You can forget about these application myths!

Apply correctly

The successful application for all cases does not exist - but there are a lot of blockages and misunderstandings that plague applicants. Basically, if you do not try, you've already lost. But who dares, can also experience positive surprises, because properly advertise is also no magic art. Not every application myth is true! We asked two experts for the most common application mistakes - and got tips on how to apply properly.

Myth # 1: Attracting attention at all costs

Many applicants think that in the application process they have to act like a sorceress towards the employer: a solution for every problem, an answer to every question. "Not true," says the business journalist and author Florian Vollmers. Last but not least, in times of crisis, people value the fact that you, as an applicant, can realistically assess yourself. Characteristics like reliability, loyalty, thoroughness and clean work can outweigh the superwoman image. "Finding an individual angle is the most important thing," agrees career adviser Svenja Hofert. "About 30 percent of the applicants still take a slogan from the prospective employers' website, and another 60 percent write standard phrases from job application counselors, leaving about 10 percent with really individual applications."

Myth # 2: An unsolicited application is not worth it

"It definitely pays off," say Svenja Hofert and Florian Vollmers - even if much overcoming and energy are part of it! The best chance of success has an unsolicited application, if you know what you can and what you want. Always ask yourself who gets your application in hand. In a large company, it is probably the HR manager, in a smaller one probably the boss himself. How does what you wrote to those who read it work? Unsolicited applications are especially worthwhile in very specialized industries, recommends Svenja Hofert, but even new entrants can succeed.

Myth # 3: Only big companies are good employers

Are you a professional beginner? Would you like to apply to a successful large corporation? These companies suggest security, opportunities for further education and good working conditions. Large companies are not the only way to find a good job. The application procedures are often standardized and the competition is great. That is why it pays to knock on the medium-sized companies as well: they often complain about too few qualified applicants. In smaller companies it is also more likely that the hiring manager or head of department will get their application in their own hands.

Myth # 4: I do not have Vitamin B

Svenja Hofert repeatedly meets women who think they have no contacts. For Svenja Hofert this is a matter of self-confidence. "Everyone knows someone," she opposes. When she hears phrases like "That's five years ago, I can not call," she vehemently contradicts. In addition, career-linked social networks would be far too often neglected, Hofert said. Career networks include Xing, squeaker, linkedin and e-fellows.

Myth # 5: Own PR - "I can not do that"

"Often we put too much pressure on ourselves," says Florian Vollmers. First, tell your friends, acquaintances, and colleagues that you are searching. And that should be networking? "Yeah, sure," says Florian Vollmers. And even if it still takes you over to recruiting, you should definitely use this opportunity.

Myth # 6: Social networks are a private matter

Of course, nobody really cares about what you privately do, who you celebrate with, who you name. But: 161 out of 260 personnel are curious, came out in an online portal survey. Especially for candidates in the shortlist, a few additional information via Google, Facebook or StudiVZ quickly become interesting. If you're in the application phase, you should think about what's on the net about you, and maybe write a comment less, upload a less photo, or even delete some information.

Myth # 7: Doing exactly what the HR Manager expects

Do you see the job interview in your mind's eye like a movie? Have you prepared all sorts of answers in advance to suit the expectations of your counterpart? The catch is: that's not you. And a HR specialist looks at you when you pretend. "Especially young people often ask themselves 'What do they expect from me?'", Says Svenja Hofert. "But that can only be wrong, because sometimes they do not expect anything.They just want to get to know you. "So if you have the courage to stand by yourself, self-esteem and personality impress the most, and if your HR manager does not assume that you have the necessary skills for the job, he would not have you Invited conversation.

Myth # 8: Calling brings nothing anyway

"Making calls is not easy, so you should assume that a good phone conversation is a rarity," says Florian Vollmers. That it takes over to pick up the phone and ask for the hiring manager, he can understand well. HR professionals often have many appointments and no time to talk. The bigger the company, the harder it gets to get the right one on the phone. A telephone call is therefore recommended especially in small companies. Here you may even have the chance to get the manager personally after work. Most importantly, you do not take anything personally and get a thick skin. You can also first ask by mail for a phone call.

Myth # 9: No one wants to hire mothers

Mothers are far from being as supported in the labor market as they should be, but that does not mean that you have no chance as a mother. A study shows that 48 percent of German companies want to create more part-time jobs over the next two years in order to offer mothers more jobs. High motivation and flexibility make mothers attractive as employees, especially in the banking and manufacturing sectors. Also for flexible working time models one has rather open ears in medium-size enterprises. In return, SMEs benefit from the high qualifications of mothers who would otherwise be lost.

Myth # 10: Too old for the job market

Too old? And too expensive? Do you think, if the younger ones do not find anything, do you have no prospects at all from 50 on the job market? On the contrary! Their chances are getting better, according to a study by the Federal Employment Agency. Older workers are recruited more frequently. In times of skill shortages, companies are once again learning to value the experience of older people. In addition, they are considered reliable, identify with the operation and become less ill. So do not be intimidated!