Job searching has never been more accessible — or more confusing. Platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed and employer career pages let candidates submit applications with just a few clicks. What happens after they click “submit,” however, has become fertile ground for misinformation.

Social media is filled with “career influencers,” resume writers, recruiters and companies promising insider knowledge of how hiring really works. Much of this advice focuses on misinformed claims about applicant-tracking systems (ATS) and artificial intelligence.

These services profit from job seekers’ uncertainty and convincing people they need specialized services, tools and products to “beat” the ATS and secure interviews.

The result is that many job seekers spend time and money following advice that has no basis in evidence. Here are four common myths about the job application process, and what the research actually says.

No one’s 20s and 30s look the same. You might be saving for a mortgage or just struggling to pay rent. You could be swiping dating apps, or trying to understand childcare. No matter your current challenges, our Quarter Life series has articles to share in the group chat, or just to remind you that you’re not alone.

Read more from Quarter Life:

There is no ‘right’ age to land a job, meet a partner or buy a house — here’s why it feels like there is

There is no ‘right’ age to land a job, meet a partner or buy a house — here’s why it feels like there is

How to know if it’s time to quit your first job

How to know if it’s time to quit your first job

A robot stole my internship: How Gen Z’s entry into the workplace is being affected by AI

A robot stole my internship: How Gen Z’s entry into the workplace is being affected by........

© The Conversation