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Call us on 0800 222 733Common career myths
Think the only way to get a good job is to go to university? Or are you stuck in a job you don't like because you feel you've made a decision and have to stick with it? Many people hold beliefs about jobs and careers that are holding them back. Career consultant Pat Cody reveals the truths behind some career myths.
- A CV is the only way to get a job
- I have to make my decision now and once I make a decision, I have to stick to it
- I can't get into the work I like because there are too few opportunities
- Getting a university education is necessary to get a good job
- Other people can stop me from doing the kind of work I like
- I should know what I want to do/my child should know what they want to do
- I don't have to start at the bottom if I have a graduate tertiary degree
- One training provider/university is pretty much like another
- It's the school's responsibility to talk about careers and work through it there
A CV is the only way to get a job
- Some employers don't even look at CVs, says Pat Cody
"If truth be told many employers don’t like or actually read CVs. Some employers, especially small business owners, would prefer to take a person on face value, or give them some part-time work first to see what they are truly like in the workplace.
"Many people obtain jobs without a CV by doing work experience, finding out about jobs through friends and family and approaching employers directly.
"Having an up-to-date CV is important when applying for jobs advertised in the paper, from larger organisations, online or when you are calling on an employer and you want to leave some information about yourself."
I have to make my decision now and once I make a decision, I have to stick to it
"There is a great saying: “Life’s a journey not a destination”. Journeys are full of options where you make and change your decisions all the time based on new experiences, information, people who you meet and learning about what motivates and inspires you.
"So yes, you do have to make decisions, and every day you do so, but you do not have to be restricted by those career decisions by sticking to them.
"I personally don’t believe in right and wrong career decisions. What’s more important is having a go, exploring in the general area that you want to go in and through those learnings, contacts and experiences making more targeted decisions. Growing, learning and adapting is more important than getting it right."
I can't get into the work I like because there are too few opportunities
"I have no doubt getting into work that you really want to do can be challenging and competitive. But I do also believe opportunities exist with most career areas. Opportunities exist because employment needs change all the time.
"One strategy I’d suggest is to go after what you want, get into the broader industry in some capacity, develop networks and contacts, take on contracts or grab any other opportunities that move you toward your ultimate dream job. What you may also discover is that once you’re in the work that you have always wanted to do you may wonder what’s next, or you may have other ideas that you want to try!"
Getting a university education is necessary to get a good job
- Degrees are useful for some jobs, but there are many other ways to achieve
"Disagree! Learning and gaining qualifications are important but there is a wide range of opportunities in New Zealand that do not require a university education. Self-employment, apprenticeships, armed services and a whole range of other challenging and meaningful jobs do not require university education.
"It takes many things to get a job that you want and that you will do well at. Yes, qualifications can be important but knowing people, having contacts, communication skills, personal attributes, motivation, risk-taking, problem solving and creativity are just as vital as qualifications for getting a good job."
Other people can stop me from doing the kind of work I like
"Trusting in your own decision is great but it does not have to come at the cost of family/whānau or friends who don't share your opinion.
"Know the reasons why you are making your decisions and share your reasons with others, but be open to their opinions and thoughts. They may spur you do further career research so you can make a more informed decision for the future.
"But it’s OK to agree to disagree and follow your heart and intuition in relation to work choices."
I should know what I want to do/my child should know what they want to do
"People are always learning and exploring options. People are often restless and want to try new things and have different experiences. Knowing what you want to do can be unrealistic and restrictive for an adult, let alone a young person who is just starting out in a world of work that is constantly changing.
"I would suggest exploring options and growing different skills in work and outside of work that interest and stimulate you is a better way to go than being fixated by certainty of knowing what you want to do."
I don't have to start at the bottom if I have a graduate tertiary degree
"Where you start when you graduate will often depend on where the employer needs you or believes is the best place for you to learn the intricacies of their business.
"University gives you a qualification, knowledge, competencies and in some instances relevant work experience, while in the workplace there are other things that are required before you can command a top position and salary. For example, you often need in-depth knowledge of the business environment in which you are working, have networks within the broader industry and proven leadership, responsibility and accountability qualities.
"Graduates cannot expect to secure these on day one - they have to be proven and earned through getting experience and results within the workplace."
One training provider/university is pretty much like another
"This is like saying that one shoe fits all! All training providers and universities are different in terms of how they operate, structure their courses, learning flexibility, costs, student outcomes and where they are located.
"Students have to make informed choices about what they want, how they learn best and what they can afford. Researching and asking questions of education providers and previous students is strongly encouraged. This will ensure that the educational fit is comfortable for your career journey."
It's the school's responsibility to talk about careers and work through it there
"Schools do have a part to play in providing career advice to students and are funded to provide this by the Government. But others also have a responsibility.
"I would suggest that a student-parent-school partnership approach is far better and a more powerful and influential way of looking at this. A lot of information and contacts are available on the Internet, in the paper, through relatives and personal contacts that parents can encourage to support their son and daughter with their career development.
"The parent can, with the student, discuss subject choice options at school subject choice evenings or career events. I think if the student, parent and school work together in exploring options then better results occur for everybody."