Recruitment can come with a lot of assumptions; what it is, who does it, how it can benefit people and whether it’s worthwhile or not. Certainly, not many people are upset when they receive a call from a recruiter letting them know their specific skillset and experience could be a great fit for an amazing new role they have, however, there can often be confusion or grey areas around what this means and whether a recruiter is the way to go. This is true for both candidates and clients.
We’ve been in the recruitment business for over 15 years and have discovered along the way a few common myths that repeatedly arise. To shed some light, here are six we come across the most often and the truth behind them.
Myth 1: SEEK is the best way to find a job.
While SEEK is an undoubtedly strong database of jobs on the market, it is also the ‘noisiest’ search engine and where most people go to look for a job. This means lots of competition and a much more random chance of finding the right job for you. You are better off reaching out to agencies you have worked with in the past or letting previous managers know about opportunities. Personal networks are the most overlooked form of job searching.
Myth 2: Salary expectations should always go up.
This is in fact largely reflective of conditions in the market and the level of the role. Salaries don’t always go up. Knowing the market and the demand is key. High-quality recruiters are on the pulse of the market as they are talking to client’s day in and day out. You can always give your recruiter a call and ask about the market conditions and going salaries before making a career move.
Myth 3: If I don’t have experience on a particular ERP I should not apply.
Experience is important, yes. But more and more, employers are looking for a wide range of skills, including soft skills, and placing a greater weight on a person’s ability to adapt and grow, than necessarily having the exact system experience required. Try to view your background through a wider lens. As recruiters, we get to know our client’s needs very well and we’re looking for the best fit for their company. If you have a lot of the areas of skill that match a job, minus some systems experience, don’t write yourself off.
Myth 4: The more applications you submit, the better your success rate.
This is a big mistake. Sometimes we come across generic resumes or applications of people who have no matching skillsets but are working in the same field. Having a degree or working in the same industry does not automatically make you a suitable candidate for every role in the industry. Every application needs attention, make your resume relevant to the application and filter out what the company you are applying for needs, as well as what you can supply. Sending your resume to anyone and everyone will result in rejections or ending up in a role you might not be a good fit for. Take your time to make your application count!
Myth 5: Reach for the stars and end up getting halfway there.
Myth busted in every way! We have seen so many resumes smashed into pieces because of this. Yes, be proactive. Yes, show a future employer your ability to develop. But…know your limits! There is no point in pretending or reaching for something extravagant if you are simply not skilled enough to do the job. You can learn down the track but keep in mind you will need to take every step of the journey. Suddenly demanding high dollars or taking up a huge amount of responsibility in your new job without having the experience, can get you into severe trouble. Resume gaps or cuts are where you will end up failing in the role or not feeling comfortable. Your limit can be all the stars you need when you are satisfied with your skills, environment and the job you are in.
