Ten Job Hunting Myths

The job market is improving. A recent study from the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that employers plan to hire 13% more new college grads this year than last year -- with business, engineering and computer fields taking top priority.

That's good news if you or someone you know is preparing to make the move from library stacks to a corporate cubicle. But it doesn 't mean the perfect job will just fall in your lap. And misconceptions about job hunting, the working world and the entry-level empl oyee's role can easily bog down a young professional's progress.

That's good news if you or someone you know is preparing to make the move from library stacks to a corporate cubicle. But it doesn 't mean the perfect job will just fall in your lap. And misconceptions about job hunting, the working world and the entry-level empl oyee's role can easily bog down a young professional's progress.

Improve your chances of finding your dream job. Don't get suc ked into these ten common job-hunting myths:

1 | Finding a job after college will be quick and easy

Although the job market for this year's college grads looks rosier than last year, don't expect the job offers to come rolling in. Finding work m ay be a cinch for a select few, but for the vast majority, it will still take serious effort.

The length of your hunt will dep end on a variety of factors, including:

• The job market



• Your location



• Your qualificati ons



• The amount of time you dedicate to your search



• Your interviewing skills


• The types of resources you use to find job openings

If it takes a while, don't get discouraged. The average job sea rch lasts four months, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas. To make ends meet in the meantime, you may hav e to take a less glamorous (and lower-paying) gig. A few of my friends have worked in call centers, flipped burgers or cleaned toile ts for a couple months after graduation -- just until they landed a job where they could use their degree.

2 | The Internet is the best place to look for a job

"One of the most prevalent misconceptions in job hunting is that job hunting on the W eb is some magic elixir that will result in employers lining up to interview you," says Randall Hansen, associate professor of marke ting at Stetson University and publisher of Quintessential Careers.

While the Internet should probably make up one component of your search, says Hansen, it shouldn't be your only strategy. Only abou t 15% to 20% of all job openings are ever publicly advertised in any medium, and only about 5% of job seekers end up getting jobs th rough ads, Hansen says.

While the Internet should probably make up one component of your search, says Hansen, it shouldn't be your only strategy. Only abou t 15% to 20% of all job openings are ever publicly advertised in any medium, and only about 5% of job seekers end up getting jobs th rough ads, Hansen says.