subject: Common Misconceptions About Career Management [print this page] Common Misconceptions About Career Management
Most individuals have a reactive - not a "proactive" - approach to their careers. Thinking that you merely would like to "fix your career when it's broken" (i.e., when you are laid off, downsized or just plain miserable) is a very unfortunate misconception that will seriously limit your career success!Here are 10 different common misconceptions regarding career management:
1. The most qualified candidate gets the duty offer.WRONG! Several times candidates with lesser qualifications get job offers simply because they've ready and presented themselves during a more compelling way. In different words, they're higher self-marketers! Being "qualified" is not enough. You need to CONVINCE the employer that you are the best candidate for the job.
2. So long as I've got a job, I don't have to figure on my career.WRONG! Whether or not you are used today, you never apprehend what may happen tomorrow! To avoid a career disaster, you must incorporate "Perpetual Career Management" into your skilled life. Vital tasks like keeping your Accomplishment Stories recent, or networking frequently with professionals in your trade, ought to be incorporated into your regular routine.
3. My professional education stopped when I graduated from school.WRONG! You should perpetually hunt for ways to advance your professional knowledge. Attending seminars, reading trade journals, pursuing certifications, etc. - these activities ought to be a part of your ongoing skilled development process. It's imperative that every professional stay current in their field.
4. Employers perpetually provide the foremost generous compensation they will afford.WRONG! Employers expect that you've done salary research, and that they anticipate dynamic negotiations. Of course, they will typically be disappointed and query your candidacy if you DON'T negotiate. Employers usually state a low salary provide just as a "trial balloon," to determine how you'll react - and there's almost continually area to boost on the initial compensation offer.
5. If I just do a smart job, my position will be secure.WRONG! With corporate mergers, downsizings, outsourcing and a shaky economy, NO job is secure. You must take full responsibility for your own career security.
6. My r?sum? is the sole document I would like to search for a job.WRONG! Your r?sum? is just one amongst the 10 "tools" you would like in your "Job Seeker's Tool Kit." So as to land a top quality position in nowadays's market, you may conjointly want Accomplishment Stories, Positioning and Exit Statements, a Skilled Biography, a Target Company List, and many alternative very important components.
7. Recruiters will find me a job, so I do not have to look for jobs myself.WRONG! Though recruiters can be helpful, the most successful manner to find a brand new chance in nowadays's job market is through networking. It's fine to use Govt Search Corporations, but they're just one vehicle for you to leverage. Solely YOU can notice you a new job.
8. Employers are responsible for managing my career path.WRONG! This statement may have been true in our father's or grandfather's time. However now, it's "each man for himself." Only YOU have the ability to require control of your career and manage it for success. So, create the most of it! Get support and guidance from a qualified Career Consultant if you are feeling that this could be helpful.
9. Networking is solely for entrepreneurs and jobseekers - I don't want to network now.WRONG! It's a good career move to ALWAYS be networking, regardless of what's getting in your skilled life. If you do not want facilitate at this time, build-up your networking power by serving to others. Consistent, effective networking can continually pay big dividends! It's simply a natural part of ongoing career management.
10. Most sensible jobs are listed on Web job sites and in newspapers, therefore they're straightforward to identify.WRONG! Solely one % of job postings that are on the Internet or in newspapers are any good! And that's where you may be competing against ninety nine% of all the other job seekers! Since these odds aren't in your favor, you ought to spend VERY LITTLE time on this search technique - and instead, focus almost all of it slow and energy on networking!Currently that you're familiar with these deadly career misconceptions, you'll be able to simply reverse them to own a very positive impact on your career. The primary step is to alter your thinking, and then to apply productive new behaviors in an exceedingly consistent manner!
