Are you searching for a new job? If you are, it can seem like everyone under the son has a piece of career advice to help you during your hunt. As one of the leading staffing agencies in Houston, Murray Resources knows that some of the opinions offered can certainly be valuable; others, on the other hand, can actually hurt your job search and negatively impact your ability to land a great new position. So what advice should you simply ignore? Here’s a look:

Your resume can only be one page.

Sure, this was the rule of thumb years ago. But today, it’s no longer the case. Your resume can be – and should be if you’re highly experienced – more than a page. It’s much better to have an easy to read and well formatted resume that’s two pages long, than a cramped one with tiny print that’s one page long. That said, don’t go overboard and submit a resume that’s more than two pages long.

A job search is a numbers game. Apply to as many positions as possible.

A hiring manager can discern fairly quickly whether or not you’re a good fit for a position. So if you’re sending your resume to any job – just because “hey, you never know” – a hiring manager will be able to tell. You’re only wasting your time – and their time too – by applying to every position that sounds good. Instead, spend your time crafting customized resumes and cover letters for the few positions you truly are a fit for.

Companies only advertise when they have an opening.

Considering that most job openings are filled through referrals, not ads on job boards, this certainly isn’t the case. So if there’s a company you’re interested in working for, apply anyway – even if they haven’t posted a position. In your cover letter, be sure to communicate why you want to work for the company and what types of skills and talents you bring to the table that could make a positive impact there.

Staffing agencies are for people without any real skills or experience.

Gone are the days when staffing agencies were simply used to fill administrative and industrial type positions. Today’s staffing agencies place highly skilled professionals in fields ranging from accounting to IT to human resources. So if you’re someone with plenty of experience under your belt, and you’d like some professional help finding your next job, a staffing agency can certainly help get you there.

If you’re ready to tap into the expertise a staffing agency can offer you, call Murray Resources. As one of the leading staffing agencies in Houston, we can assist you with the entire job search process – from resumes to salary negotiations – all so you can secure a job opportunity that is a great fit for your skills and background.

Ready to get started? Contact us today.