By Barbara Poole

One of the biggest reasons many people stay in unrewarding careers is the multitude of career myths floating around out there. Let’s face it, when you’re feeling unsure of yourself in what appears to be a volatile market, it’s easy to fall prey to the popular beliefs that would have you stay exactly where you are.

A major factor at work in any job search or career transition is the belief system in place in the mind of the person considering the change. Just as Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, either way, you’re right.” So it only makes sense that before you spring into action, you pause to consider the beliefs that are driving you and the myths you may be unconsciously buying into. See if any of these sound familiar:

It’s easier to find a job when you still have one. This is a holdover from the days before layoffs and downsizing became a way of life. The stigma that used to exist around being unemployed is simply not a factor anymore, because so many highly qualified people have found themselves without jobs in recent years. The truth is, unemployed people have far more time to dedicate to a job search than those who are trying to juggle a search with a current position.

Passion and work are not compatible. “It’s a job—it’s not supposed to be fun. That’s why they call it work.” This is perhaps the biggest myth that keeps people from feeling inspired in a job search. If you’ve bought into this one, consider swapping it for the sentiment expressed by my friend Stacey Mayo, who recently wrote a book called, I Can’t Believe I Get Paid to Do This!

The best-qualified people get the jobs. Not necessarily. Sure, it helps to have great credentials and a strong track record when you go in for an interview. No one would argue with that. But when you’re in the midst of a search, you’re really involved in a sales process. Some of the most qualified people out there struggle in the job market because they don’t know how to sell themselves to prospective employers. Focus on the features and benefits of what you bring to the table, and how they can help the company you’re talking with achieve its goals.

The companies I’m interested in aren’t hiring. You can be sure that some employees are moving away, getting promoted or retiring, thus creating positions that need to be filled. Even those businesses that are not accepting applications or resumes right now will be impressed by your persistence if you follow up with them from time to time to reiterate your interest. And remember, there are plenty of other good organizations out there for you to consider in the meantime.

You can’t get a job without experience and you can’t get experience without a job. This is one that especially plagues new graduates and people returning to the workforce after raising families. Whether you’ve been a student or a PTA mom for the last several years, you have amassed a set of valuable, transferable skills that you should emphasize and feature when talking with prospective employers. Find creative ways to translate what you’ve been up to into the language of business.

I’ll rely on a headhunter to find me a job. This is like depending on a listing agent to find you a house. Don’t forget who these folks work for. Their primary interest is the employer who is paying them, not you. While a comprehensive job search ought to include putting your credentials out there to the executive search professionals of the world, don’t rely on that to be your only tool. Using a multi-pronged approach to the search process, which places heavy emphasis on personal networking and connections is always the most reliable way to go.

Job-hunting is hard, boring and no fun at all. Can you imagine how people who buy into this myth look to prospective employers? Treat your job search like a game. Your objective is to get as many playing pieces on the board as possible and move them into the right squares at the right time. Visualize yourself working at the job of your dreams, loving it and adding huge value to the organization.

Resist the myths in the job market. The reality is so much more exciting, and so much more likely to take you where you really want to go.

Barbara Poole is a leadership and career development coach with Charleston-based Success Builders Inc. E-mail her at CoachBarbara@SuccessBuildersInc.com.

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