Job Search Rules You Now Have Permission To Break, Stuff You Should Know

By J. Navarra

Mar 30, 2016 09:21 AM EDT

Tradition has been practiced for conformity and standard. However, according to Liz Ryan, the CEO and founder of Human Workplace, the traditional job-search rules may no longer apply in today's standards.

When looking for a job, employers and companies do not often see job-seekers as lowly unemployed people. If you have the skills, training, experience and expertise to back up your resume then there is an implied business relationship that follows. According to Forbes, "The old ways are falling away in front of our eyes." Job-seekers can show up at a job interview with the highest self-esteem and beaming with talent. Which is why there are 10 traditional job search rules you now have permission to break:

Break the rule "Only apply for posted jobs by using the method specified in the job post." Example: Complete the online application form.
Break the rule "Only send the usual boring resume every other job-seeker uses."
Break the rule "Use your cover letter to tell us how your background matches the essential requirements specified in the job post."
Break the rule "Don't contact us about job openings unless you see a job ad that suits your skills."
Do NOT come to a job interview ready to please the interviewer and talk about how you are better than the rest.
The best-qualified person for any job is NOT the person who has the most relevant experience.
Break the rule "Save your questions about the job in case there is time at the end of your interview for us to answer them." Your own questions define your standards for the company and for yourself.
Break the rule "Whatever the interviewer ask you to do is just part of the interview process, so do it."
Do NOT do whatever you have to in order to get the job offer. You can always turn it down."
The employer is NOT in control of the recruiting process. They NOT are the ones who get to decide gets the job. Employers call the tune, and job-seekers have to dance to it."

As detailed in the article, the only person who can value you is yourself. Liz Ryan explains that an employer is only more powerful than you in the hiring process if you give up your personal power in the false belief that doing so will help you get a job. It won't.

Have you tried breaking the rules? Tell us your experience in the comments section.