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5 Pieces of Unbelievably Bad Job Search Advice You Should Ignore

Seeking advice helps you be prepared, but not all advice is applicable. Check out these pieces of bad job search advice that might do you more harm than good.

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Seeking advice helps you be prepared, but not all advice is applicable. Check out these pieces of bad job search advice that might do you more harm than good.

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Not all job search advice is good advice. Everyone is out there dishing out advice according to their experience, luck, and hearsay. Some of the advice given out might have worked for a time, but time changes and different approaches are required.

Before you take on any kind of advice about a job search, consider the source, timing and use, or else you might get different results.  

 

Here are 5 bad job search advice you should avoid:

1. “Accept the first offer, you might not have another chance.”

This could be the most relatable job advice everyone has ever come across. I remember when I was fresh out of university, my prayer was to get a job and put my degree to use. The desperation that came with it had me soliciting advice east and west on how I could land my big break. Luckily enough my first applications were successful but the offers were another story. 

I remember turning down a couple of them, and my parents weren’t happy with my decision. They always reminded me that once I refuse the offer, I might never get another one since I had no experience. Well, I did. 

Here is what to take home, accepting any kind of job offer that comes your way will set you up for disaster. Always have key deal breakers to watch out for as you receive offers from employers. Does the job meet your minimum requirements? Is there room for growth and improvement? If you find yourself questioning your choice, then revise it. Even when you can hardly find a perfect job, do not settle for anything lower than your minimum expectations. 

 

Get more insight on accepting job offers. 

 

2. “Show how desperate you are for the job”. 

This advice might have worked for some, but you do not want to try this out. Some candidates might find luck if the recruiter makes an emotionally based decision to hire them, but in other cases, it could spoil your chances of being hired. 

So, if you want them to know you want the job, focus on making adequate interview preparations, having the right interview responses and making an unforgettable good impression. Other things like telling recruiters how the job could save your life should stay in your thoughts but not be said out loud. 

3. “Do not negotiate the salary offered”

The talk of salary negotiations is already considered sacred, especially by junior professionals.  There is a fear that trying to negotiate your salary might reduce your chances of being hired. I beg to disagree here. When you stand up to your potential employers and ask for higher pay or more benefits than those offered, it shows confidence and boldness.

As you go through your job hunt, do not just settle for whatever is brought to you. Speak up about your needs before the recruiter and get the odds. Sandra Musonge highlights key tips to keep in mind while negotiating your salary and these include;

  • Have the facts at your fingertips, you would not want to make uninformed requests.

  • Aim for a win-win situation, it is important that you and the recruiter reach a middle ground. 

4. “Continue following up even when you get no response”

Following up on your application is a good sign to show your interest in the job, but to what extent are you doing it? Calling the recruiter on a daily and sending numerous emails can offend them. If they promised to reach out to you, then take their word for it. In some cases, recruiters do let you know in what period of time you should expect feedback, if the period elapses, then consider yourself unsuccessful. 

 

Read also: The right way to follow up after an interview.

 

5. “Stay in your lane”

No one ever got successful by staying in their own bubble. If you have been told to apply to only one industry, one field and probably to a specific job title,  delete that from your head. 

Career progress and development come right after taking some risks and making hard decisions. If you are afraid of failure so badly, then you are likely to stay where you are in your career. Playing it safe like only applying to that one job or that one industry might rob you of a chance to discover your strengths in other fields. 

Therefore, if you come across an opportunity that sounds like a good fit, give it a try. Recruiters encourage that when you meet 70% of the requirements asked in a role, you can always learn the 30% on the job. It is important that you get creative and adventurous with your job applications. There are plenty of roles out there that you could perform as well if you gave it a try.  

Even though you shouldn’t stop looking for advice, it is important to weigh everything you are told. If you have been a victim of following any of the bad job search advice in this article, there is still time to start again. 

Written by

Mercy Mukisa

Hey there, I'm Mercy Mukisa, a Senior HR Officer writing to you from the lively heart of Uganda. Writing is my way of contributing to the professional community, grounded in the belief that knowledge is the key to empowerment. In the dynamic field of HR, I'm not just a participant; I see it as a privilege to share the insights and experiences gathered along the way. It's not just about the job; it's a commitment to enhancing your professional journey. So, let's navigate through the pages of my articles together, aiming for a balanced and insightful exploration of empowerment and growth.


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