The world of careers is full of myths and rumours – should you tell your boss you’re searching, is it improper to followup on an application, or does it hurt your chances to not include references on your CV? Well, we’ve put these to the test and are destroying these common myths to give you the answers that matter! Auckland IT & Digital Director Pete Thompson took to the stand to answer these myths and set them straight!

Myth: Long resumes are immediately disqualified.

Fact: Not always the case, but we do suggest limiting your CV to 3 or 4 pages where possible. The longer it gets, the less likely a hiring manager or recruiter is to read the full thing. Your CV is to get you your interview, and then you can talk through everything in person.

Myth: “References on request” damages my chances.

Fact: No, it doesn’t. This should be normal practice. Most references are requested at the offer stage.

Myth: Employers stop hiring over holiday periods.

Fact: Yes and No. Whilst interviews may stop, you can still apply for active roles and the employer or agency will pick it up after the holiday. Often CV’s will be reviewed right up to the last minute, so that day one things can get back underway. Just remember that it can take a day or two for everything to align and be ready before they reach out, so if in doubt, speak to your recruiter!

Myth: Do not follow up after an interview – you don’t want to seem desperate.

Fact: If you’re dealing with an agency, call them ASAP after your interview. It always helps to debrief whilst it’s fresh in your mind. If you are dealing directly with an employer, send through an email post interview that thanks them for their time and that you look forward to hearing from them. This will go a long way!

Myth: You should apply in the first 24 hours that a role is up, or not bother.

Fact: False. Whilst you don’t want to leave your application too long, you don’t need to respond in the first 24 hours. Aim for the 1st week if you can.

Myth: The more detailed the CV is, the more attention you’ll get from an employer.

Fact: False. Make your CV shorter (3-4 pages) and punchier. There’s nothing worse than reading a CV that is longer than the Lord of the Rings saga.

Myth: The most qualified candidate always wins.

Fact: In theory yes. However, sometimes the most qualified candidates can’t prove this during an interview. You must prove that you are the person for the job throughout the interview process.

It’s easy to get bogged down in the job application process, so it’s important to remember to ground yourself and be realistic about the facts! We hope that these myth debunking facts will bring you some peace of mind and help you carve your way to success in your applications!

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