6 Job Search Myths

People tend to follow conventional wisdom when they approach something that is new. Take the job search, for instance. People looking for work will often get advice telling them what they should and should not do. Much of this information is spot on, but there are some statements out there that simply aren't true.

Myths exist in almost every field and are usually rooted in truth. Most of them are harmless but in the job search, they can do a lot of harm. Here are some of the most popular falsehoods out there:

• There are no jobs available: Just because the economy is bad doesn't mean there are no jobs. A quick look at our job board will show you there are lot of organizations looking to hire. It's just that it's much harder to get a job because there is so much competition.
• All good jobs are found online: While a lot of companies post their open positions online, that's not the only place you can find them. You can still find a a lot of quality jobs through traditional career networking.
• Don't bother with temp jobs: Temporary positions and internships can actually be of great help to you. In many occasions, they can even lead to full-time jobs.
• Being unemployed long-term will hurt your job prospects: This is only true if you don't spend your time wisely. Look for volunteer positions while you are out of work so there won't be big gaps in your resume.
• Take what you can get: The worst thing you can do is to settle for a job you don't really want. This can be disastrous for your future career prospects, as you will need to explain why you took a job that is below your skill level.
• Employers don't take social media seriously: This couldn't be further from the truth. Employers regularly search through candidates' social media profiles, as it gives them a better idea of who the applicant really is.