Career Myths
"I can or should apply to any basic job in my field": Candidates are advised to review each of the hard and soft skill requirements for a given role, assigning a percentage to each requirement that reflects the degree of experience they have. Once they've assigned a percentage to each requirement, it is a simple function to average out the number. If a candidate has 80-85% of the required skills, they should indeed apply for the role if they are seriously interested.
"I don't have to prepare or rehearse for interviews": Reality is the better prepared or rehearsed, the better the chances of impressing a hiring team, and the greater the confidence level during the interview process.
"Potential employers must know how much I want the job": It is the candidate's responsibility to communicate their degree of interest in a given role, and why.
"I can easily land/replace my $150+ salary in the media labour marketplace": Due to convergence, transition to broadband applications and shrinking margins, our industry doesn't currently support as many high paying jobs as it once did.
"Potential employers will pay my travel/moving expenses" and/or "Potential employers will hire me from another country": Employers are no longer building travel or relocation expenses for new hires. They will also be reticent to consider an international candidacy for a low-mid level position.
"My references will always give good references": Referencing is still conducted, although less and less effective all of the time, due to tighter privacy legislation. It is always prudent to advise your references not only that they will be called, but also, given the benefit of your thoughts regarding suitability to role.
"I'll indulge in professional development later": Professional development consistently slides in order of priority to the detriment of your career. By not seeing to your professional development, you may end up in the sad position of not being ready to take on a senior, desirable role, when it presents itself.
"My CV is fine": Hiring managers are becoming increasingly educated as to the new standards for candidacies - and increasingly intolerant of lack of professionalism on the candidates part with the most basic mistakes centered around lack of coordinates, and statement accomplishments. Hiring managers are also looking for professional development activities, as well as public service and any value adds that can make you stand out against competitors.
"My skills are transferable": Very often skills are transferable but candidates must have a business case rehearsed in order to make it relevant and meaningful to the hiring manager (on paper and in person!)
"I don't have to know the business mandate": The large majority of employers expect a candidate to know what business they are in, how they are performing and how the candidate's unique skills and knowledge would be beneficial to the corporate bottom line.
"Employers will train me through my learning curve when I apply for a job that is at a higher level than what I'm doing now": When seeking a Director level or above position, employers tend to want candidates with Director level experience. Therefore, the candidate wants to be "hired-up", but the employer is looking to "hire laterally".
"How I dress doesn't matter": Professionalism will get you everywhere. Dress for your next job.
