The Best Way to Find a New Job? Let’s Debunk the Myths

You’re looking for a new job, and suddenly everyone wants to share their two cents on the best approach to take. Outsider input can sometimes be helpful; no man is an island after all. Other times, however well-intended it may be, their advice isn’t what you need to hear. In other words, the world of recruitment has changed significantly in recent years. Strategies that may have had some merit in the past are no longer viable.

Here, we tackle some of these myths head-on. We sort the fact from the fiction, helping you navigate the most common pitfalls and set yourself on course for job search success.

“Do something out of the box!”

 

We are often told that the most successful applicant is the one that stands out from the crowd, with some candidates going to extreme lengths to do so. Whilst certain industries lend themselves to a bit of creative flair, personal billboards, craft beer CVs, and Lego interns won’t work for everyone. Equally, the truth is that most recruiters aren’t interested in gimmicks; they just want to know if you’re right for the role. Therefore, don’t waste time on the unexpected. Instead, pay attention to what the recruiter is actually asking for and make your application memorable for the right reasons.

“Be more proactive with your network.”

The adage is that it’s “all about who you know.” This isn’t bad advice in and of itself. By leveraging your network effectively, you can discover opportunities outside of the usual channels. Yes, you should be proactive. Attend events in your industry, follow up on encounters, and don’t be afraid to reach out. However, it’s important to be strategic when you do. Evaluate who will be useful to you and assess where you stand with them. It’s okay to be direct with your regular contacts, but you’ll need to nurture the relationship with others. Above all, don’t jeopardise a potential lead by asking for too much too soon.

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“You’re just not trying hard enough!”

This one is hard to hear, especially when you know how many hours you’ve put into your search. The current climate is tough for job seekers and can be difficult for those who haven’t experienced it to understand. Nevertheless, Don’t let yourself get talked into a rut. Keep reflecting and recognise when an approach isn’t working. For some, this might involve casting a wider net and considering alternative roles or industries. For others, it will mean scaling back on volume and focusing on refining the quality of each application.

Additionally, we know that keeping track of all the moving parts of the job hunt can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve built the RoleCatcher platform, to help you stay in control. You can search across multiple job boards, optimise your CV with keyword suggestions, and organise your contacts according to their recruiting potential. We keep things simple so that you have time to focus on the things that matter. Get started for free today.

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