Rules Are Meant To Be Broken

Rules are in place for a reason.  They are meant to steer us away from practices that will ultimately do us more harm than good.  As a job seeker, you are probably very aware of the many job search rules and you probably follow them.  In the competitive economic environment we live in, however, some rules are meant to be broken.

The economy may be steadily improving, but that doesn't mean it's any easier to get a job.  In fact, it may even be harder with all the new job seekers getting back into the hunt.  The job search rules that you know all too well don't have as much relevance in today's competitive job market.  As such, don't hesitate to ignore these commonly held beliefs about the job search:

• Don't Apply If You Don't Meet The Requirements: Job requirements can be more flexible than you think.  I still wouldn't recommend spending too much time applying for jobs you may not be qualified for, but it's not a bad idea if it's a job that you really want.
• Highlight Your Education: College education is important, but it's not the be-all-end-all requirement it used to be.  Employers care more about your experience doing the work they need you to do, even if it's something you consider minor like volunteering.
• Don't Contact The Company If You're Rejected: You should definitely send a note to the employer thanking them for considering you if you're rejected.  It's the polite thing to do and -- who knows? -- it could end up being to your advantage if their first choice doesn't work out as planned.
• Send The Same Application To All Employers: You must tailor your resume and cover letter to the job for which you are applying.  Employers will see right through copy-pasted job applications.