Common Myths in Job Search Five Common Myths Discourage New York Job Hunters Lee Hecht Harrison

Presented by: ExecuPlanet- Alumni Career Services A Lee Hecht Harrison Company Presenter: Rich Ramsey Managing Director April 24, 2003 NYU/Stern’s FREE CareerTools site from ExecuPlanet found directly on

Myth One: There’s no use applying to a company that’s announced a hiring freeze Reality: While close to half of major New York employers say they currently have a job freeze, they still do selective hiring since there are always key positions that need to be filled. In fact, about one in five people now find new employment with companies that have such a restriction in place. Lee Hecht Harrison

Myth Two: Companies that have laid off thousands of employees won’t be hiring new ones. Reality: For more than a decade it’s been standard procedure for companies to downsize their staffs in some areas…while at the same time continuing to hire in others. Today’s organizations are complex and new hiring needs are always emerging. Lee Hecht Harrison

Myth Three: Big companies do more hiring than smaller ones. Reality: Actually, as we come out of the recession most new jobs in the New York market will come from medium to small-size employers, as they always have in the wake of downturn. The usual pattern is for smaller companies to benefit by hiring people that were trained and gained experience at big organizations. Lee Hecht Harrison

Myth Four: When job hunting it’s important not to let on you’re unemployed. Reality: This isn’t so today. Employers are sophisticated and know what’s going on in the job market. It’s better to be forthright and non- defensive in an interview rather than waste time trying to keep up a front. Lee Hecht Harrison

Myth Five: People that don’t have relationships with business leaders can’t benefit from networking. Reality: Everyone can and should network… that is talk with as many people as possible for advice, information and job leads. Notwithstanding the Internet job sites, most people find new employment through other people. Lee Hecht Harrison

Additional Resources: NYU/Stern has partnered with ExecuPlanet to offer both internet based career tools and in-person career coaching/consulting in over 175 locations around the world. Individual and Group programs available for Alumni for an additional fee include: -2 day Job Search Workshops (local cities) -Personal Job Search Introductory Consultation -Career Coaching -Job Search Launch -Interview Preparation and Practice -Executive Service Program: 3, 6 or 12 months -Resume Writing Services -Search Firm ing -Target Company Research Look under “Expert Help” on the NYU/Stern CareerTools site or For more information call ExecuPlanet: