10 mistakes that could kill your career

7 min | Alex Powell | Article | Career development | Workplace

10 mistakes that could kill your career

Professional success is not only a matter of technical skill, but also of attitude and behaviour in the workplace.

This blog will guide you through the common blunders that many professionals unwittingly commit. Let’s embark on this journey of self-awareness and transformation, ensuring that your career path is marked by milestones, not mistakes.

This article aims to highlight some of these common mistakes that can hurt your professional growth - recognizing and correcting these behaviours is the first step to getting your career back on track!

 

It’s time for a change 

Small, often overlooked mistakes can accumulate over time and become major obstacles to your career advancement. In fact, some mistakes can end or severely damage your career. 

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10 mistakes that could sabotage your career

1. You don't try hard enough
It's easy to find yourself in this situation: you've been with the same company for many years and have lost the motivation to improve your performance. If you try harder every day and step outside your usual areas of expertise, you will have the opportunity to get the most out of your job. From a promotion to a salary increase, a little effort can generate an interesting job opportunity!

2. You lack strategic vision
You are busy with a thousand activities and sometimes you are called upon to coordinate several people and projects at the same time. No doubt, in these conditions, it can be difficult to stop for a moment to reflect and look at the bigger picture with a strategic vision. However, this is essential in your career. After all, understanding what your company's goals are will allow you not only to increase your sense of belonging to the company, but also to renew your work-related purpose.

3. You are burning bridges
Relationships, networking and word of mouth remain extremely important elements for your career advancement, especially if you want to stay in the same industry. Ruining relationships with colleagues can create a negative reputation around you, which will affect your search for your next job.

4. You put your career before your personal life
Although work is important, without a proper work-life balance, you won't find happiness and well-being. And with this unhappiness, you will find it difficult to progress in your career. So set aside some free time for yourself and your leisure activities.

5. You blur the line between your personal and professional lives
If you've been working for the same company for a long time, it can be easy to establish relationships that go beyond the professional and into the personal. If you keep the boundaries between these two dimensions clear, it will be easier to give your best during working hours. You will also be seen from a more professional perspective and it is better not to bring any personal problems into the workplace.

6. You are always dissatisfied
Changing jobs believing that 'the grass is greener on the other side' can be a big mistake. Who knows if you would be happier in another job or if you would stay in your current one? It's important to make sure you leave the company for the right reason before accepting a new job elsewhere.

7. Your skills are becoming obsolete
As technology advances rapidly, it becomes increasingly important to keep up with the changes and make sure your qualifications and skills are up to date. Otherwise, your career could suffer, as you could be overtaken by new professionals, perhaps younger or with a more dynamic mind, able to adapt to new market trends.

Learn more here: Boost productivity using AI | Career Advice | Hays US

8. You don't trust your instincts
If you have been working in the same industry for years, you have probably developed a sixth sense. To avoid unpleasant surprises or doubts in the future when making important decisions at work, try to trust your instincts.

9. You don't focus on higher value-added activities
Instead of dividing your time among countless insignificant activities, focus on those projects that are really important to the company. These projects can bring you satisfaction and support your professional growth. This will also allow for a deeper reflection on your role in the company and contribute to your success in the company.

10. You don't believe in yourself
If you don't have confidence in your abilities, it will be easy for your boss and colleagues to doubt them as well. Regain your self-confidence, valuing everything you have built so far. Leave aside the doubts that haunt your mind and start believing in your work. You are much better than you imagine!     

 

Be confident, let’s start  

Professional success requires more than technical skills; it requires a balanced and conscientious approach to work. By avoiding these common mistakes in the workplace, you can establish a solid foundation for continued professional growth. Remember that bettering yourself is an ongoing process, and the ability to adapt and evolve is what defines true professionals - embrace change, be confident in your abilities, and always keep your goals in mind!

Hays professionals are ready to support you and your company today and tomorrow. Get in touch with our experts today.
 

About this author

Alex Powell, Executive Vice President

Alex is responsible for the Construction & Property, Engineering, HR, and Life Sciences business streams across the U.S.. With 20 years recruitment experience, Alex has managed businesses in the UK, New Zealand, Canada & the U.S. having helped set-up Hays in the latter two countries. During his career he has successfully led multi-discipline recruitment teams in multiple locations specifically setting up IT, Construction & Property, Accounting & Finance, and Engineering in the U.S. His experience covers temp & perm and utilizing both 360 & 180 recruitment models. Alex is a graduate of Anglia University (UK) with a BA (Hons) in Business, and since 2012 Alex has lived in New York City with his wife & daughter.
 

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