Hot Tip Tuesday #28

"💥 Job‑Search Myth‑Busting"

This week we're going back to basics! Let’s ditch the confusion and clear up some outdated myths that may be holding you back!

1. Résumé length rules are flexible

Myth: “Your résumé must fit on one page.”
Reality: That rule only applies if you’re fresh out of school. If you’ve been working for 15+ years, two—even three crisp pages is totally appropriate. What matters most is clarity and relevance—don’t cut good content just to limit the length

2. Recruiters aren’t your personal superhero

Myth: “Recruiters will get me a job.”
Reality: Recruiters work for their client, not you. Sure, building a positive relationship with an agency helps—but you can’t rely on them alone. You’re the driver of your job search; recruiters are one of your resources not your one-stop-shop!

3. Cover letters still matter

Myth: “Cover letters are outdated, don’t get read, and get thrown away.”
Reality: A well-penned cover letter can speak for your passion, provide context, and tell a story your résumé can’t. Skip the generic ones—but don’t skip them altogether

4. Age doesn’t define your worth

Myth: “Older candidates get ignored.”
Reality: Experience, judgment and dependability are exactly what employers seek. While disinformation exists, bias can be defeated with confidence and clarity about the value you bring. It is critical to show how your wisdom connects with their opportunities.

5. There are hidden jobs—but also visible ones

Myth: “Job boards don’t work; everything’s hidden.”
Reality: There definitely are hidden opportunities—via referrals and networking—but job boards still list real openings. The real secret? You need to combine targeted applications with genuine outreach for maximal exposure

Bonus! Short, sharp tips

✅ Quality over quantity

Aim for well-researchedapplications to places you actually want to work—not hundreds of scattergun CVs. Hiring managers notice genuine effort and can tell if you’re applying for the sake of it!

✅ Networking isn’t only for extroverts

Even introverted forms—like one-on-one chats or a LinkedIn message—can be powerful. Even minor contacts can often yield surprising outcomes.

✅ Don’t wait until you tick every box

If you meet most of a vacancies’ criteria and are keen to learn, go for it! Role descriptions aim high—but flexibility and potential go miles. If you think you hit about 75% of the requirements and are dead-keen on the role definitely give it a go!