I have spent more years in HR than I wish to divulge, but it’s fair to say that I have seen and heard it all when it comes to career advice. While your mates down at the pub or your great-aunt Margaret might have the best intentions, some of their ‘wisdom’ could actually be holding you back. Let’s debunk some of these career myths, shall we?
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Don’t leave until you’ve been there a year: Rubbish! I’ve seen too many talented professionals waste precious months of their careers because they felt trapped by this arbitrary rule. If a job is affecting your mental health or clearly isn’t what was advertised, you don’t need to stick it out. Yes, job-hopping every other month isn’t ideal, but a well-explained short stint is far better than a prolonged period of misery that dampens your confidence and skills.
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It’s not what you know, it’s who you know: While networking is important, it’s not always the be-all and end-all. Ultimately, success comes from merit and hard work. Focus on building genuine relationships rather than collecting LinkedIn connections like Pokémon cards. Authenticity trumps superficial networking every time. But don’t be afraid to use your contacts to your advantage. For example, if you know someone already working there, ask for an introduction to the hiring manager. Take time to cultivate meaningful LinkedIn recommendations from colleagues and supervisors who can speak to your specific achievements and work style – these authentic endorsements carry more weight than generic skill endorsements. They say “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” but the reality is that it’s both – strong referrals can open doors, but your skills and work ethic are what keep them open.
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Only apply if you meet all the criteria: If I had a pound for every time a qualified candidate didn’t apply for their dream job because they were missing one or two “required” skills, I’d be writing this from my villa in Spain! Here’s what I tell my hiring managers: job descriptions are wish lists, not commandments. Your transferable skills and enthusiasm can often make up for ticking every single box. If a job ad grabs your attention and gets you excited, apply and go for it, even if you don’t meet all of the requirements. An employer should always be prepared to offer on-the-job training and compromise is a must! Sometimes enthusiasm and interest carry you far.
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Keep work relationships strictly professional: We spend a huge chunk of our lives at work, so it’s ridiculous to suggest you won’t develop close friendships and bonds in the office. Some of my closest friendships started in the workplace. These relationships not only make work more enjoyable but often lead to better collaboration and creativity. Just maintain appropriate boundaries and you’ll be fine.
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Never turn down a promotion: All career paths are individual, and we will all have different ambitions. I’ve seen people accept roles they hated simply because they thought they should. Sometimes, staying put or making a lateral move is exactly what your career needs. Remember, your career path is a personal journey, and not all progression happens in a straight line. Ambition should not be shunned –don’t be afraid to move in different directions.
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If you love your job, it won’t feel like work: This might be the most toxic myth of all. Even your dream job will have moments that feel like, well, work. I love what I do, but there are still days when I’d rather stay in bed watching Netflix. Having challenging days doesn’t mean you’re in the wrong career – it means you’re human.
Remember, the best career advice often comes from understanding your own values, goals and circumstances. Don’t let outdated ‘rules’ hold you back from making the right choices for your career journey.
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And if you liked this blog then you might also like to read our top tips on what to consider when applying for a job.
