In today’s digital age, influencers hold significant sway over nearly every aspect of our lives, including job searching and career growth. While many influencers offer valuable insights, others may spout advice that is misleading or even detrimental to your job search or professional journey. At EG Workforce Solutions, we’ve been in the recruitment industry for nearly seven decades. We’ve seen career trends come and go, but we’ve remained dedicated to helping you navigate your career path with the best information available.

If you’re searching for a new role or want to grow your professionally, here are seven pieces of influencer advice you should avoid to ensure your job search and career success stay on track.

1. “Apply to Every Job You See”

It’s become increasingly common for career influencers to tout “quantity over quality,”—especially influencers who aim to boost their followers’ job application numbers. However, this strategy often leads to burnout and frustration from the job seeker. Instead, focus on tailoring your resume and cover letter to positions that genuinely align with your skills and career aspirations. Yes, this means for every job. It will take more time, but the ROI (return on investment) will pay off in dividends as you’re more likely to land interviews at a higher rate than the “apply everywhere” method. Remember, a well-targeted application stands a much better chance of catching a recruiter’s eye than a generic one.

2. “You Need a Perfectly Curated Social Media Profile”

While maintaining a professional online presence is essential—you don’t want a recruiter to encounter any potentially embarrassing or controversial content that could harm your chances of getting hired—obsessing over a perfectly curated social media profile can be counterproductive. Employers value authenticity and genuine engagement over a polished, impersonal facade. Share your professional achievements, participate in industry discussions, and let your true self shine through your online interactions. Learn more about how to leverage social media in your job search effectively from one of our previous blogs.

3. “Follow Your Passion, No Matter What”

The idea of following your passion sounds inspiring, but it’s not always practical advice. Not all passions translate into viable careers, and sometimes, a compromise between passion and practicality is necessary. For example, you may feel passionate about collecting rare, vintage vinyl records; however, while this is an enjoyable and fulfilling hobby, the market for turning such a passion into a full-time, sustainable career is extremely niche and limited. If your passions don’t align with a realistic career, find ways you can still tap into what brings you joy, like volunteering, training programs, joining shared interest groups, or starting a social profile highlighting what you do. Then, when it comes to a career, seek a balance where you can enjoy your work while also ensuring financial stability and growth opportunities.

4. “Accept the First Job Offer You Get”

Getting a job offer is exciting, but rushing to accept the first one that comes your way can be a mistake. Take the time to evaluate the offer, consider if the role aligns with your long-term career goals, and negotiate if necessary. A job that fits well with your skills and aspirations is more beneficial in the long run than one you settle for out of impatience. Not sure where to start when it comes to considering if a job offer is right for you? Check out our former blog post for five questions to ask yourself before you accept a job offer.

5. “Networking is All About Who You Know”

While leveraging strategic connections is certainly advantageous for job searching or career development, the quality of your network is more important than its size. For compounding career success, it’s crucial to start building meaningful relationships with professionals in your industry who can provide support, mentorship, and opportunities. However, it’s vital to remember developing a network isn’t all about what others can do for you, you must also be willing and able to provide value in the same way. Focus on engaging in genuine conversations, offer help when you can, and be sincere in your interactions. These actions will get you well on your way to creating a mutually beneficial professional network where everyone is poised to help one another find success.

6. “Don’t Take a Job That Isn’t Your Dream Job”

Holding out for the perfect job might sound empowering and inspiring, but it can also be too aspirational and lead to missed opportunities for growth and professional development. Sometimes, a job that isn’t your “dream role” can still provide you with valuable skills, networking opportunities, and stepping stones toward your ideal position or company. It’s important to remain open-minded to roles that offer potential for development, even if they don’t check every box on your list.

7. “Your Resume Should Be One Page, No Exceptions”

The one-page resume rule is outdated and doesn’t apply to everyone. For entry-level positions, a concise one-page resume will typically be sufficient. However, as you gain experience and accomplishments, it’s okay to extend your resume to two pages to adequately showcase your skills and achievements. Focus on clarity and relevance rather than adhering to an arbitrary length. Still unsure what to include? Here are three elements that every resume must include to stand out to hiring managers.

While influencers can be a source of inspiration and motivation, there is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to career advice, and not every tip suits every individual or situation. At EG Workforce Solutions, we encourage you to critically evaluate the advice you receive and tailor your job search and career strategies to what works best for you. Remember, your career journey is unique, and making informed, thoughtful decisions is key to long-term success. If you’re ready to move beyond the advice of career influencers, our recruiters are ready and waiting to be your career ally and will expertly guide you on the next step in your professional journey.

About EG Workforce Solutions

We’ve been in this business for decades and have developed a deep network of professional connections. Whether they’re companies looking for talent, job seekers looking for work, or an up-and-coming store in need of some temporary help, we know the right people to bridge the gap between the hiring and the hired.

But what’s more, we get to know people. From employers hiring to candidates looking, we take the time to listen and learn. We hear your likes, talents, and needs. We gain an understanding, and with it, we’re able to facilitate lasting relationships between businesses and people.