When you’re searching for a job, you might get advice from your close friends and family. While many of these people mean well, they often give negative advice that can hinder your ability to find a job. Some recommendations they give should be avoided, and here are the most commonly heard bad pieces of advice.
“You don’t benefit from networking.”
Nobody is going to feel comfortable networking right off the bat, as it can feel awkward talking about yourself. Having to market your experience and abilities can feel unnatural and difficult. But while the sentiment is shared across many job seekers, that doesn’t mean it is ineffective. Conversely, networking is still one of the most effective ways you can put yourself out there during a job search. Don’t dismiss networking because it makes you uncomfortable–it is common to feel that way.
“The more buzzwords on your resume, the better.”
Your resume should be designed to catch a hiring manager’s eye and to give them a brief insight into your skills and background. While your resume should show strong skillsets that match the job description you’re applying for, don’t go down the rabbit hole of relying on buzzwords. An overabundance of information and buzzwords can be detrimental in the long run, as it can be difficult to process the information on the resume.
“You should only look for a job where you have education or training in.”
There is no reason you should pigeonhole yourself in a position where you have formal training. If you have been considering a career change, then you likely don’t want to find something that aligns with what you have been doing. This piece of advice is one of the most destructive ones out there. It can hinder your job search tremendously. Just because you had an interest in a certain career before does not mean you can’t switch things up. Your education is not the blueprint for the rest of your career, and many employers welcome more diverse backgrounds in their workplace.
Avoiding these pieces of advice is important for your job search. While many friends and family members who give this advice mean well, the words can leave a lasting imprint that can prevent someone from having a successful job search. Be confident, and trust that you are fully capable of finding a position that works for you. If you ever need career advice or are looking for a new job, consider working with a professional staffing firm such as Masterson Staffing Solutions.
