supply-chain-job-search

Getting Started: Common Supply Chain Job Search Myths

By Published On: January 14, 2020

Ready to start looking for a new job? Maybe you have just entered the supply chain workforce? 
Before kicking off a supply chain job search, there are a few myths we want to dive into that can hold supply chain professionals back from landing the job of their desires.
While we covered top myths for older supply chain workers, there are also some general job search myths that are important to not fall prey to on your next search: 

If I’m qualified, I’ll make it through the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). 

When you apply for a job, you’re typically submitting a resume to an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). While an ATS does parse resumes for specific keywords, locations, and job titles, your resume can easily slip through the cracks if it isn’t tailored specifically and properly for the job you are applying to. 
A small percentage of applications make it to the hiring manager’s desk, so one way to beat the system is to track down the hiring manager’s contact information and directly connect with your resume and cover letter. 

My passion for supply chain management outweighs my qualifications. 

While enthusiasm is important for every job, it won’t necessarily help you get a job you may not be qualified for. While some aspects of job requirements are negotiable and some skills are transferable, it’s a best practice to apply for positions that closely align with your experience and skills.
 If you find yourself looking at the opportunities that are above your skills and qualifications, consider investing time outside your current job to expand your supply chain knowledge base, engage a mentor, and network with supply chain professionals that can help you get a foot in the door. 

Surfing job boards is enough because that’s where all the jobs are posted. 

One of the biggest misconceptions with job hunting is that all job opportunities are posted online. This is incorrect, as many supply chain positions are filled internally, through employee referrals, or through a supply chain recruiting agency. The higher up the position, the less likely to be advertised at all. The best way to tap into the “hidden” job market is through networking and aligning with the right supply chain recruiters, as opposed to perusing the job boards.

You can’t change your career path once you choose one in supply chain.

Throughout your career, you will change jobs and industries more times than not. While it’s not always easy to change careers, it is possible through additional education, training and focusing on acquiring the skills needed within the new career path. 
There is no time like the present, and just because you had originally pursued one path doesn’t make it the end-all. 

The hiring manager will be able to figure out that I’m the right fit. 

Commonly, job seekers assume that because they are in a higher-level position or meet/exceed the job qualifications, a hiring manager will immediately be able to recognize they are a fit. 
However, hiring managers take 6 seconds to scan your resume, and if the right keywords and qualifications don’t stand out, it’s unlikely that they’ll take the time to dig further into your resume. This is why it’s important to properly format your resume so it’s easy to scan, and tailor it to the specific job so the most relevant and important information stands out.

If I throw my resume out there, it’ll stick somewhere.

Having no strategy for your job search aka “winging it” will surely backfire and lead to disappointing results. Applying to every single open job at a company reeks of desperation and a lack of attention to detail. This is why it’s so important to develop a strong supply chain job search strategy before executing any job search. Treat your job search like you’re managing a mission-critical project and establish the right goals, action plans, timelines and metrics, to include proper research which helps with finding the right companies to target for employment. 

Searching for a new job can be laborious and nerve-wracking, but with proper planning and focus, it can be a positive and enlightening experience. If you’re looking for more tips and advice on best practices to execute a winning supply chain job search strategy, be sure to download a copy of our guide: “Job Search Strategy for Supply Chain Professionals”.