9 Popular Job Search Tips You Should Definitely Ignore

Job searching today isn’t what it was decades ago when our parents were forging ahead and building careers for themselves. Heck, it isn’t even the same as it was when I embarked upon my first search many years ago. While some things seem to stand the test of time—can you imagine not needing a resume?—others are best left in the past.

As new industries and roles surface, the hunt must change as well. Muse career coaches offer their thoughts on outdated job search strategies that aren’t likely to get you ahead, much less get you a job offer. 

1. Apply Without Making Connections.

"Your goal should be to speak with someone before applying so that you can send your application directly to a person—not through an automated system that prompts you from an organization’s website. Getting in touch with someone who works where you’re applying enables you to develop a rapport with a person entrenched in the company’s day to day, allowing you to gain insight on the opportunity. This will help you better position yourself; you can't-do this when you just apply online and there’s an absence of human interaction. "Avery Blank

2. Your Skills Matter More Than Your Personality

"Many job seekers focus too narrowly on having the right qualifications and technical skills. What they taught you at the college career center is true: You must be good at what you do and be able to showcase your credentials to an employer. But you need much more than that. If you really want to get ahead, you’ve got to know how to impact and influence people, navigate relationship dynamics, and add value far beyond what’s detailed in the job description." Melody Wilding

3. Stay Put

"Stay at a company and work your way up used to be sound advice. And, sure, if you see a pathway for growth at your current company and you know how to get there, by all means, you should stay and climb that ladder. But if you don’t have room to grow, don’t waste too many years in one place in one role; keep your eye on the market and don’t let better opportunities pass you by! Being nimble and jumping is often the name of the success game today." Annie Nogg

4. Don’t Negotiate

"When I started out, I was told to be grateful for my first job offer. I was instructed not to show disrespect by trying to negotiate. Boy, is that so off-base, particularly for women who face a wage gap. The gender wage gap costs a full-time working woman a lot of money over the course of her career, and it starts with her first job. Always negotiate on principle, especially if you’re a woman." Alexandra Dickinson

5. Apply to Everything You See

"Quantity over quality: That’s what career services used to advise, saying that applying to anything and everything would lead to success. Today, job seekers are much better off targeting specific brands or companies in a more strategic fashion and starting a conversation rather than blanketing the universe with resumes. It will pay off to have the right start to your career in the long run than throwing your hat in the ring for every opportunity that comes along." Kelly Poulson

Source :https://www.themuse.com/advice/9-popular-job-search-tips-you-should-definitely-ignore