Recruitment is full of myths that job seekers and employers still believe. Over time, we have shared some of the biggest ones and are now bringing them together in one place. From the idea that only the most experienced candidates get hired to the belief that a perfect resume guarantees a job, these misconceptions can hold you back. Let’s dive in and set the record straight!
💭Myth #1: If you don’t name your resume ‘First Name Last Name Date and Year,’ recruiters will not take you seriously and, in the worst-case scenario, trash your resume without even opening it.
✅Truth: Recruiters don’t care how you name your resume. If they have a certain way they present it to the hiring manager, they will adjust the name themselves. This will not lose you ‘points’ or make you miss opportunities because of it.
💭Myth #2: You must ask at least 3 questions at the end of the job interview; otherwise, it seems like you’re not interested.
✅Truth: There is no specific number of questions you should ask at the end of a job interview. Asking fewer or more questions does not affect your chances of acing the job interview.
💭Myth #3: You need to be a perfect match with all the criteria mentioned in a job vacancy; otherwise, you will not be considered by the recruiter/hiring manager.
✅Truth: Yes, hiring managers and recruiters would love it when candidates meet every single criterion of the vacancy. However, they also understand that this isn’t always the case. So, don’t hesitate to apply for the job you’ve been eyeing. Your skills and experiences might align more closely with the role than you think.
💭Myth #4: Your resume should never exceed one page.
✅Truth: Having a resume that is more than one page is very normal and nothing to worry about. However, try to keep it to a maximum of 2 pages, or 3 if absolutely necessary. More than three pages isn’t necessary and will actually damage your chances of getting invited for a job interview. Recruiters and hiring managers are unlikely to read all those pages and may see you as someone who can’t separate the main points from the extras, which doesn’t leave a good impression.
💭Myth #5: Working for a large, established company ensures job security.
✅Truth: Yes, on average, job security at a large, established company is higher than at a startup or small family business, but unfortunately, true job security is a myth. Even at a large, established company, things can go wrong, and you may find yourself without a job.
💭Myth #6: Recruitment agencies only focus on finding temporary jobs.
✅Truth: Recruitment agencies don’t only offer temporary jobs. Yes, they have plenty of those, but they also offer job opportunities that can lead to permanent contracts.
Recruitment is full of misconceptions, but now you know the truth! Understanding how hiring really works can help you approach your job search with confidence. Have you come across any other recruitment myths? Let us know in the comments!