Revealed: 10 job hunting myths that could hold engineers back

According to the latest research from leading independent job board, CV-Library, while almost half (47.6%) of engineers believe there are set rules you should follow when job hunting, the majority (86.7%) say that no one has ever taught them what these rules are.

The survey of 1,100 UK professionals found that over a quarter (25.4%) of engineers admit to feeling confused about the job hunting process, with 68.8% stating that they were never taught how or where to look for a job.

As a result, the survey sought to find out what ‘myths’ engineering professionals believe to be true when searching and applying for jobs, revealing the following 10 factors:

1. You can’t get a job without relevant experience – 63.3%
False – So long as you can demonstrate that you have the right attitude and transferable skills for the job, you don’t necessarily need to have engineering industry experience.

2. You should apply to as many jobs as possible–56.7%
True and False – While you should aim to broaden your horizons and apply for the jobs that interest you, try to focus on quality over quantity to get the most out of your job search.

3. You should arrive 30 minutes early to an interview – 45%
False – Arriving too early to an interview is a big no-no and may annoy your potential employer. Instead, aim to arrive around 5-10 minutes before it’s due to start.

4. The most skilled candidate will get the job – 35%
True and False – Employers want the best cultural fit for their organisation, sometimes that’s the most skilled candidate, sometimes it’s about potential.

5. Your CV needs a unique design to stand out – 33.3%
False – A unique design could help you to stand out, but equally, be off putting! It’s better to stick with a clear layout that’s easy to read, using a traditional font such as Arial or Calibri.

6. Your CV should only be one page long – 16.7%
False – Limiting your CV to one page won’t leave enough room to include all the relevant information. That said you should aim to avoid anything longer than two pages.

7. You can’t change industries – 15%
False – Your previous jobs will give you a transferrable skill set, which you can utilise in your next venture. So if you want to move industries – go for it!

8. You shouldn’t negotiate on an entry level position – 11.7%
True and False – While entry-level candidates should be more careful when negotiating an offer, it doesn’t mean it should be ruled out – particularly if you feel it doesn’t match your value.

9. The internet is the only place to find a job – 11.7%
True and False – While most people start their job search online, you can also find a job through networking or at events.

10. You can’t get a job without a degree – 6.7%
False – Nowadays, there’s plenty of options for individuals that don’t want to do a degree. Apprenticeships, for example, provide valuable training and experience.

Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library, comments on the findings:“Job hunting isn’t always an easy process and can be stressful. Especially if you think that there are set rules you should follow, which in reality, may not be 100% correct and could be holding you back!

“If you’re an engineering professional, use our advice to help you out and check out what the internet has to offer. There are many career advice blogs to read which provide tips for landing your dream job. Also, many companies post helpful job hunting tips on social media, which is perfect for discovering new insights.”