Not all career advice holds up over time, especially when the job market shifts as quickly as it does today. Some of the tips job seekers may have heard in the past—whether from well-meaning mentors, career guides or even past managers—no longer reflect how hiring decisions are made. In fact, following outdated advice can sometimes hurt more than it helps.
For a job seeker, it’s worth knowing which conventional “rules” can be confidently left behind. Here, Forbes Coaches Council members break down some common myths to unlearn before your next job hunt. Check out their list of outdated notions about job searches below and discover what actually works instead.
1. You Must Have An Objective Statement
The objective statement is outdated. Recruiters don’t need your wish list; they need your value. Replace it with a two- to three-sentence summary that clearly states who you are, what problem you solve and the impact you bring. This shift turns your résumé from passive aspiration to active positioning in the market. Every bullet that follows should reinforce that narrative. – Steve Walsh, Exceptional Transformations LLC
2. Don’t Search For A Job While You Have One
There’s a myth that you shouldn’t job search while employed. Employers actually prefer currently employed candidates because it signals you’re in demand and have updated skills. Being employed gives you negotiating power and shows you’re not desperate, making you more attractive than unemployed candidates, who always face greater scrutiny and skepticism. – Antonio Garrido, My Daily Leadership
3. A Beautiful, Fancy Résumé Will Stand Out
“A beautiful résumé with a headshot, icons, neat visuals and fancy fonts will help me stand out” —this is a myth! It will actually hurt your chances of a human putting their eyes on your document if you uploaded it to applicant tracker software. ATS is meant to read simplistic characters and evaluate fit so that it can rank-order applicants for hiring managers. Fancy images and fonts don’t make the cut. – Dr. April Willis, April Willis Consulting, LLC
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4. Apply Everywhere
A common myth is that you must apply to as many jobs as possible to land one. In reality, mass applications often lead to generic résumés and low response rates. Targeted applications, networking and personalized outreach are far more effective in getting noticed and securing interviews. – Shikha Bajaj, Own Your Color
5. Showing You Have The Skills Is Enough
It’s a myth that demonstrating you have the skills to do a job is enough. Getting a job actually requires you to demonstrate three things: that you 1. understand the job, 2. can do the job, and 3. want the job. If I am going to hire you, I want to know that you understand what you are getting into and that you want it enough to do a great job. – Amy Feind Reeves, HireAHiringManager, Formerly JobCoachAmy
6. Focus Only On Job Boards
The advice to “focus only on job boards” is a myth. The truth is that most opportunities arise through networks and conversations. Building authentic relationships and showcasing your expertise often opens doors faster than applying through postings alone. – Rachel Weissman, Congruence
7. Stay Where You Are Until You’re Promoted
“Don’t leave until you’re promoted” is advice from another era. In today’s world, waiting can limit you. Growth comes from seeking impact, not clocking years. Sometimes, the boldest act of leadership is moving on when your learning has plateaued. It’s not about chasing titles. It’s about chasing growth. When prioritizing learning and impact over tenure, you stop waiting for permission to lead. – Rahul Karan Sharma, RahulKaranSharma.com
8. It’s All About What You Know
An outdated myth is, “It’s all about what you know.” Skills matter, but offers go to people who are seen as partners, not just experts. Hiring teams ask: “Can we collaborate with you? Will you help us hit our goals?” Show you’re someone they want to work with, not just someone who ticks the knowledge boxes. – Lynne Levy, Lynne Levy Coaching
9. The Best Jobs Are Found Online
A common myth is that the best jobs are found online. In reality, most opportunities come through networking and referrals. Yet, a well-crafted, personalized cover letter can still set you apart, especially when pursuing leadership roles. – Andrea Hrusovska, HR4U Solutions LLC
10. Apply Only If You Meet Every Requirement
A persistent myth is that you should only apply if you meet every listed requirement. In reality, job ads are wish lists, not checklists. Employers hire for potential, adaptability and cultural fit as much as skills. Waiting until you’re a perfect match can cost you opportunities. Show you understand the role, demonstrate learning agility and let them see your trajectory—not just your résumé boxes. – Julien Fortuit, Julien Fortuit Agency
11. You Can’t Decline A Job Offer
Myth: You can’t (or shouldn’t) decline a job offer. More and more employers are seeing applicants decline job offers. This should be an alert to recruiters to review hiring practices, processes and interview interactions. Applicants seek respect, transparency, accountability and smooth efficiencies during the entire process. Applicants are in tune with what they want and will decline or even ghost you. – Miriam Simon, Mi Sí Coaching and Consulting LLC
12. Keep Your Résumé To Exactly One Page
Tailoring your résumé to fit on exactly one page is the dinosaur of job search advice. For most professionals—especially anyone past entry level—it’s unnecessary. Cutting valuable context to squeeze into a single sheet often strips away the very depth that defines leadership. Instead, make every line earn its space. A crisp two-pager will beat a one-pager full of half-truths and missing details. – Alla Adam, Adam Impact Institute
13. Follow Up Aggressively After An Interview
The advice to follow up aggressively after an interview often backfires. Repeatedly contacting hiring managers can appear desperate and disrespectful of boundaries. Instead, send one thoughtful thank-you note within 24 hours, then respect the timeline they provided. Modern hiring processes have specific workflows that aggressive follow-ups won’t accelerate. – Jonathan H. Westover, Ph.D., Human Capital Innovations
14. The Best Job Offers The Highest Salary
A common myth is that the best job is the one with the highest starting salary. In truth, long-term growth and compensation come from aligning with a company’s vision and values. We’ll spend most of our lives working—why not enjoy it by choosing an environment that shares what we believe and offers room to grow? Chasing purpose and opportunity leads to fulfillment and lasting success. – Robert Gauvreau, Gauvreau | Accounting Tax Law Advisory
15. It’s All Just About Résumés And Applications
A common myth is that job searching is just about résumés and applications. Research shows repeated rejection activates the same brain circuits as physical pain, which explains why silence feels crushing. Strong candidates protect their confidence, lean on peers for perspective and use data points—like response rates or interview feedback—to refine their strategy without internalizing every “no.” – Marcia Narine Weldon, Illuminating Wisdom