In my daily browsing of LinkedIn, I’ve come across an alarming amount of misinformation and downright nonsense about job searching. If I had hair, I’d be pulling it out. Here, I’ll address and debunk some of the most common myths I’ve encountered. Brace yourself for some myth-busting!

Myth 1: The Colour of Your Interview Outfit Matters I stumbled upon a LinkedIn “influencer” (excuse me while I gag) posting a poll asking, “What colour should you never wear for an interview?” Spoiler alert: It doesn’t matter. Wearing black, white, yellow or any other colour will not make or break your chances of landing the job. Instead, focus on presenting yourself professionally and feeling confident in your attire.

Myth 2: 80% of Job Opportunities are Hidden A self-proclaimed “Career Expert” claimed that 80% of job opportunities are hidden, and, of course, you should pay him to help you find them. This is utter nonsense. Jobs are not hidden; they’re just recruited through different channels, such as referrals, job boards, headhunting, and internal recruitment. No vacancy is hidden—you just need to look in the right places and be visible to recruiters on platforms like LinkedIn.

Myth 3: Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) Reject 75% of CVs This is another baseless claim. Having used 14 different ATS myself, and with experts like Amy and Dominic conducting independent research, there’s no evidence to support this. I’ve even conducted a survey of nearly 200 recruiters (check out the articles on my profile) that debunk this myth. So, don’t worry—your CV is more likely to make it through the ATS than you think.

Myth 4: Your CV Must be One or Two Pages The length of your CV is not as crucial as its relevance. While it’s best to keep it as concise as possible, don’t stress about fitting everything into a one or two-page limit. Instead, focus on showcasing your most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements for the job you’re applying for. Remember, it’s the quality, not the quantity, that counts.

…..There you have it, folks—four of the most common job search myths busted! I’m exhausted, but if you have any other myths you want me to bust or if you need accurate and honest advice, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help you navigate the job market with confidence and clarity. Don’t let the nonsense get you down—keep pushing forward in your job search, armed with the facts!