Modern Work and career have their own distinct culture. And just like with any other culture, there’s a lot of myths and misconceptions. Here, we take a look at the most common ones regarding career growth and promotions.
Myth: You Must Fit All the Requirements in the Job Postings
You may be looking for a position on a job listing site, find one, and then realize that they’re asking for someone with experience of at least five years when you have less than that. However, don’t let this get you down, as this doesn’t mean you’re automatically ineligible for the position.
Don’t worry that you don’t match all of the listed requirements in a job. It’s only a guideline of what an ideal candidate is like, but most employers are willing to adjust and bypass some restrictions if they find you’re skilled enough for the position. As long as you can accomplish the basic things they’re asking for, you’re most likely a good fit for it already.
What’s more is that if a business is looking for a particular set of skills, there’s less chance of finding many people who have it. In such situations, they’ll usually settle for someone who has the primary skill they’re looking for regardless of whether that applicant or candidate fulfills the less critical requirements. If you’re confident enough in your skillset, don’t let lack of experience prevent you from trying out. Confidence and trust in your own abilities will help a long way, most especially in job applications.
Myth: The Best Way to Find a Job Is Through Online Listings and Recruitment Agencies
Responding to the job advertisements found through the Internet and newspapers only puts you in front of a few potential opportunities. To maximize your exposure during job hunting, consider leveraging your networking and influence — your professional contacts — as part of your search.
Simply put, most jobs aren’t even posted online. Most job opportunities are never deliberately posted online, nor are they businesses always putting up positions they need on job listings. Limiting yourself to online job applications will severely affect your opportunities and would most likely yield fewer results.
To find a job for you, don’t just rely on online ads. Instead, talk to friends and tap into your network, especially your professional network. They’ll be more likely to have positions that will be good for you, particularly if you ask your peers and colleagues in the industry. Most businesses are far more willing to try candidates based on the preferences of people they trust. This way, your chances are higher when it’s through a friend or a trusted peer in the industry.
Myth: You’ll Eventually Develop Leadership Skills
Even if you are a technical wonder at your profession or industry, if you don’t have any leadership and management abilities, you will not miraculously be promoted or have people who trust you. Most businesses are looking to promote individuals who can lead, not just those who’re good at tackling technical issues. Leadership skills must be honed and developed, just like any other skills.
With the support of a mentor, you may set new standards, refine and hone social skills, and grow your self-confidence as a leader. The study, attend training classes, and seek advice and feedback from your supervisors, mentors, and coworkers. They can assist you in improving yourself. Think about what works and how you can improve your leadership skills. It’s always a conscious effort, and very rarely does it happen naturally.
Myth: Getting a Promotion Should Help Me Financially
Many people look for promotions to increase their salary and improve their finances and quality of life. While a stable income and a consistently growing career are great, it doesn’t come easily. To achieve this, you need to reinvent yourself, reflect on your own performance, and develop a network that can help you. You also need to proactively promote yourself so that you’re always in consideration for a new position or role.
Throughout all of this, you need to financially protect yourself- and make financial decisions that are beyond your salary. This means growing what you have and not just relying on your salary. It’s best to find suitable insurance companies so that you’re protected from any sudden emergencies. It will also be for the best if you can set aside an emergency fund. This is so that your career won’t be severely affected by things that are happening out of the blue.
Don’t stop honing and leveraging your networks, technical skills, and leadership abilities. Hopefully, with the knowledge you’ve gained from this article, you can find the promotion or job best suited for you.
