Every job seeker receives different advice and strategy from family, friends and professionals when it comes to job search. But what is true and what is a myth. While certain myths of the trade are harmless, others are disastrous to the success of a job seeker. So how do you know which advice to disregard and which to embrace? Let’s expose the most common myths of the job hunt and offer some useful advice in its place.  Check out the full article on The Ladders Blog.

Myth: Registering on several online job portals will result in maximum call-backs

This is one of the biggest myths of this industry. Although online portals are accessible and increase visibility, they should not be viewed as having a higher success rate than any of the traditional counterparts like ads in newspapers and magazines. Thousands of people register on these portals on a daily basis and it could take days just for the screening process to end.

Advice: Register on two or three good job boards, and update your resume regularly to stay on top of the results lists.

Myth: A majority of vacancies are posted online or in the newspapers

It’s common practice for job openings to be “closed” or “hidden,” meaning recruiters will search for candidates or get references without ever posting the job online. The higher the title or salary, the less likely it is that the position will be advertised at all.

Advice: Start networking. It is the one and only fool-proof method of knowing what’s happening in the current job market. You have a better chance of finding what you seek if you make connections with others in your desired industry. For example, if you want to work as a freelance writer, building relationships with other writers and editors is your most critical resource in finding a position of your own.

Myth: Cover letters are not that important

Cover letters must be an integral part of your job-search strategy. A resume just gives an account of your work experience, skill set, and core competencies. It is all but useless if not accompanied with a document that gives a detailed description of why you are uniquely qualified for the particular job profile.

Advice: Every time you apply for a position, send a customized cover letter written specifically for the company that you are applying to. The only exception to this rule is when the employer explicitly states that he does NOT need one.