Here are five common myths about modern job hunting:
1. You don’t have to conduct outrageous, attention-getting stunts (like sending a single shoe in a box to a hiring manager to “get your foot in the door”) to attract a hiring manager’s attention. Find the right decision-maker and send a customised cover letter and résumé that showcases how you can add value to the company. Follow-up with a phone call and/or email.
2. Content matters. Even though Applicant Tracking System software has made résumé length less relevant (especially when the résumé is first screened), make sure that the information you’re including is relevant to the positions you’re applying to. Eliminate the fluff, focus on accomplishments, and organise the information effectively.
3. Don’t fall for the “two-page résumé” myth. Hiring managers will read three-page (and even four-page!) résumés if the content is well organized and relevant.
4. Résumés are not “one size fits all.” A résumé that is not targeted for a specific type of job—or even a specific job at a company—is less effective. You can’t use the same résumé to apply to widely different jobs.
5. You can’t have multiple LinkedIn profiles to highlight your experience and credentials for different types of positions. So if you’re pursuing multiple positions, your LinkedIn profile either has to be more “generic” or you must focus it on showcasing your value for only one type of job you’re interested in.