If your job search has to be successful, some planned effort has to be put to get maximum benefit. You may be motivated in your efforts in getting a gainful employment and you may utilize all your efforts in achieving your goal. You may expect only a shorter time gap between leaving college and getting a decent job. You will also expect a number of interview calls and job offers pouring in after you upload your resume online. You may also expect the starting salary should be high. And finally, you will want to have job satisfaction. These are all legitimate desires of every jobseeker.

Job Search Myths and Misconceptions

The reality in job market is somewhat different from the assumed scenario as far as job search is concerned. There are several myths and misconceptions regarding how job search based job seeking operate. Let us see these myths and misconceptions in detail:

1. Jobs come rolling in
   The job market may be throbbing, but landing a decent job may not be immediate and fast. According to some outplacement agency, the average search for jobs lasts for at least 4 months. Added to it, you have your restrictions regarding location, your expertise, your interview skills, and the amount of time and resources that you can allocate for job search. And you have tremendous competition everywhere. Score of people vie for the same job and the fittest will get it. So, you have to realize that searching for a job will take sometime and one cannot just pick up a job whenever one wants. This reality should help you in approaching job search in a practical and wise manner.
   
   
2. Internet is the vehicle for job search
   Jobseekers assume that uploading and flooding their resumes and cover letters on to internet job sites will ensure a surefire job in a short time. This is the most popular misconception among jobseekers. They think that internet is the 'be-all and end-all' medium for all job ads. They have to realize that internet search is but a component of overall search for jobs. Many of job openings may not be officially advertised, and the employers look for potential candidates whenever one approaches them physically. And then, there is the print media that has the long history of classified ads section.
   
   
3. Classified ad searching is the best
   Yes, one can come across classified ads everywhere on the internet and in newspapers. They run in thousands and are updated. But, they are not the only ones to look for. All big position vacancies are not advertised the way other usual jobs are done. Such big position jobs have to be found by word of mouth and through professional networking sites. One can always approach big organizations and submit your resumes and cover letters to the company's human resources department. Whenever any suitable vacancy is available, you stand a fair chance to being called for the interview.
   
   
4. Flood your resumes and get job
   This is the most popular idea among jobseekers. They think once flooded, some prospective employer will peruse one of your resumes and will call you for interview. In reality, this does not happen this way. Only the most perused resumes will get a greater chance of being called for interview. Whatever you write in your resume, the matter should tally with the requirement of the employer. So, first tailor your resume to the needs of the targeted market.
   
   
5. Wanted ads constitute all vacancies
   This is another misconception among jobseekers. Job hunters think that employers resort to internet only for personnel. Trade magazines and professional association offices are the places to look for all important jobs. Some say that about only 5 percent of job aspirants get jobs through ads.
   
   
6. Job hoppers are at a disadvantage
   Frequent job changers are used to be at a disadvantage in earlier times. But now, things have changed. A 'right-sizing' employer frequently taps market to get better talent to replace existing positions. The people thus removed are valuable for other employers who value the candidate's experience. And the jobseeker gets good jump in compensation in the bargain. That way, it will be a win-win situation for all.
   
   
7. A well laid out resume will suffice
   Not necessarily so. Only the matter is important for the employer. Your qualification for the job, your skill sets and experience are major points for consideration. Of course, a well laid out resume appears pleasant than a clumsily put resume.
   
   
8. Resume should be elaborate and logical
   Again, not necessarily so. resume should be able to cover every aspect of your career, no doubt. But mere elaboration with insufficient subject matter will be useless. Logical path contain with important details are highlighted at the beginning so that a busy employer will get the necessary information at the first glance itself.
   
   
9. Resume with cover letter will do the trick
   Cover letter specifies for which job that you have applied. Cover letters are for specific jobs only. Suppose, the employer finds you suitable for another job, then the cover letter will become a minor hindrance. In that case, remove the cover letter if your application is not meant for a specific job.
   
   
10. Reduced salary demand will be attractive
    When conditions are normal, settling for lesser salary than eligible will betray your desperation and actually it may boomerang on you. Do not settle for less salary unless the job is a prestigious one or if you really want to get valuable exposure in that organization or company.
    
    
11. The best qualified will get the best jobs
    It is not correct. The best mix of qualifications, skill sets, and performance in the interview will determine the selection for the best job. Overall personality, leadership qualities, besides competence will decide the suitability.
    
    
12. Recruiters have your best interests
    Companies and organizations hire recruiters for getting personnel for them. Obviously, the allegiance of the recruiters will be with the hirers. So, do not expect any help from recruiters.
    
    
13. Recruiters can trick you
    Just because recruiters have allegiance to their hirers, it does not mean that they will somehow trick you into the job before you realize what exactly happened. Recruiters are professionals and have their own reputation at stake. They will be professional in approach.
    
    
14. You cannot change careers
    The job market is an ever changing place where new ideas and technologies appear regularly. This will increase the horizon for the jobseeker. So, there will always be opportunities for employees to seek and change into new exciting careers. Information technology is one example.
    
    
15. You need not market yourself
    It is another misconception. You have valuable service to offer with your qualifications, and your skill sets, and employers will be on the lookout for such expertise and they hire you for your worth. So, you market your skills and get decent employment.
    
    
16. If you are aged, you can't get employment
    Actually, aged people are valuable for companies and organizations because their vast experience can be utilized by the companies. Such experienced people often get jobs as advisors, consultants, etc.
    
    
17. Job continuity offers safety
    It is not at all true. There is no guarantee that you will always retain your present job forever. Company's priorities keep changing, and new talent will always be added. So, don't be complacent about your job security.
    
    
18. You can always find new jobs
    Leaving present job for a new job will always be risky. If you are offered a new job by another employer, then it will be fine. But if you are on your own in searching for your new job, then it becomes difficult for you. Do not leave your present job unless some concrete offer is available.
    
    
19. Old employer will not take you back again
    There is nothing wrong in approaching your old employer for a job, when you are able to maintain cordial relations with the management all the time. The problem comes only if you had bad relations with them.
    
    
20. Stay at home and earn from home
    This is the greatest misconception that is prevailing on the internet. Such jobs will not pay you at all or will not pay you regularly. Moreover, their credibility is very low. Such jobs will not bring any laurels to your resume.