When you’re searching for a new job, you’ll likely find conflicting options on how to handle your search. There is a ton of advice out there, but experts don’t always agree on every topic. And sometimes you’ll receive well-meaning but flawed advice from friends and relatives. How does one balance it out?
Learning how to handle conflicting advice is a valuable skill that will help you dispel common myths and find your own path. If you’re seeking to carve a path through conflicting advice, keep these thoughts in mind.
Consider the source
Any time you receive advice, consider the source and whether or not it’s credible. This is a good practice anyway, and it will help you learn to process what is meaningful and what isn’t. Not all advice that you disagree with is wrong, of course. But consider the source’s background and relevance to your search.
How we search for jobs is constantly evolving, and the landscape has particularly changed since the pandemic. If you’re getting general advice from friends and family members who aren’t experts or haven’t undergone a search in today’s climate, it might be well-meaning but incorrect, for example. When searching online, try to find advice relevant to your industry or from those with a proven track record of success. Ivy Exec’s Snezana Petrovic says that when in doubt, directly reach out to a known expert. They might be able to help you make better sense of things.
“While some strategies are certainly better than others, the sheer range of ways in which people have found a job means that a lot of the tips you receive might actually conflict.” –Liam Coleman, Undercover Recruiter
Look for specifics
Most information out there is provided for a general audience, including our own. We try to provide the best information for general use that can apply to many job seekers, and most are doing the same. But we recognize that not every piece of advice works for everyone. We all have different personal styles, and some industries require completely different tactics. As an information-gatherer, you need to seek out information that is right for you.
Jessica Totillo Coster of eCommerse Badassery says that no piece of advice works with 100% certainty for everyone. The goal of general advice is to be generally applicable to as many as possible and to help you make informative decisions of your own. Keep that in mind as you start. After starting with general advice, search for specific ideas regarding your niche to get more detailed knowledge.
Find a middle ground where possible
In many cases, job search advice is based on personal preference. As a human-based industry, recruiters and hiring managers have their preferences that aren’t based on a universal truth. It’s why topics like cover letters and “Open to Work” badges are so divisive. In these cases, it’s best to read both sides of the argument and consider a middle ground before forming your own opinion.
Career Sherpa’s Hannah Morgan uses the example of applying for jobs online versus networking being more impactful. In a case like this, it’s best to adopt both methods to maximize your opportunities. Being well-rounded with your search is great general advice in and of itself. Of course, in some cases, you’ll make to make an active decision.
Perfect the essentials
Certain topics, like the ones mentioned above, will remain contentious. A clear solution might not be apparent, and you’ll have to make your decision based on the pros and cons. If this seems overwhelming, recall that there are plenty of aspects of your job search that you can control and easily make informed decisions on. Perfecting the fundamentals of a job search will always help you stand out.
Resuvize says that you can always focus on aspects of job searching you can control and are always always relevant like tailoring your resume to the role, applying for the job even if you don’t meet all of the requirements, and networking. There is plenty of proven general advice on these topics worth listening to. If you’re struggling to find the right way to approach a more complex topic, focusing on these fundamentals will get you off to a good start and build confidence.
“There are some best practices that you can follow and common sense approaches that can help you along the way.” –Resuvize
Trust your gut
Ultimately, all we can do is offer you guidance based on our own experiences and research, and other creators are doing the same. When facing a decision, you’ll have to use the advice you’ve accumulated to make the decision right for you. It might not help to say if you’re feeling confused or overwhelmed, but you’ll have to trust your gut in the end.
The Muse’s Kat Boogaard says that if you’re absolutely in doubt between two options, flip a coin. You don’t have to listen to the coin, but when it’s in the air you may find yourself rooting for a particular outcome, and then you’ll know which course of action you’re leaning toward. Don’t be afraid to ignore advice that doesn’t seem to fit your needs or style (even if it’s ours!).
Wrap up
Take time to consider any advice you’re given or you’ve found, make sure it’s credible and relevant to you, and trust your own thoughts at the end of the process. The sheer amount of advice available can make the job search process intimidating, but if you can learn to navigate it while doing the basics to the best of your ability, you’ll get a clearer picture of the right path.
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