Salary demands, cover letters, social media profiles – there are many myths surrounding the topic of application. In addition, some old beliefs persist. We have checked eight common myths for you and explained how little is true. Here we are telling you the most common misconceptions about the application related to your job.
Top 8 Application Myths That You Can Consider in 2023
1. The most important part of my application is the cover letter
A mistake! The most important application document is the CV. That’s what 89% of recruiters in Germany say. The cover letter is a long way behind in second place. It has been losing relevance for years as more and more people apply online or via mobile.
Many employers want to make contacting potential applicants as easy as possible. Some companies have therefore abolished the cover letter altogether, e.g., B. the Deutsche Bahn. This makes the CV even more important.
2. My social media presence is uninteresting for HR professionals
This is a particularly common job application myth. The reality is different. Almost every second recruiter searches the internet for information about applicants. The most important sources are social networks and Google.
Before looking for a job, it makes sense to slip into the role of HR and enter your own name in the search mask. This makes it easy to check what personal information is circulating on the Internet and what impression the recruiters get from it. It is, therefore, highly recommended to maintain your own social media profiles.
Therefore, use the possibilities to control and restrict the publicly accessible information in your social networks:
- Check privacy settings to control what information and posts are visible to friends, friends of friends, and strangers and whether your profile can be found when people search for your name.
- Delete freely accessible photos that could give a negative impression of you in a professional sense, e.g., For example, ones where you smoke, drink alcohol or make obscene gestures.
- If friends link you to inappropriate photos, remove the link or, depending on the case, ask them to remove the photo altogether.
- Clean up your profile by deleting unnecessary wall posts.
- Refrain from sharing private information and activities on professional networks such as Xing or LinkedIn.
3. If I apply via smartphone, I come across as unprofessional
Not at all! At least half of recruiters would prefer a short mobile application if it got them more applications. An application via smartphone or app makes contact faster & easier and is now considered to be just as useful and professional an interface as an application by e-mail.
4. A photo must always accompany my application
You are not legally obliged to attach a photo to your application. The General Equal Treatment Act of 2006 clearly states that in the professional context, everyone must be treated equally, regardless of factors such as appearance, age or ethnic origin.
Nevertheless, an application photo is still required in many job advertisements. Also, most applicants choose to include a picture of themselves. The main reason is the great importance attached to the external appearance of the labor market. Despite efforts to eliminate discrimination, the reality is that many employers still use photos as a quick and easy way to get a first impression of potential employees.
5. Low salary requirements increase my job chances
This is also a common mistake. HR managers may interpret salary expectations that are too modest as a sign of a lack of experience or low self-confidence. A low desired salary also raises questions: Have you not informed yourself sufficiently about a realistic salary?
Find out in advance what the salary is like in comparable positions and industries. In addition to exchanging views with friends or family, salary calculators are suitable here, which compare different salaries and determine your market value.
Also read : How do we know that business is right for us?
6. Too many career changes are bad
Again, this is a myth you shouldn’t fall for. HR managers know: the job market is becoming more dynamic and fast-paced. The willingness of employees to change jobs has increased significantly in recent years.
Depending on the task profile in the advertised position, HR managers even rate it positively if the applicant has gained experience in many different areas in a short time – this shows flexibility and adaptability.
HR managers often understand of a change – but you should be able to justify it well. If you have changed professionally very often and quickly, it is advisable to briefly state the reason in your CV under the respective station – for example, a move or that the task profile did not fit in the end. In this way, applicants can directly intercept possible questions from HR managers.
7. I shouldn’t mention that I’ve also applied elsewhere
No way. Recruiters assume that applicants will also look around at other companies. According to our market research, almost two-thirds of those surveyed apply to six or more companies in the course of a job search. A third of them even apply to more than fifteen companies.
HR managers, therefore, expect an honest answer to the question of whether you have applied to other companies. The answer “no” could also indicate a lack of motivation when looking for a job.
Also read : How to prove that you are not a ‘flyer’?
8. My hobbies do not belong in an application
It is correct that the indication of hobbies in the CV is voluntary. Nevertheless, the majority of recruiters still consider hobbies and voluntary work to be important aspects of the profile of applicants. When you name them, you should keep these points in mind:
- Choose hobbies wisely and consider their importance in relation to the position you are applying for.
- Make sure that the personal characteristics associated with the respective hobby match the desired job.
- Your hobbies should provide additional beneficial insight into your personality.
- List a maximum of three to four hobbies.