4 Career-Advice Clichés to Ignore (and What to Do Instead)
The internet is overflowing with career advice—some of it helpful, and some of it… not so much.
If you’ve been drowning in a sea of tips like “post often on LinkedIn” or “customize your résumé for every job,” you’re not alone. Let’s cut through the noise and expose four overhyped career advice clichés you’re better off ignoring.
1. “Post Often on LinkedIn to Get Noticed”
Posting regularly on LinkedIn might make you feel productive, but don’t bank on it landing you a job. The harsh truth is that the algorithm is unpredictable, and there’s no guarantee the right people will see your content.
What actually works? Proactive outreach.
Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date and polished—it should clearly communicate who you are and what you bring to the table. Then, focus on networking with people in your target industry or connected to decision-makers. When you do get their attention, your profile will back up your pitch. Your LinkedIn posts won’t magically get you hired, but meaningful connections might.
2. “Don’t Waste Your Time If the Listed Salary Isn’t What You Want”
Sure, knowing your worth is essential, but declining conversations about roles with lower advertised salaries can be a rookie mistake. Many companies have flexibility in their compensation packages, and your best leverage comes after you’ve wowed them and received an offer. Plus, every interview is an opportunity to sharpen your skills, expand your network, and learn something new.
There are exceptions, of course: if you’re grossly overpaid, faced with time-consuming assignments, or juggling multiple interviews, it’s okay to prioritize. The bottom line? Don’t shut the door before you’ve had the chance to knock.
3. “Research the Heck Out of a Company Before an Interview”
Yes, preparation is important. No, you don’t need to turn yourself into a walking encyclopedia of the company. Spending hours digging into every detail or creating unsolicited work like presentations or mock projects is overkill—and it often goes unnoticed. Instead, spend two hours max reviewing the company’s values, products, and people you’ll meet. Familiarize yourself with the role and its expectations, but remember, most interviews focus on your skills and fit—not a deep dive into their corporate history. Don’t waste time trying to impress with trivia; focus on showing why you are the solution to their problem.
4. “Customize Your Résumé for Every Job”
This advice might make you feel like you’re going above and beyond, but in most cases, it’s unnecessary. While you should tailor your résumé if you’re applying for drastically different roles (e.g., manager vs. individual contributor), creating a new version for every job listing is a time-sink.
Instead, focus on crafting a strong, industry-specific résumé that showcases your accomplishments and impact. Use language that resonates with your field and aligns with what hiring managers care about. A well-crafted résumé is versatile enough to work across similar roles. Stop obsessing over keywords for applicant tracking systems and start focusing on results-driven storytelling.
What to Do Instead
Instead of following tired advice, focus on strategies that make a real difference: Be proactive, not passive. Network strategically and directly reach out to the people who can influence your career. Leverage every opportunity. Even lower-paying roles or roles that seem “out of reach” can open unexpected doors. Prepare with purpose. Research enough to show genuine interest and knowledge but leave room to learn during the interview. Keep it simple. A single, impactful résumé that highlights your unique value will take you further than 20 customized versions. Let go of outdated advice and focus on what truly works in today’s competitive job market.
Ready to take your career to the next level? Simply Driven Search can help. Reach out today, and let’s start rewriting your success story.
