Five Big Lies About A Job Search

• Always State an Objective on Your Resume
  Telling a prospective employer what you want is a waste of words and not important to them. Rather, use a concise, specific, well crafted (no boilerplate language or clumsy clichés) profile or summary statement to communicate your personal brand and tie together your career experience. An employer will be compelled by your unique value proposition.

• Job Boards are the Best Leads
  It’s fine to check online and search postings, but relying solely on Monster, Career Builder and Hot Jobs is like playing a slot machine and hoping for a big payoff. Consider the odds and spend your time where your efforts have the highest probability for success.

• There is no Hidden Job Market
  Many jobs are never posted. Your network is the best source of leads. Make sure people know about your search. They can’t help you if they don’t know you’re looking. Work diligently to constantly expand your network. Consider who might be able to help you – even if it’s someone you don’t know yet – and figure out how you can go about meeting that person.

• Recruiters will find you a job
  You are ultimately responsible for finding a job. A recruiter is only interested in filling an open position with the best candidate – as specified by their client, the hiring company. If you’re the right match, then the recruiter will try to close the deal and get you placed. Remember, the client company is paying the recruiter’s fee, you’re not.

• Social Networking is a Fad
  Social Networking is here to stay and must be a key part of a job search strategy. By connecting with people and sharing something of value (an article, blog post, or other contacts), you will see doors begin to open. The more quality connections you make, the more opportunities will surface. The most important factor in social networking is trying to help others first. What can you bring to a networking relationship? Find people that you can help and start by giving. The principle of it’s better to give than to receive is especially pertinent in social networking. What you can give to others will come back to you.