Workplace

Here’s an eye-opening statistic: There are nine people for every job opening, and when the market’s that tight, you can’t afford to make any mistakes. So, here’s a true/false test on the employment myths that are holding you back. We got this from LiveCareer.com.

• #1: You need experience to get hired. True or false? That’s actually false. Tony Beshara is the author of The Job Search Solution. He says that particular myth got started because a lot of college grads think they should start at the top. However, no one’s going to make you a vice-president because of a degree – you need practical real-world experience. Beshara suggests finding a company you want to work for and taking any job, even one sweeping floors. Why? The important thing is to get your foot in the door. Last year employers filled more than half of their job openings from within. Showing you’re willing to start at the bottom makes you more attractive to any company.
• True/false #2: You should always go after the fattest paycheck. Also false. According to a Human Resources survey, most veteran employees rated salary third in order of importance. Job security and good benefits were the top answers.  
• Another true/false: It's never too late to change careers. That’s true! According to the AARP - The American Association of Retired Persons – 27% of older workers who change jobs actually switch occupations.
• Multitasking will impress your boss. That’s false. David Meyer teaches psychology at the University of Michigan. He says that performing two tasks at the same time makes them both take longer than they would if done separately. Chronic multitasking can even lead to short-term memory loss.