Mythologies arose to explain natural phenomena. Many Greek and Roman gods — like Apollo (sun and light), Athena (war and wisdom), and Zeus (sky and justice) — represented various forces of nature. Eventually, mythology gave rise to organized religion, which developed more imaginative, almost human-like characters. While myths are, by definition, false or inaccurate, they remain as relevant today as they were to the ancients.
Myths aren't just stories. Ancient and modern cultures use them to explain the world and our experiences, answer timeless questions, and serve as a [moral] compass. Because myths aren’t substantiated, they're not considered factually credible in the same way as documented history, scientific studies, and empirical evidence; however, they can have profound impacts on a person or community, often in negative ways, such as creating limiting beliefs that inhibit a person's thoughts, actions, and experiences.
Every day, I see job seekers cling to myths about job searching, often sold to them by self-professed career coaches peddling fear, false hope, and outright snake oil because it serves their self-interests.to sell you their supposed magic bullet services.
The most common myths I encounter:
Using LinkedIn's "Open to Work" Banner Makes You Look Desperate
I find the often-heated ongoing debate about whether someone should use LinkedIn's "Open to Work" banner feature childish and ridiculous. The banner is nothing more than a signal, no different than a bakery hanging a 'Help Wanted' sign in its window or standing on the side of a road with your thumb out because your car broke down and you now need a lift. You do you; let others do themselves. Your job search strategy is yours to design. Ultimately, your job search results will speak for themselves.
The ATS is Rejecting Your Application Because of Keywords
Excuses abound:
- "Recruiters aren't doing their jobs."
- "I'm getting ghosted by bots."
- "It's all about keywords."
Here's the harsh truth. Job searching is a competition. You're competing against many candidates just as qualified as you, many more so. As I've stated in previous columns, there's always someone younger, more skilled, qualified, and hungrier than you.
Most of the time, your resume is seen by a human 小蓝视频, but like most resumes, it's not compelling. Then there's the common scenario, where your resume presents you as a "rockstar," but your LinkedIn profile and/or digital footprint, which employers study to determine whether you are interview-worthy, raises red flags and is an employer turnoff. Give this possibly serious consideration.
Resume Advice: Most resumes and LinkedIn profiles are mere lists of opinions. Employers hire results, not opinions.
Numbers are the language of business; therefore, your resume and LinkedIn profile should be populated with numbers (revenue increase, savings created, time efficiency, amount of work done, scope of work) that clearly show employers the value you've brought to previous employers, which demonstrates what value you can bring to a new employer.
It's All Just Luck
"You just need to get lucky" translates to "I don't want to take ownership of my actions." Success in today's market isn't about luck; it's about strategy, clarity, positioning, and relentless repetition. How many job seekers can say they’re focusing on, even mastering, these four action pillars?
There's a lot of truth for job seekers in the words of Canadian writer and humourist Stephen Leacock: "I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it."
Employers Should Talk to All Applicants
This myth stems from a sense of entitlement. Employers don't owe applicants — who've freely chosen to apply — anything. Yet, I hear: "If I could just talk to someone, they'd see how great I am," and "Employers should stop making us jump through hoops and just call people."
Reality Check: Employers receive hundreds, sometimes thousands, of applications per advertised job opening. Expecting every applicant to receive a call is unrealistic. If you didn't get a call, it's not because the system is broken; it's likely because your resume didn't align with the role or, as I mentioned, wasn't compelling enough (read: didn't convey your value), or your LinkedIn profile/digital footprint is an employer turnoff.
Biases and "Isms" are Why I'm Not Getting Hired
This myth can be filed under the many "I'm a victim!" excuses job seekers have. Yes, biases exist. Every person on this planet carries a bucket of biases; it comes with the human condition. You and I have biases, so pointing out what you perceive as an employer's bias is hypocritical.
Biases aren't what's holding you back. I've seen countless candidates prove biases inaccurate by showing up prepared with a clear message and evidence of their value, and most importantly, without an "I'm a victim!" mindset. Do your actions support common biases, such as older people 小蓝视频 less energetic or exhibiting health issues, or do they challenge them?
Today's job market is the new norm. Believing in the face of ongoing rapid advancements in AI and automation, the myth that we'll one day return to an employee-led market is believing a comforting lie. More than ever, job search success requires clearing your head of unsubstantiated myths.
Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned corporate veteran, offers “unsweetened” job search advice. Send Nick your job search questions to [email protected].
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