7 Job Search Myths Debunked for 2017

7 Job Search Myths Debunked for 20177 Job Search Myths Debunked for 2017somany ways to get hired, it can be difficult to figure out which job search strategies are worth your while, and which are not. Fact is, if you fall for some popular job search myths, it can be like falling down the job search rabbit hole- and a waste of your precious time.What job search myths should you be on the lookout for? There are a ton of them out there that need to be debunked. With a bit of research, we came up with a few job search myths to be aware of if youre looking for flexible jobs in the new year.Here are seven job search myths debunked for 20171. Its hard to find legitimate flexible work online.As technology continues to have a huge impact on the workplace, more employers are finding it to their advantage to embrace flexible work options.For job searchers, that means an ever-increasing number of employers worldwide thatare offering flexible jobs that allow for remote work, part-time schedules, job sharing, freelancing, and other flexible options.2. Getting past an applicant tracking system is all but impossible- or youll get through automatically.Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS)- software that helps them manage large volumes of job applicants. First off, its good for job applicants to know about how hiring managers use applicant tracking systems.Once you understand ATS strategies, study up on how to break through online application systems- it can be done, despite job search myths to the contrary.3. Many of the best job openings are never made public.Perhaps one of the biggest mythsis a misconception that stymies many job searchers. And that is, fruchtwein job opening are never made public. But heres the deal its nottrue (as many job seekers believe) that up to 80 percent of job openings are filled via networking or word of mouth.Its a moldy idea that dates back more than 40 years. Whats true today is that most applicants find jobs using a wide variety of platforms like job boards, social media, career sites, and recruiting agencies.4. Cover letters dont count.Far from being a time-sucking effort that gets you nowhere, writing a cover letter that workscan sometimes make a big difference in whether you get the job. Among the advantages to writing a well-thought-out, strategic cover letter are that it lets your personality shine through, and allows you to highlight skills targeted to the specific position.It also keeps you from being automatically rejected in many cases, especially when the employer requires a cover letter as part of the application process.5. An interview follow-up isnt necessary.If youve had a great interview, whether by phone, online, or in person, its imperative to follow up with a musiknote or email. One of the worse signals you can send after youve impressed a potential employer is, well, radio silence.Not offering even a thank you for your time or a note that says what the interview highlights were for you ca n be the difference between making the cut, or not.6. Flooding the market will result in more job offers.Its true that, often, employers dont respond to job applications. But that doesnt necessarily mean that flooding the market will increase your chances of getting responses, and job offers.Employers uses social media and other platforms just like you do, and if they come across your resume here, there, and everywhere, the chances that they will want to hire you may be greatly diminished.7. Networking doesnt matter. Some job seekers may think the best jobs are only available via networks. Others under-use their networking capabilities. The truth lies somewhere in between. Understanding how to build your list of contacts andincrease your online network can help you kick this myth to the curb.So what should job seekers do? A good first step is to increase your awareness of the many job search myths that are out there, and educate yourself about how they might work against you, if you let them. The more you know about job search myths- and how to side-step them- the greater your chances of getting a fantastic flexible job in 2017.Start Your Job SearchReaders, what do you think of our job search myths? Are there others you can add to the list? Tell us in the comments below.