There are a lot of resources available to help with your search, but candidates still have dozens of common misconceptions about the process that can impact employment chances. We’ve highlighted eleven job search myths applicants commonly mistake as truths about the job search process – and provide tips on what you should be doing instead.

Job Search Myth #1: Your resume should be a set length based on your years of experience

Truth: It’s about quality, not quantity.

HR Insider Tip: Include the information most relevant to the duties you performed in each role, and the duties that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for now. There’s no set rule on how long a resume should be but If your resume is inappropriately long, it’s unlikely the recruiter will see your most important qualifications on their quick scan of your resume.

Job Search Myth #2: Your application materials will be read in full

Truth: You have six seconds to impress the recruiter before they move on to the next candidate.

HR Insider Tip: The research all agrees – and I can concur – that a recruiter will give your resume just a quick scan before they make a decision. To catch their eye, make sure all of the important information you want the recruiter to see is presented on the first page of your resume, and is organized in an easy-to-read way.

Job Search Myth #3: A cover letter isn’t necessary unless requested

Truth: A cover letter is a huge asset in your job search, and should always be included.

HR Insider Tip: While it’s true that recruiters likely won’t read them, a cover letter should always be included in your application. It’s a supplement to your application, and will help sway the recruiter’s decision one way or another.

Job Search Myth #4: One resume can be used to apply to multiple jobs

Truth: A resume needs to be tailored to the role you’re applying for.

HR Insider Tip: Sure, you can theoretically use the same resume to apply for each role – and most people do. But if you want your application to stand out, you’ll need to do some research, and target your resume to the position and the company.

Job Search Myth #5: Contacting a recruiter to “follow up on an application” will show that you’re interested in the role.

Truth: If you’re a good candidate, the recruiter will contact you.

HR Insider Tip: Your application materials should be strong enough to speak for themselves and identify you as a strong candidate. Reaching out to “show your interest” in a role will not change a recruiter’s mind about whether you’re qualified.

Job Search Myth #6: There is a set list of questions you should ask in an interview.

Truth: Ask questions that address your concerns.

HR Insider Tip: You get one, maybe two hours of an interviewer’s time before you may need to make a decision about working for them – make the time count! Ask questions that pertain to the job you’re interviewing for and questions that will further your understanding of the position’s role within the organization.

Job Search Myth #7: All questions should be saved for the end of the interview.

Truth: Interviews should be a two-way conversation, and you should ask questions as they’re appropriate.

HR Insider Tip: Some interviewers may tell you that they’ll answer all of your questions at the end, but in general, the interview should flow as a natural conversation. If the interviewer asks a question about your experience, tell them what they need to know, and ask a related question back.

Job Search Myth #8: The best way to get a job is to apply online via a job board.

Truth: Networking and social media are your biggest assets in a job search.

HR Insider Tip: Companies used to pay thousands of dollars per year to post their jobs on the biggest job search boards. Today, that’s all changed. While you’ll still find postings on Monster and Careerbuilder, many employers are taking their candidate search to social media pages – especially Twitter.

Job Search Myth #9: Don’t discuss salary until you’ve been offered a job.

Truth: Do your research.

HR Insider Tip: For some people, there really is a set number they’d need to see in order to consider accepting a role – and if you wait until your third interview to find out that they can’t offer that salary, you’ve just wasted your and the company’s time. If that’s the case, make it known early on in the interview process – but include it as part of a range you’d like to be within. Otherwise, do your research, budget an appropriate raise for yourself, and have a number in mind as you interview with the organization. That way if you are asked what you’d need to make, you’ll have a smart, likely attainable number in mind.

Job Search Myth #10: Promote yourself in any way possible to get the recruiter’s attention.

Truth: Your qualifications are what will get you a job – not your gimmicks.

HR Insider Tip: Recruiters are bombarded daily with hundreds of candidates all applying for the same role. When it all boils down, it’s your qualifications that are the most important piece of your application. If the skills and experience aren’t there, it won’t matter that you’ve included in your cover letter that you’re the “perfect candidate for the job”.

Job Search Myth #11: If you follow the rules, you’ll find a job in no time.

Truth: There’s no secret recipe to land a job.

HR Insider Tip: Every job is different, every company is different, and most importantly, every recruiter is different. There are some rules of thumb that just about every recruiter looks for, but in reality, everyone is looking for something particular, and you either have it or you don’t.