different career goals, you’ll have a base resume for each goal. Then, as you apply to different positions, you’ll tweak that base resume to highlight your specific qualifications.
The best way to keep track of your applications and resumes is to create a folder with the company name and date you applied. Inside that folder, you’ll store:
- The full job description, along with the link.
- The LinkedIn URL of the person you contacted, along with any follow-up.
- The resume you tailored and sent (name it Name – Position).
- The cover letter you sent, if you sent one.
With this system, it will be easier to apply and be ready for interviews, and you won’t mess with that base resume. So technically, you may have 50+ resumes, but they’re all built from that initial foundation.
Myth #4: Your Resume Must Be One Page
This is one of the most persistent job-search myths. It started “back in the day” when, yes, resumes were just one page. Today, though, this is no longer the case. If you can fit 10–20 years of experience on a one-page resume without losing impact or using eight-point font and three columns, excellent! But I’m guessing that’s not often possible.
Most employers expect a two-page resume from experienced professionals. Some job seekers will even create a three-page document, especially if they’re in consulting and have a history of going into a place, transforming it, and moving on. And most recruiters are fine with that.
Your resume has two goals:
- Slide right into the ATS without issues.
- Capture the attention of a recruiter or hiring manager so that they’ll want to call for an interview.
If your resume does that in one, two, or even three pages, you’re on the right track.
Myth #5: Recruiters Don’t Read Cover Letters
Do some recruiters skip cover letters? Sure. Do all of them? Nope. This is one of the job-search myths that is kind of true, to be honest. If you want to include a cover letter, it can’t hurt, but there are some caveats:
- Cover letters are often read after the resume, not before.
- If you have pertinent information to share, make sure it’s on the resume, which goes into ATS.
- Update your resume to each position and add a cover letter if you choose.
Your cover letter can explain career pivots and highlight your interest in the position, both of which are helpful to convey your value add. Keep the letter simple and short.
Myth #6: Following Up Is Useless
I’m always surprised when job seekers don’t consider following up after a meeting, networking event, or interview. I think this is one of the job-search myths that popped up recently because recruiters are “too busy” to read that follow-up message. But here’s the truth: Following up can differentiate you from the rest of the applicants.
In today’s market, there could be literally hundreds of applicants to a position. Companies are laying off regularly now, and the BLS reports that 7.5 million people are out there looking. You need to do what you can to stand out from this crowded market—and following up is a key strategy.
When you apply for a position, follow up.
When you meet someone for informational interview, follow up.
When you meet people at a networking event, follow up.
When you have an interview, follow up.
And this isn’t a one-time-only event. Put yourself out there. Follow up right away, about a week later, and a week after that. Yes, people are busy, and they may miss that first email you send, but they could see the second one.
Don’t badger people. The goal here is to stay top of mind and reiterate your interest in the role. It will pay off; I promise.
Myth #7: Networking Is Only for Extroverts
If your network is the key to landing your next role faster, you need to get out there and build it. But networking isn’t a game for only extroverts. Often, introverts are actually better at networking because they make deep connections and build strong relationships.
For some people, the idea of going to a networking event makes them break out in a cold sweat. Have you thought about taking a “networking buddy?” Having someone with you can minimize your anxiety and make the event fun! Or how about an online event? What about reaching out to past colleagues and peers? Could you ask a trusted connection for a warm introduction to someone?
There are plenty of ways to develop and implement a strong networking strategy that fits with your personality. It should feel natural and like what it is: a conversation. Check out my networking blogs for more tips.
Myth #8: If You Haven’t Landed Something in Three Months, Something’s Wrong
Once upon a time, my clients landed job offers within four to six weeks of us working together. Today, hiring cycles have lengthened. A prolonged search is practically the norm now, and it has nothing to do with your value and everything to do with the market.
Strategy is more important than merely applying (see myth #1 above). However, if your efforts haven’t started to return results in two to three months, it might be time to reassess:
- Is your resume aligned with your value add, showcasing how you meet the job’s requirements?
- Are you integrating targeted outreach and networking into your search?
- Are you applying for positions that fit your experience and talents?
- Is your LinkedIn game up to snuff?
It’s okay to assess and adjust during a job search. Sometimes, one little tweak can make all the difference.
The Real Truth About Job Searching
Here’s what sits underneath most job-search myths: People crave certainty in an uncertain process. Job seekers can feel out of control and desperate to land quickly. They’ll often latch on to any suggestions they receive that validate their feelings and results. But the truth is a whole different story.
A job search has many moving parts. You have to diversify your approach based on your industry, network, level, and experience. Yes, you need to be on LinkedIn, go out and meet people, and have a great resume at the ready, but you can’t be sure exactly what will click. Job seekers who get traction in their search aren’t the ones who are counting applications and getting overwhelmed with busy work. Instead, they’re the people who are doing many targeted things consistently.
Instead of chasing myths, it’s best to focus on:
- clear positioning
- targeted applications
- strategic networking
- strong storytelling
- measured follow-up
- ongoing refinement
All that may not be sexy, but it does create traction, visibility, credibility, and most importantly, results.
Need help navigating the job-search process? There’s a reason I named my company Your Career Advocate: I’m here to guide and support you from initial application through salary negotiation. Review my services to see how I can help.