Top recruiting myths

Job seekers and recruiters surprisingly look at the job search in very different ways.  A recent poll conducted by Workopolis has gotten to the bottom of this, in order to help both sides bridge the gap, helping recruiters find better qualified candidates and job seekers find the job of their dreams.  Based on the results, Workopolis has complied the top ten recruitment myths.

• MYTH #1 – Job seekers and job posters use the same media. While the survey has indicated that the majority of job seekers thought that online job boards were the best method for their job search, a much smaller number of recruiters thought this to be true.  Recruiters use a number of other methods including newspaper ads (both local and national), and recruitment agencies.  The lesson here is to use as many resources as possible, and don’t limit your search to the internet.
• MYTH #2 – Job seekers must have ALL qualifications to apply for a job. Many recruiters believe that as long as you have the basic skills required for the job, you are able to learn the rest.  However, this does not mean that you can apply for jobs that don’t match your skill set, or that require many years of experience when you only have one or two years.
• MYTH#3 – You don’t need to be 100% honest in your application. NEVER lie on your resume, even if it is a little stretch, because you will get caught, and then your wonderful new job will probably be lost.  It’s just not worth it.
• MYTH #4 – The resume speaks for itself. Actually, your resume is only a snap shot of your skills.  An interview is generally the best way to gauge skills, including those important communication and problem solving skills.  You could look great on paper, but if you bomb the interview, chances are you won’t get the job.
• MYTH#5 – You must have a job to get a job. While it certainly looks better that you are currently employed, there is no research that suggests that this will help you get the position over someone who is unemployed.
• MYTH#6 – Fewer past employers are better. Only about half of recruiters thought it looked bad if a candidate has numerous past employers.  As long as there is not two or three jobs every year, the applicant should be fairly safe.  However, if you have a legitimate reason for the frequent switches (ie – contract positions), let the recruiter know this.
• MYTH #7 – Employers respond to every resume. Only 34% of recruiters believe that it is proper to respond to every resume sent out.  Based on this number, chances are you are not going to hear back from a company unless they would like to interview you.
• MYTH #8 – Suits are required for interviews. While at one time this may have been the case, a large majority of recruiters did not believe a suit was required.  As a society, we have become much more relaxed, and many companies have gone from business professional to business casual dress codes.  However, this does not mean that a suit is not a good idea!  Base your interview dress on the type of position you are applying for, and if in doubt, don the suit anyways…it’s not going to hurt your chances!
• MYTH #9 – Money doesn’t matter. Don’t kid yourself…of course it does.  You need to be able to pay for that new apartment and wardrobe!  Don’t be surprised if the money talk comes up in your first interview, as about half of the recruiters polled thought that this was perfectly acceptable.
• MYTH #10 – They aren’t going to call your references. Beware!  Over half of recruiters responded that they ALWAYS check references.  Be sure to have references prepared and that these references are aware they may be called.