There is nothing more costly than Bad Job Search Advice! When it comes to a job search, the last thing a job seeker needs or can afford is this unlimited resource. Unfortunately, too often bad advice comes from what most individuals believe to be "reputable" sources. Here are a few examples of bad job search advice which has cost job seekers offers:

Fiction: A client recently shared that he had been told by an international recruiter that "at his level, earning $100,000 - $140,000 per year, he should expect to take at least 10-15 months to find a comparable position."

Fact: The length of one's job search depend on many factors, but one's organizational pay or level is not the primary factor. A job seeker can significantly reduce their time-to-placement by dedicating the same amount of time and effort to their job search as they would a full time job. With a commitment to success, together with the right tools -- an A+ resume, supporting reference letters, aggressive networking, and proper interviewing skills, a job seeker can find a better job, for better pay in less time. Using the techniques of Job Search: The Total System™, TCS's clients have consistently proven that time-to-placement for all levels, from Senior Executive to Support Personnel is significantly reduced by these important factors.

Fiction: A national outplacement firm recently printed that a job seeker should not send their resume to a potential employer. Instead, it stated they should make the contact, ask for the interview, then take the resume with them to the interview. The article advised "only present your resume if requested."

Fact: Your resume is the drive wheel for your job search. A properly prepared resume serves as a marketing tool which reflects past accomplishments and helps a potential employer understand what you can do for them. Would you make a major purchase without first investigating all the terms and qualities, or without understanding the benefits that your investment will provide you in the future? Potential employers want to know how you can contribute before the interview. Your A+ resume is your first and best sales tool.

Fiction: A client recently shared with us that a search firm informed him that he had to take whatever the company offered, and that companies do not negotiate with new hires.

Fact: What an easy placement for the agency that would be! Fortunately for job seekers, however, this is totally inaccurate. Once a company has made a decision on a candidate, they want that employee to be happy. Their role is to make an offer, which is just that ... "an offer". It is the individual's responsibility to determine whether that offer fits within their goals based on experience, market realities, industry averages, and location. In addition, it is very important to look at the complete offer, not just base compensation. Various benefits are negotiable, including vacation, education, sign-on bonus, and title -- however, a candidate must always be prepared to justify their counter offer based on research and knowledge.

How do job seekers distinguish the bad advice from the good? They should check references and the track record of those providing the advice. With the proper tools and sound advice, job seekers can expect to improve their opportunities and take their career to the next level.

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