Ten career mistakes you need to avoid

YOU might think you’re on your way to greatness, but these common pitfalls can catch out even the most dedicated professional.

YOU might think you’re on your way to greatness, but these common pitfalls can catch out even the most dedicated professional.

Recruitment expert Susie Timlin, who is Hays’ global director of people and culture, has put together this list of the 10 most common career mistakes.

1. YOU’RE COASTING

When you’ve been doing the same role for some time, you begin feeling comfortable and can often stop pushing yourself. However, a little bit of effort can go a long way.

“By putting a little more effort in every day and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, you may well be able to get more out of your job,” Ms Timlin said.

2. YOU’VE GOT TUNNEL VISION

Understanding what the business wants to achieve is essential to identifying your place within the business, how you fit in and how your achievements contribute to its overall success. “Developing a broader understanding and appreciation of your organisation’s ultimate goals will provide you with a deeper sense of purpose and passion for what you do, and ultimately it will make you more successful.”

3. YOU’RE BURNING BRIDGES

The business world can be a small place and reputation can mean everything.

“Relationships, networking and word of mouth recommendations are incredibly important in business and career progression,” Ms Timlin said.

“Burn your bridges and you may find that your reputation precedes you next time you’re looking for a new job.”

4. YOU DON’T HAVE A LIFE

In order to be truly successful in your career you must also enjoy it. Getting that work-life balance right will help you toward this and will also put things in perspective.

“Although work is important, without a bit of balance in your life you won’t feel truly happy — and if you don’t feel happy or healthy, you’re unlikely to fulfil your career potential,” Ms Timlin said.

Avoid burning bridges; you never know who you’ll cross paths with again.

5. YOU MIX BUSINESS WITH PLEASURE

Over time you will naturally build relationships at your place of work. However, keeping these relationships strictly professional while in the workplace is a must.

“By keeping clear boundaries you can ensure that you perform your best when you’re at work, are viewed in a professional light, and don’t take any baggage with you into the office.”

6. YOU THINK THE GRASS IS GREENER

Before you move roles, you must ask yourself why you are doing it. After all, simply believing that somewhere else is better than your current place of work could leave you disappointed.

The grass isn’t always greener and feeling out of sorts with your current role will only increase the problem.

“You need to ensure you are moving for the right reasons before you begin to search for an alternative role,” Ms Timlin said.

7. YOUR SKILLS ARE GETTING RUSTY

Keeping up with technology is essential to keeping your skill base relevant. In order to continue your personal development being willing to adapt and embrace is a must.

“Failing to keep on top of new innovations could see your career begin to lag, with younger, more dynamic employees snapping at your heels.”

8. YOU DIDN’T TRUST YOUR GUT

After working in an industry for some time, you begin to develop a deep understanding of that business. Let your experience drive your instincts.

“To ensure you don’t have any regrets in the future, try to trust your intuition when it comes to important business decisions,” Ms Timlin said.

9. YOUR FOCUS IS OFF

It is important to make sure you are concentrating on the right projects — the ones that drive value — instead of the smaller tasks, which may not be adding value to the business.

Making an impact at work will only increase your motivation to succeed within your role.

“Try to focus on the projects that will drive your company forward, bring in revenue and help your business to grow,” Ms Timlin said.

10. YOU’RE DOUBTING YOURSELF

Self-doubt can be dangerous — if you don’t believe in yourself your colleagues won’t either. It is important to project confidence and sound assured in the decisions you make.

“Try to build your confidence by thinking back to all those things you have achieved in your career,” Ms Timlin said. “You are better than you give yourself credit for.”

For more careers advice from Hays, follow @HaysAustralia and @HaysNewZealand

Originally published as Ten career mistakes you need to avoid