In a competitive job market, we all need a resume that works on our behalf to demonstrate the value we can add to an organization. We surveyed hiring managers and human resource executives on the biggest resume mistakes they’ve seen over the years and here are the results – the resume mistakes to avoid. These are deal-breakers for employers, they can cost you the interview and make your application look lazy. 

1. Incorrect Contact Information

You may spend countless hours on your resume, but what if you overlook the most critical information in your resume – your contact information?  It’s incredibly common for applicants to mistype their phone number or email address, never returning to that section and assuming it’s complete.

Besides getting the contact information wrong, using an unprofessional email address can also cost you your job. The email you’ve been using since high school with swag, numbers, and symbols don’t work in the business world.  

2. Stuffing your documents with ‘fluff’ skills

Anyone can (and does) claim that they are a team player, organized, or have excellent critical thinking skills. Many recent graduates are using these fluff words on their resumes to stretch out the detail. However, these are repeated on the majority of resumes, thinking outside of the box will gain more traction.

4. Creating a task-based resume, rather than an achievement-based resume

Avoid writing a soulless list of day-to-day tasks completed during previous positions. Instead, transform these tasks to demonstrate the ways in which you excelled in your role, how did each task result in an achievement? What did you add to the company through completing your responsibilities?

Recruiters and hiring managers are fairly clued up on common responsibilities when it comes to roles they’re hiring for, and listing these won’t make you stand out from the crowd.

Examples would include:
Task-based: Completed sales calls
Achievement-based: Exceeded sales targets by X%, increasing company revenue by $X

Of course, we can’t apply the method in all instances, but where possible, it will show you’re an achiever.

5. Formatting Your Resume Wrongly

Less is always more when it comes to formatting your resume. You may stick to a clean design with more white space for the readers to quickly skim the information and get the idea right away upon reading your resume. There is no need to include colorful borders or fancy graphs.  

You have to pick a template that is visually appealing and easy-to-read font and font size. If you can include two columns in your resume, the better, as it allows you to include more information.  

Also, you can use three different resume formats: Reverse-Chronological, Functional, and Combination of two. The reverse-chronological is the most commonly used and also one of the best choices.  

If you want to know what’s the best resume format for your targeted job? Get in touch with our certified resume writer for help.   

6. Not Pointing Out a Career Change

It is completely acceptable to have a career change, especially with what happened during the pandemic. However, if you are planning to switch careers, you have to point it out, or the hiring managers might think that you are simply applying for random jobs.  

Have you been working in the travel industry before, and you want a job in marketing? Make sure to write it in your resume objective and include a summary skill that will back up your claim that you are the right person in the new position. You can also include this in your cover letter, which will make the recruiter understand the situation.  

7. Using a Wrong File Name

Are you sure you are going to use the filename: Resume Final Version 12?  

It is unprofessional, and it shows how you struggled to revise your resume. How about naming your resume with your first name, last name, and the word resume following it?  

Now, that sounds better, isn’t it?  

 8. Having Grammatical Errors on Your Resume

Are you one of the job seekers that write “attention to detail” and yet your resume is filled with grammatical errors?  

It’s embarrassing and only proves otherwise to your targeted company.  

Before sending your resume, try running it through Grammarly to see if you overlooked any spelling mistakes. Reread it aloud to ensure that it sounds right. Or have someone else look at your resume.  

Still unsure? Get better results with our certified resume writer at MyStar Resumes.  

9. Submitting a Generalized Resume

Creating a generalized resume is easy. It sounds lazy, which can result in the employer ignoring your resume.  

If you want to land that job, avoid this resume mistake and instead spend time customizing your resume to match the job listing. Tweak the necessary information. For example, if you are looking for a job in sales, then the employer is more likely to be interested in your experience in sales.  

How about creating a variety of resumes for the types of roles you are interested in so that you don’t have to re-work your resume for each job? This can save you time and energy.  

10. Putting Irrelevant Information 

In creating a resume, only include experiences and skills that are relevant to the job you want to land into.  

If you are applying for a role of a graphic designer, you don’t have to include your job years ago when you were working in a restaurant as a server. The same thing goes otherwise. If you are applying for a job as a restaurant manager, you wouldn’t need to include your portfolio of graphic designs.  

11. Using Repetitive Words in Job Descriptions

Having the same words and phrases in your job description create redundancy. It makes the impression that you did not bother to put an effort in having more variety of words in your resume. It also shows how much effort you can do once you are hired by the company.  

Are you applying for a job in 2021? Make sure to avoid these resume mistakes and stand out the next time you submit your resume.  

In networking events, you get to meet people in a nice setting, shake some hands with new acquaintances or bump into another professional you’ve met before.  

During this pandemic and with social distancing in place, virtual networking has been the norm. Seeing that it works effectively might mean it would take some time before we get back to face-to-face networking again.  

The importance of making meaningful connections online has never been so crucial. Who you know is an element in one’s career path, and making the most out of an online event can bring your career to the next level.  

Virtual Networking Events 

Online events are excellent opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and potential future employers. The good news about it is that you don’t even have to leave your desk or home. One simple Google search will show you various events, and some are free to attend.  

There are many types of networking events that can help you grow your connections, from happy hour meetings, industry-specific seminars, trade shows to workshops. All of these can be done online, minus the drinks, of course! 

Sometimes, your company will send you to attend on their behalf. Other times, you can also participate in events by yourself.  

Virtual Job Fairs 

You don’t have to be looking for jobs to attend job fairs. This is a way for you to explore new and better opportunities even if you love your job so much. Employers attend the job fair because they want to interview and, eventually, hire new candidates.  

Preparation to attend virtual job fairs is similar to attending face-to-face job fairs. You will be asked to register beforehand, and the organizer will provide you the link to join. Most of the time, the format is done in an employer’s chatroom. Once you enter, they will receive a notification, and you may proceed to chat.  

One important thing to prepare is your updated resume. Ensure your resume is on top of its game by hiring a certified professional resume writer before showing up to an online event.  

Networking through Social Media 

Social media is one of the best ways to network yourself virtually. When you think social media is just for fun, it now plays a critical role in communicating with people. Networking via social media allows us to connect with existing and new audiences on a different level, as well as explore new trends and ideas.  

In the USA alone, 81% of Americans have social media accounts, and this continues to grow. Employers nowadays check your social media channels before asking you for an interview. Your online presence matters because it may either ruin your reputation or showcase your craft and enhance your brand.  

Facebook 

Facebook can be tricky because most people use this for updating their friends and families. Still, we can’t overlook Facebook because businesses are also there. You can still upload a professional photo, share articles you’ve written about your industry, join groups and create pages.  

If you are a fan of Farmville or any other games on Facebook, it is best to stop. Unless you aim to become a professional gamer, playing games on Facebook will reflect poorly on your profile.  

Instagram 

Most millennials are using Instagram to network online effectively. For starters, you have to upload an attractive photo that will resonate with your audience. The images you posted must also be connected to the industry you are trying to target. This is followed by the relevant caption and hashtags.  

Like all other social media channels, you have to make sure that your profile states who you are and what you do before reaching out to people via direct message.  

Twitter 

Twitter is used for publishing microblogs where you can display your expertise. If you want to use this social media professionally, you may tweet about the happenings in your industry and add the necessary hashtag so it can be findable.  

Another great way to optimize your Twitter account is by going live and creating a poll that will keep people engaged.  

LinkedIn 

LinkedIn is a professional social networking site for individuals and businesses. With over 500 million members, you can grow your connections through this site. Make sure to have a look at the “People You May Know” section to find people who have similar roles, as well as those you’ve worked with from previous and current companies. You can also follow companies in the same industry or organizations that inspire you.  

To get attention on LinkedIn, make sure that your information is up to date and start writing and publishing your blogs. Otherwise, you can also comment on and reshare contents that align with your values. This will put your profile on other people’s feeds when they start scrolling through.  

Do you know that LinkedIn also has a LinkedIn resume builder where you can build and print out your resume?  

More Tips to Make Meaningful Connections Online 

Need more help with virtual networking? Here are more tips to keep in mind next time you attend one:  

Do your research.  

What is the event all about? What are the companies you will be interested in speaking with? What are these companies’ values, and how does it align with the opportunity I am looking for? These are some questions you have to ask yourself before showing up.  

Always have your resume ready.  

When you attend virtual events, and if the employer is interested in your work, chances are they’ll be asking for your resume. At this point, it is best to have it handy, even if you don’t plan to work with them yet. Keep your resume updated by availing of resume editing services from a certified professional resume writer.  

Dress for success.  

Virtual events are similar to physical events where you need to showcase yourself. Your appearance is where they’ll get the first impression without even seeing your resume. Wear professional clothes and fix your hair, even if it’s just virtual. The same thing goes for fixing your microphone and making sure you have a stable internet connection.  

Dive right in.  

Once they ask you a question, make sure to answer them right away. If they send you a message, respond to them and dive right in. Better yet, take the initiative and introduce yourself right away. 

Don’t forget to follow up.  

After the event, be sure to follow up and reconnect with people you’ve met. Following up makes them remember you.  

Add them on LinkedIn, where they’ll find more about your professional background. Of course, don’t forget to use the LinkedIn resume builder in case they haven’t gotten your resume and need to see how you fit for a particular job.  

Technology and social media have progressed in how we connect with people online. These tools are mostly free, so it is up to us to utilize them to the fullest and make meaningful connections online.  

Do you often find yourself dreading the start of the week? Do you still feel any sense of enthusiasm while you are working? Or do you find yourself checking your watch every time because you can’t wait to time out?  

We spend half of our life working, and it’s easy to get lost and drown in hours and hours of it every day that we forgot to ask ourselves if we are walking the right path. But how do you know if you are on the wrong job? Should you start updating your resume by hiring a certified resume writer? We have listed the red flags for you!  

You have an overwhelming workload. 

Having a busy day at work is normal. There are deadlines to catch and quotas to meet, but if you are running around chasing deadlines every day for months and years in this workplace, you might be in the wrong job.  

Being in a pressure cooker each time you enter the office is not good for you – physically and emotionally. This can increase anxiety levels and will eventually affect your personal life and the people around you. Having an abnormal workload in relation to the allocated time is a red sign that you should find a new job that allows for healthy work conditions.  

There is no growth in your job.  

Do you feel stagnant in your job? When was the last time you took on something new? How does your boss respond every time you try to talk about a promotion in your career? Is your company still investing in training their staff?  

If you find that there is no laddering up in your workplace and if you are feeling stuck, these are symptoms that there is no growth in your job and there might never be!   

You can be proactive yourself and initiate changes, but if all you’re getting is a hard no, it might be better to move on.  

There is a lack of leadership in your workplace.  

Most employees don’t quit jobs; they quit their bosses. That is not just a common phrase, but research can back it up. About 57% of employees who resigned from their jobs in 2019 were because of an issue with their boss.  

Poor leadership in the workplace can result in little to no improvement in the company culture, disengaged and unmotivated employees, followed by business failure. Leadership is one crucial element for a company to succeed. If you find that the company you are working for has poor leadership, it won’t be easy to fix this on your own. It might be better for you to find a better company, then jump out of the ship at the earliest.  

You are not proud of your job.  

Are you embarrassed by your job? This happens when you settle for less. You’re doing a job that is beneath you when you can achieve better. You probably took the job because you need the money, and now you have this guilt that you are in the wrong place. Plus, you’re afraid that people are judging you for it.  

Waking up every day and going to work with this thought in your head will not do your self-esteem any good. Get hired faster by availing of resume editing services and quit the current job you’re too ashamed to have.  

There is poor communication in the company. 

Keeping the staff aware of what is going on in the company is a good sign that the management cares about their employees and the communication with them. A great example is keeping company minutes meant for those who couldn’t attend a meeting or simply sending out a newsletter email for any news or updates inside the company. 

If there is a lack of communication within the company, employees feel alienated and distrusted. It can be frustrating and confusing too. If there is a lack of trust in the company, it results in an unhealthy culture, and soon enough, their loyalty and commitment to the organization will be compromised.  

The paychecks are irregular. 

This might be a sign that your employer is struggling either with an organization or in the financial department. Most of us rely on our monthly salary to supply our daily needs and feed our family. Paychecks are basic requirements after working eight to twelve hours a day. Sure, maybe some of us can afford a few days of delayed paychecks, but this is considered injustice, and there are laws against this that can protect you.  

If you experience delayed paychecks, contact your employer in writing and ask for the wages owed. If they further delay, or worse, refuse to pay you, you may file a claim to a labor agency.  

Your employer breaks his promises. 

Another sign that you are in the wrong job and working for the wrong company is when your employer makes promises he cannot keep. Employers can promise verbally, but if it is not written on paper, they can easily shrug it off. Whatever is promised to you during the interview must be in writing. Take your own notes too, and record the date and time just in case they can’t commit to their words.  

You are not clicking with anyone in the office.  

What if you tried all the tricks to survive office politics, and yet nothing seems to work? Have you questioned yourself what’s keeping you from bonding with your colleagues? There could be a number of different reasons why you can’t seem to get along with them. Either they make you feel too old or too young, or they make you feel different. Who wants to work in a place where they feel alienated?  

There are, of course, ways on how to make your career more rewarding. It is good to remind oneself that a job must provide you financially and a stepping stone to get you to your goals. It works like a calling, and you must be satisfied with whatever it brings you.  

The world is big, and more companies nowadays accept remote staff. If you find yourself ticking a few of the above signs, you should start looking for the next chapter in your life. Contact a certified resume writer to make your prospective employer look twice.  

Availing resume editing services will set you apart from the crowd, and the chances of you landing your next dream job is high.  

Getting laid off can be a traumatic experience, especially if you are not prepared for it. What if you are living paycheck to paycheck – your salary only covering your monthly expenses? You’ve always thought that your company can handle anything that comes it’s way; that it can save you every month.

Finally, the day has come. The worries turned into reality and the company has started announcing redundancies, and you might be next. If only you had seen the signs of layoffs coming your way, then you probably would have started looking for a new job on  job search websites  a long time ago. 

I’ve been in this situation, I saw the signs but chose to ignore them. Managers stopped making eye contact, or months before, there has been restructuring and pivoting meetings. Once you sense these signals, the best thing to do is update your resume and start sending it out to your target companies.  

Mystarresumes.com offers resume writing services that give your resume the lift it needs to land you a new job quickly, before the situation turns to urgency.

Here are some more signs of layoffs to watch out for:  

 1. A merger or acquisition is taking place.

Merging can be good for business. It is a win for the shareholders, but not for the ones at the bottom. It means uncertainty for some employees. Companies cut costs and make sacrifices, meaning employee lay offs are the first port of call.

According to Harvard Business Review, roughly 30% of employees are deemed redundant after an acquisition takes place in the same industry. Mergers happen to cut the fat during difficult economic conditions. Unfortunately, if there is an opportunity to cut costs, companies will opt for it, despite losing their most loyal employees.  

 2. Senior leadership starts quitting.

First, all managers are pulled into a series of long meetings in the conference room. If managers have difficulty answering questions about the purpose of increased meetings, it might be one of the confirmed signs of layoffs.  

You’ll find they are more agitated or stressed than usual. If you are good pals with your manager and suddenly they can’t even look straight in the eyes, then it’s time to prepare for the big news. Managers are usually privy to what’s going on at the top, so they carry the news on their shoulders longer until getting the green light to inform staff. If it’s difficult for you, it’s difficult for them, too. Thus, they start quitting. They just can’t face it.  

 3. Increased restructuring in your company.

Watch out when your company starts using the words “restructuring” and “reorganizing”, because it can also mean “downsizing”. Unfortunately, your great performance does not guarantee that you’ll still have a job after the restructuring. If they find your role obsolete, you can be a target for a layoff.  

 4. Your company isn’t hiring anymore.

Layoffs cost a lot to a company. Aside from navigating legal issues, the company also needs to pay severance packages. They also need to boost the morale of the remaining workforce. With this in mind, firms would choose to find and implement options before getting into the stage of layoffs. They’ll probably stop hiring new staff, eliminate any kind of promotions or even stop paying raises.  

5. Your star product is struggling.

Almost all companies got this big product or service that is their bread and butter. If its sales are getting weak lately, it will eventually affect the company’s profits, too. If the management doesn’t have any backup plans, the usual step is to cut the cost down.  

If you’re not in the sales department, get an update with a buddy to keep a pulse on how the product is doing.   

6. You are getting less or more workload. 

Yes, it can go both ways, but the clue is your workload is changing.  

Do you have less workload than you are used to? You might think it’s time to relax and that you deserved it. However, it could also mean your company isn’t doing well.  

If you find yourself with more things on your plate, it may also mean that the company is making cuts, so you have to do more things than the usual.  

7. Your conference rooms get occupied by your HR a lot.

This is usually one of the last signs of layoffs in a company – your HR suddenly booking up the conference rooms. This often means mass layoff, and they’ll need the conference rooms to call people in one by one to inform them of news that they’ve been let go.  

Shall the inevitable happen, take the next steps to ensure that you will still find yourself in a winning situation.  

Next Steps to Take Upon Noticing Signs of Layoffs

1. Start checking job finder websites.

Check with your network, friends, and family if they know any job opening where you can apply while also browsing job finder websites. Gear up by updating your cover letter and preparing for job interviews. The soonest you can do this, the better! 

2. Hire resume editing services.

You don’t have to wait for the signs before updating your resume or your LinkedIn profile. Keep your resume handy, updated, and optimized. Hire a resume editing service to help you ensure that you are showcasing your skills and experiences in the best way possible.

3. Take notes.

If ever you get called onto the conference room, take your courage, a paper, and a pen with you. Losing a job can be an emotional experience, but you have to stay strong as you write down all the necessary details, such as your final pay, as explained to you by your HR. 

4. Manage your finances.

You should have been doing this a long time ago, but in case you haven’t started yet, check if you can afford to pay your rent next month. It might also be a good time to cut down shopping costs. If you live with your family, schedule a talk with them and explain to them that everybody needs to help out with the finances as you tighten your belt in the coming months.

5. File for unemployment compensation.

Once you get laid off, file for unemployment compensation immediately. You wouldn’t know how long your job-hunting process can take, so never delay filing for unemployment compensation. The longer you wait, the more things you’ll need to do. This will help pay the bills temporarily.  

If your fears are proven right, don’t hit the panic button just yet. Instead, take the driver’s seat and start navigating your way around your next job. It may sound cliché, but things happen for a reason, which is always for the better. Good luck! 

One way to stand out with your resume and LinkedIn profile is by building a personal brand. How can a personal brand boost your career? How do you show your edge amongst the hundreds of applicants out there? 

If you are only relying on your resume, then a certified resume writer can help you optimize your resume to its fullest.  

Do you know that 80% of recruiters google their applicants? Having a personal brand is more important than ever! Imagine having hundreds of applicants with resumes that pretty much look the same? The employer’s attention gets challenged every time. Which one should they pick? The one that can save much time and can give the company what it wants.  

Majority of the resumes look the same, using the same format, font, words, and objective. They even have the same closing remarks. Your resume reflects your personality, and elevating your resume using online tools and portfolios can set you apart. You can use a website to tell your story most authentically.  

What is a Personal Brand? Can it Boost My Career? 

A personal brand is how you are perceived based on other people’s experience of you. This shows your expertise, competencies, and achievements within the community and industry. This is how you are rooted in the minds of people when they speak your name.  

Meanwhile, personal branding refers to your effort to communicate and present your value to the world. It’s about what you say about yourself.  

Successful companies have great branding that shows what they stand for: what a company values, how it acts and serves people revolves in their branding. That’s how they stand out amongst their competitors. That’s how they get more sales and better customer experience.  

Branding can also be for professionals, and very few people take the time to build a brand, let alone hone the authentic message they want to deliver. Your brand establishes your reputation even before the interviewer speaks to you for the first time face to face. Once reputation exists, trust follows; thus, you can communicate your unique attributes more effectively.  

Tips on How to Build a Personal Brand to Boost Your Career 

1. Determine who you are.  

You don’t want to portray something that you’re not, so it’s essential to ask yourself the following questions:  

• Where do I excel?  
• What kind of projects do I often help others for? 
• Which projects can I focus on and don’t mind spending hours without feeling exhausted? 
• What characteristics of mine have others complimented me on? 
• What are my motivations? 

You may ask your family, friends, and colleagues if you are struggling with these questions. It’s good to be aware of how others perceive you so you can turn them into your assets. Most importantly, find your niche. Compare how these qualities suit the industry or field you have chosen. 

2. Who is your audience?

To develop your brand more effectively, you have to know who your audience is. Are you trying to reach an individual or a company? Or maybe industry leaders? Think what’s important for them. What are their work values? What will most likely grab their attention?   

By knowing who your audience is, you are able to define the story you want to tell effectively. For example, if you aim to be a social media strategist, it’s preferable to tell your story through a website or a portfolio.  

 3. Research successful people in your niche. 

Check out the successful people in your niche and see what they post about. Get tips by reading their blogs where they talk about what they’re doing and what they do to succeed. This will give you ideas on how to navigate around the industry you want to be in. If you can, try to imitate what they do but do it even better.  

4. Network as much as possible. 

Connect with people in the industry by attending networking events regularly. While you cultivate your personal brand, it’s crucial to grow your professional circle too. 

Prepare an elevator pitch, a 30-second story about who you are. Then, take the chance to put value in every interaction you make. Communicate what’s so special about you. If you can, ask them over for a casual coffee chat or connect with them via mail or LinkedIn.  

5. Grow your online presence. 

Is your online presence engaging to employers? There are many social media channels available out there, and a medium will affect how you communicate your brand. 

Some social media channels are meant for friends and family, so make sure to adjust your settings accordingly. If there’s one online channel you should keep – that would be LinkedIn. It serves as a professional social media channel where most companies have a profile.  

Don’t have time? You can still optimize your LinkedIn profile with the help of a certified resume writer. Even if you are not looking for a job right now, having it optimized is the best way to deliver your personal brand effectively.  

Do I Need a Portfolio? 

If you are a job seeker, yes, you need a portfolio.  

What can differentiate you from hundreds of applicants out there is having an e-portfolio that showcases your strengths and the projects you have done in the past. It was thought that only the creative types would require a portfolio. However, if you are still a student, it can also serve as your living resume, and if done well, it creates an impact on the employer even if you don’t have any work experience yet.  

Even in fields that a portfolio is not expected, including presentations and pictures of projects you’ve completed will give the employer an idea of your capabilities. This way, you are giving them an experience of how it’s like to work with you. Design your portfolio by curating the visuals to get attention from images, videos, and graphics.  

A personal brand channels your skills, values, and personality that will help boost your career. It puts a personalized, human touch to your resume and will open doors for you. Do you want to land that dream job but not sure where to start? Speak to a certified resume writer now.  

When a person gets fired, it’s not usually because of one reason. Instead, it’s a combination of reasons that come together, too much for a company to tolerate and overlook. But why do people get fired? Here we’ve listed the most common causes.  

If you haven’t been fired from your job yet, you may also refer to the below list of things to avoid to keep your job. Meanwhile, if you’re one of the unlucky ones who did get fired, this list will help ensure that you will succeed in your next job.  

Note that this list only refers to the reasons when it is “you” and not the company.  

Your Personality Will Get You Fired

“Your personality can either hire or fire you.” 

You got hired not because of your skills. First, you got chosen for an interview because of your resume. If your resume is still out of shape, hire a certified professional resume writer who can do wonders and land you that interview. 

When you get interviewed, this is when the employer can confirm the credentials mentioned on your resume. Other candidates will likely have those skills. Thus, for the hiring manager, it all comes down to the personality of the candidate. Which one will be the best fit with the company culture? Who is most likely a team player?  

You got hired because of your personality, but you can also get fired because of it.  

• People get fired because they bring baggage to the office. 
  You must leave your emotional laundry before entering your office door because it can hinder your everyday performance. You’re not the only one who has personal issues, but we must all learn how to cope, put the problems at the back of your mind and focus on your work.  
• You complain about your employer on social media. 
  If you have issues with your employer, don’t post them on social media. Instead, call a friend and pour your heart out as much as you want in private. Many people have been fired because of ranting about their bosses or their jobs online. Eventually, one way or another, they’ll find out.  
• You refuse to follow directions.
  Refusing to follow directions is a sign of disrespect and will result to clashes. To have a good working relationship, you must respect each other’s expertise, with the superior making the final decision. Whatever the outcome, you’ll both learn from it.    

• You are slacking off. 
  Are you always late? Have you been taking so many sick days? Are you going beyond your vacation days? Your slacking off will only interfere with your productivity. Remember that you are hired in this company to get the job done. If you don’t have the discipline to show up on time or on days when you’re needed, it means you can’t be relied on. Eventually, your manager will need to find someone who can do better.  

Violating Company’s Policies Will Also Get You Fired 

Protocols and policies are in place because acting or behaving outside of these can sabotage the whole business. When you get hired, it is best to review your company policies carefully to ensure that you are not breaking any of them. Here are some common examples of how you can violate your company’s policy: 

• Damaging company property.
  Whether you meant to do it or not, damaging a company’s property can lose your job.  

• Falsifying company records.
  Firstly, it is unethical to falsify company records. This will also result in legal problems for your company. 
• Drug or alcohol possession at work.
  Taking drugs and drinking alcohol during work hours will only prevent you from doing your job. Plus, drugs are illegal. If an employee gets caught, this will affect the company’s image.  
• Misusing company’s email and/ or property.
  Are you using the company’s supplies and equipment for your personal use or a side gig? You better not get caught, because once you do, it will not end well for you. Better yet, just don’t do it! 

You’re Not Up for the Job 

If it’s not about your attitude, then it can be one of the following: 

• Poor performance.
  Who would want to keep an employee who continues to deliver poor performance? It is bad investment of time and money for the company. The company may give you a warning or a chance to work on it, but the company will eventually try to find someone better if you don’t improve.  
• You’re not the right fit for the job.
  Sometimes the wrong fit goes unnoticed in job interviews. If, after some time, they see that you can’t fit in the company’s corporate values or simply not who they’re looking for and that it is hindering in their productivity and targets, they may have no choice but to let you go.  
• Productivity is not one of your strengths. 
  Low productivity can cost the company time and money. When an employee misses a deadline, this can create backlogs and impact the company.  

What to Do After Being Fired? 

People get fired for different reasons. If you got fired from your job, there are chances that it will affect your future career. However, there are ways to spin it around, but that does not include telling an interviewer that you could not get along with your team. Saying something bad about your past company will not reflect on them but on you.  

Try the following scripts instead: 

• There was a new manager who would like to take the department in a different direction. 
• The company was cutting expenses, and unfortunately, I was one of the unlucky ones.  

• Because the new director brought their own people, it made my position redundant. 

Remember to add the following sentence too:  

“Still, it’s a learning experience for me. I learned a lot while I was working there. But now I am here – glad to have the opportunity to present myself. Here’s how I can be an asset to your company…” 

If you are not happy with your job, simply find a place where you can show your best potential. Our certified professional resume writers at Mystarresumes.com can help you get there, so that you can make the next opportunity and workplace a better experience.  

Success is no accident, says a famous quote. It indeed takes hard and smart efforts, dedication, and eagerness to learn to be successful in your career.  

If you haven’t found the ladder worth the climb yet, make sure to contact a certified professional resume writer to help you land your dream job. Here’s a list of things you need to avoid to ensure your career growth: 

1. Staying in the Office until Late to Get the Job Done.

So, you slept at 4 am just because you have to finish working on a presentation you need to submit the next day. Do you need to tell your boss and colleagues that to impress them? Besides, have you heard of work-life balance?  

Maybe your boss would appreciate that you burned the midnight oil to get a job done. However, wouldn’t he be more impressed if you submitted the work on time but still managed to go home on time?  

A good boss would be more impressed with an employee who knows what to prioritize, someone who can take time off to spend time with family, travel, or do other things for oneself that would make the employee more creative at work.  

Of course, you may work as long and much as you want, but you have to distinguish working smart from working hard. Choose the former!  

Working until late isn’t healthy either. If you find a boss who keeps you in the office, it’s time to find a better job! Update your resume through the help of a certified professional resume writer and land yourself a better job!   

2. Not Asking Questions During Meeting to Not Look Stupid

Because you want to appear smart, you’d rather keep the questions to yourself? Hold on. Asking questions does not necessarily mean you’re clueless or stupid.  

Asking questions means you take your job and the meeting seriously, and that you are attentive to the details. Most importantly, it means that you are aware that you don’t know everything, and yet, you’re willing to learn so you can do your job better.  

 
3. Avoiding Feedback.

We get it. You prefer compliments about your performance rather than criticisms.  

If you want to improve your performance, one of the best ways is to get constructive criticisms. Ask your boss or your colleagues how else can you improve.  

Here’s an example. If your boss says he’s impressed that 97% of your evaluations are satisfactory, you may, in return, ask if they have insights on why the 3% is not satisfied. You aim to grow, so focusing on what is lacking will benefit you more in the long run.  

4. Stealing Other People’s Credit.

You wouldn’t want other people stealing your credit, so why do it to others? The same thing goes if you’re taking the sole credit from a team’s effort. In the long run, your colleagues will not like you, and your boss would eventually find out.  

Meanwhile, if this ever happens to you, don’t leap to anger right away. Instead, ask questions to your colleague. Give him the benefit of the doubt. Nevertheless, it’s important to set boundaries, and you can do that by addressing the situation.  

5. Wasting Time on Social Media.

 Have you been spending so much time on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or any other forms of social media out there? Not only can it affect your productivity, but it can also annoy your boss.  

Wait until your lunch break to browse instead of scrolling down during working hours. You can only check on social media if it’s a part of your job duties.  

6. Overpromising at Work.

Maybe we have great intentions on why we’re doing this. Perhaps we want to please, or we overestimate our capabilities. Yes, it happens. And when it does, it can be stressful.  

Keep in mind that overpromising is dangerous. You’re giving false expectations, and if something goes wrong, you and your company would have to stand by it no matter what. If we can’t deliver, it depletes your credibility and will result in unhappy customers.  

So, don’t overpromise. Negotiate and instead, overdeliver. The latter will bring better satisfaction to your boss and your clients.  

7. Dwelling on Problems.

 It’s easy to dwell on problems at work, but that’s another way to spread negativity to yourself, which you’ll eventually bring home. Instead of dwelling on problems, why don’t you explore solutions? Or find an opportunity for growth.  

And if you can’t find one, then maybe it’s not a problem in the first place. For you to be successful at work, you have to be happy and positive about it. Ask yourself the purpose of your career, think about your goals, and work towards them.  

8. Agreeing with Everything.

This may prevent you from getting a promotion or a raise. Do you know that leaders would rather hear their employees voice their opinions?  

It does not mean you have to be argumentative all the time. There needs to be a strategy as you pushback with possible options. If it’s for the good of the organization, your superior will surely appreciate your suggestions.  

9. Complaining About Every Little Thing.

Believe it or not, this, like any other negativity in the office, can hurt your productivity too. You spend time wondering why the other department is getting better benefits. Or maybe why you didn’t get a cake for your birthday. Or perhaps your boss gives you another set of workloads again! 

Constant whining will take your focus away from the job at hand. Whining to yourself or your colleagues will not help the situation. That’s also seen as unprofessional.  

If you need something to change, say, for example, you have too much workload. It’s better to talk with your superiors. Stay positive and objective during the talk. Highlight that you are overwhelmed, and offer a suggestion to solve it.  

10. Accepting Toxicity. 

How do you know if your office environment is a toxic workplace? Too much office drama? Gossip at work? A tyrannical boss? You can’t grow your career in such a place! 

Accepting toxicity in your work would soon affect your personal life. It will leave you emotionally struggling, not recognizing who you are anymore.  

That’s a sign that you have to move on. If you want to be successful in your career, you need to know which door you should be knocking on. Find yourself a certified professional resume writer and get a job that also helps you succeed as a better individual in society. 

Avoid self-sabotaging with these tips, and everything else will follow. Good luck!