6 Myths and Misconceptions That Are Negatively Affecting Your Career Progression was originally published on Ivy Exec.
Understanding the job market may help you land your dream role as you plan to grow your career. It’s vital to learn about job search trends and get more insights about your industry. Unfortunately, misinformation can make it harder to target good jobs and refine your search.
Debunking common myths and misconceptions will help you avoid missing great opportunities. It lets you focus on sound advice to land a new role with less stress. Let’s discuss some false notions about executive jobs, market research, and job search.
1️⃣ Showing You Have a Lot of Experience Will Help You Get an Executive Role
Many people believe that extensive experience will help them get an executive job. Most employers want candidates familiar with the role, but they may shy away from applicants with high expertise. Such candidates are costly for employers since they must offer competitive pay to retain them.
If you have extensive experience, you don’t have to list all of it in your resume. Find out what the executive job you are applying for entails and only highlight the related experience. For example, if you are targeting a chief marketing position, only list the years you worked in a similar position.
A good rule of thumb is to ensure your experience doesn’t exceed the one listed in the job ad by more than five years. You want to show recruiters you have what it takes to do the job, but you are also not overqualified.
Some jobs may ask for more experience than what you have, but you shouldn’t be afraid to try your luck. While it’s a common belief that you must meet such conditions to be shortlisted, you need to understand that employers often use this trick to reduce applications. Don’t worry about a small gap; you may still get the job if you meet other requirements.
2️⃣ You Must Know an Industry Leader to Get an Executive Position
If you are looking for a job in a successful company, you may have heard that you need an industry leader to put in a good word for you. This may cause you to worry that you don’t have the right network to help you reach your career goals.
While being recommended by industry leaders to recruiters can boost your odds, it’s not always necessary. Many employers rely on recruitment tools and executive search firms to get the right candidate. Others are only interested in your skills and experience and don’t care about your network. They need fresh ideas and talent, so they may not consult industry leaders when hiring.
3️⃣ You Must Stay at Each Job for at least 2 Years
It’s a common myth that employers don’t hire candidates who stay at workplaces for less than two years. This false notion can affect career growth by making you believe you must wait for this period before moving to a new firm.
Grow your career by looking for better opportunities if you’ve been at your current workplace for about a year. However, you should assess each position carefully so you don’t accept the job only to quit a few months later. Employers aren’t so keen on the 2-year timeline, but they still are skeptical about job-hopping candidates.
4️⃣ Lowering Your Salary Expectations Will Make the Job Search Process Easier
It’s common to have a minimum salary in mind when climbing the career ladder. Still, some people and online resources may tell you to lower your expectations to get a job faster. Others may recommend accepting a low amount and asking for a raise later.
Expecting a small salary may expand your job pool, but not every position will be ideal. Some employers may quickly offer you an executive role if you ask for lower pay. But, the work environment and company culture might not match your expectations. The firm may also have limited growth opportunities that will impact your career in the long run.
Setting realistic pay expectations will simplify job search in many ways. For example, it ensures you try out for executive roles that are within the industry standards. It also helps you keep a positive mindset, encouraging you to keep applying even after facing rejection.
5️⃣ You Shouldn’t Apply for an Executive Job if You Don’t Meet All the Requirements
Job requirements are like a wishlist for employers since they describe the ideal candidate. It’s rare to find an executive who is an excellent match in all aspects.
Someone may have the required experience but still need to work on their technical or soft skills. On the other hand, they may meet all the requirements but ask for a salary that the employer can’t match.
Don’t let job descriptions be the reason your career doesn’t grow. You can always apply for a position even if you don’t have every skill the recruiter wants. If you check most boxes, you may secure an interview and prove you are a good fit. Focus on impressing the recruiters with your achievements, and don’t be afraid to discuss your shortcomings if they come up.
6️⃣ Recruiters Take Months to Fill Executive Roles
Many job seekers believe employers interact with applicants over several months before filling a role. Hence, they may wait to hear back from recruiters for a long time before considering another open position.
This job market insight might have been accurate some years back, but it’s currently impractical. Many employers will try to fill an executive role as quickly as possible to avoid wasting resources. They may hire agencies to help them identify and shortlist candidates in a few weeks.
Don’t stop your search if you interviewed for a position, followed up, and haven’t heard back in a month. You may be waiting for a response only to discover the company has already filled the role but hasn’t updated other applicants.
Don’t Let Myths Derail Your Career
Relying on incorrect information will make it more challenging to take the next step in your career. Your job search will only bear fruits if you use accurate market insights.
Review your career goals and rely on reputable sources to learn more about the job market. Keep up with trends in your industry to avoid basing your search on outdated practices.
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