To stand out from other candidates, job seekers are increasingly required to acquire certifications, learn new skills, and develop their personal brands. However, these rapidly changing expectations have led to common misconceptions among job seekers about what it takes to get hired.
Here, 11 Council of Young Entrepreneurs Members share their thoughts on these common beliefs and the advice they would give to job seekers. Review their insights to gain clarity on how prospective candidates can develop the right strategies to land their dream jobs.
1. “Qualifications alone will get me the job”
A major misconception is to think that qualifications alone will create a dream job. In fact, passion is a distinguishing factor. Employers have a keen ability to spot genuine enthusiasm versus feigned interest. True passion is reflected in the details, like how you talk about your work, the extra effort you put in without being asked, and the enthusiasm you bring to challenges. Without passion, even the most skilled employee can burn out or lack innovation. My advice is to dive deep into what really lights your fire. When you’re truly passionate, it’s palpable and employers will see and appreciate that authenticity. – Brandon Ginsberg, ApparelMagic
2. “I have to show that I can do everything”
Job seekers need to have some focus. Some job seekers will say, “I can do anything.” But when I’m looking for a new hire, whether at entry or senior level, I’m hiring for a specific role with specific criteria known to all candidates. Anyone who is too broad in their job search usually shows that they haven’t taken the time to really think about the key focus areas of the role I’m hiring for. While they think they’re showing openness to new opportunities, they usually leave the impression that they don’t take the role seriously, or that they don’t take it seriously enough to relate the experience or interest to what I need. It doesn’t mean you can’t evolve your focus or shift, but show that you’ve done your homework by focusing on what you want and what you need. – JT Allen, myFootpath LLC
3. “I must be lucky enough to know the right people”
Many job seekers believe that landing their dream job requires luck or knowing the right people. However, this is far from the truth. The reality is that landing a job—especially your dream job—requires a combination of hard work, preparation, and persistence. Instead of relying on luck or connections, focus on building a strong foundation for your career journey. Know what you want to do, tailor your cover letter and resume to each job you apply to, and be smart and strategic with your networking efforts. – Christine Kimberly Marquette, Marquet Media, LLC
4. “Finding my dream job will be easy and simple”
Many job seekers have the mistaken belief that finding a job is a quick and simple process. Many people assume that sending out a few resumes and attending a few interviews will lead to immediate employment. But the job search can be a much more extensive journey than expected. It is important for job seekers to understand that finding the right job can take time and the process can be full of ups and downs. Be patient and persistent. Understand that the job search is not a linear path. it’s more like a marathon than a sprint. Don’t be discouraged by rejections or failures along the way. Continue to refine your approach, network and learn from every experience. Success may not come overnight, but with determination and a positive mindset, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job. – Pratik Chaskar, Spectra
5. “I need to spruce up my resume to look impressive”
A misconception that job seekers have about what it takes to land a job is that it’s okay to oversell your experiences or qualifications on your resume. This generally happens when job seekers do not meet the requirements to be a potential candidate. Many of them resort to fabricating information and adding some extra achievements to their name. This is a huge misconception that can lead them to miss an opportunity and block them from the company and its acquaintances. The best course of action here is to improve yourself once you identify your weaknesses. You should aim to acquire the skills that you currently lack as it can make you an ideal candidate for similar jobs that you come across in the future. – Stephanie Wells, Awesome Shapes
6. “I’ll need to lower my salary expectations”
You may think that lowering your salary expectations will make you more attractive. This is incorrect! Be confident in your abilities and do some market research to make sure your target salary is within the range of the job parameters. Lowering your salary expectations can make you appear less experienced or less competitive than other applicants. Have a basic salary range that you simply won’t budge on if you get stressed out in an interview. – Su Saito, SpiroPure
7. “The best strategy is to apply to as many jobs as possible”
I think a lot of job seekers, especially early in their careers, see getting a job as kind of a numbers game. They cast a wide net, apply to many companies and just hope that someone will hire them. I know I’ve met someone in this category if I interview them and they know next to nothing about my company. This approach does not make the best impression. Beyond that, it shows a lack of focus. Even if you’re applying for your first job, it’s best to have a strategy. Consider which company best matches your skills and personality and which one will help you achieve your goals. Map out your goals and choose the companies that are a good fit. This includes companies that do not advertise or post on job boards. – Kalin Kassabov, ProTexting
8. “My resume will be enough to get me through the hiring process”
A common misconception among job seekers is the belief that having an impressive resume and qualifications will guarantee them the job of their dreams. While these are important, what is often just as important is the individual’s ability to effectively communicate their skills, experiences and passion during interviews. It’s about projecting your personality and showing how you can add value to the company culture. My advice to job seekers is to not underestimate the importance of soft skills, networking and a compelling interview narrative. – Jared Weitz, United Capital Source Inc.
9. “I have to look perfect to get hired”
The biggest misconception is that there is such a thing as a perfect candidate. This is not real. Employers are looking for someone with the technical ability to do the job but also someone who is genuine and genuine. Too often, people go into the interview process trying to be who they think people want. In fact, being honest and showing your true personality are far more important to job seekers. People want to connect with people, and if you put on a show, it’s unlikely to resonate with others. – Zane Stevens, Protea Financial
10. “My technical skills will be the most important thing to highlight”
Job seekers often mistakenly believe that only technical skills and qualifications matter in the job hunt. Many individuals tend to overlook the importance of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability and problem solving. However, this misconception couldn’t be further from the truth. Soft skills play a key role in the workplace because they determine how well you can work with colleagues, handle challenges and contribute to a positive work environment. My advice is clear: Don’t underestimate the value of your soft skills. During interviews, don’t just focus on demonstrating your technical expertise. emphasize your ability to work well with others, communicate effectively and adapt to changing circumstances. These skills often make the difference between a good employee and a great one. – Sujay Pawar, CartFlows
11. “The best jobs are in big name companies”
Many believe that working for a well-known company is the ultimate goal and that smaller companies do not offer as good opportunities, but this idea can be quite limiting. While large companies have their advantages, smaller ones can offer unique and valuable experiences that are often overlooked. My advice is don’t underestimate the potential of the smaller players. They can offer a more dynamic and hands-on work environment where you can take on various responsibilities and make a real impact. You may have the opportunity to work closely with the leadership, learn various aspects of the business and contribute significantly to the company’s growth. – Abhijeet Kaldate, Astra WordPress Theme
