Job Hunting in the 21st CenturyExploding the Myths, Exploring the Realities

Carol A. Hacker is an educator, speaker and the founder of Carol A. Hacker & Associates. She has written numerous magazine articles and three books including The Costs of Bad Hiring Decisions & How to Avoid Them. Prior to starting her own firm she held a number of management positions, including that of Director of Human Resources for the North American division of Bahlsen, Inc. , a European manufacturer. Promo Copy

GET STARTED
If I'm unemployed, employers will think I'm a loser.
Most successful people had a good idea early in life concerning what kind of careers they wanted.
A good way to find a new career is by the process of elimination.
Changing careers is the best solution to a bad job.
Changing careers is easy as long as you know what you want to do.
If you have enough interest in a particular career, you'll be successful.
Resumes get jobs.
Resumes should always include a job objective.
It's important to include on your resume every job you've ever held.
It's a good idea to include a photograph with your resume.
Functional resumes aren't as effective as chronological resumes.
The more information you have on your resume, the better.
Including your age, race, marital status, height, weight and religion on your resume gives it a personal touch.
It's a good strategy to list references on your resume.
Plain resumes don't get fancy job offers.
Mass mailing resumes is an effective job-search strategy.
The best way to send a resume is by mail or fax.
It's acceptable not to use a cover letter with your resume.
A handwritten cover letter conveys a feeling of warmth.
Generic, mass-produced cover letters are effective for certain positions.
Unusual-looking cover letters and resumes make you stand out.

THE CAMPAIGN
Any job is better than no job.
Interim or temporary jobs seldom lead to permanent positions.
It's okay to use the informational interview to ask about a job.
The best way to find a job is to broadcast to the largest number of people possible.
Most job openings appear in newspaper advertisements.
The human resources department is the best place to start your job search.
Job fairs seldom lead to job offers.
It's difficult using the internet to conduct a job search.
Networking is sleazy.
Long distance job hunting is a waste of time.
The best jobs are in high-growth Industries.
Companies don't hire during the December holidays.
If companies aren't hiring, there's nothing you can do about it.
Researching a company isn't as important as how you present your skills and abilities in a personal interview.
Recruiters are in business to find employment for job seekers.
When questioning recruiters about job openings, you run the risk of alienating them.
All employment agencies are alike.

THE INTERVIEW AND BEYOND
Some job interviews are a waste of time.
You probably won't be asked to participate in a video conference interview.
The interview begins when you meet the interviewer.
Employers are more interested in what you have to say than what you wear to the interview.
When asked what kind of job you're looking for, it's acceptable to say "anything that's available".
Your goal in the interview is to share as much as you can about yourself.
An effective way to let the interviewer know you're relaxed is by telling a joke.
When asked about your weaknesses, answer honestly.
Never ask questions in the interview, that's the interviewer's job.
Employers are willing to sacrifice technical expertise to attract candidates.
Employers know better than to ask inappropriate or illegal questions.
It's best to share your salary expectations when you meet the interviewer to avoid misunderstandings later.
There's no way to prepare for pre-employment tests.
Follow up after the interview may give the impression you're desperate for a job.
Expressing gratitude in a thank you letter is enough.
Most companies don't check references.
Personal references are as useful as work-related references
If you didn't get along with your former boss, you'll get a bad reference.
If you're invited for a meal, you can assume the job is yours.
The company's first offer is their best and last offer.
The best qualified people get the job.
When interviewers say you're over-qualified, they really mean you're too old.
There's no such thing as job security.
Appendix A - Sample Accomplishment Statements
Appendix B - Internet Glossary
Appendix C - Job Lead Organizations
Appendix D - Pre-Employment Inquiries
Appendix E - Sample Interview Questions and Answers
Additional Reading