“Just apply to everything and see what sticks!” If only job searching were that simple. Bad advice is everywhere, and following the wrong tips can waste your time, frustrate recruiters, and even hurt your career. From blasting out a generic resume to applying for jobs you’re wildly unqualified for, some of the most common strategies job seekers hear can actually backfire. As WorkTogether celebrates 10 years of helping candidates land the right roles, our recruiters are sharing the worst advice they’ve encountered and what actually works in today’s competitive market.
“Apply to as many jobs as possible using the same generic resume”
Laura Sosa, Manager of Talent Services
This is incredibly counterproductive – employers can easily spot mass-distributed applications, and tailoring your application to each role is far more effective. When customizing your resume or cover letter, always double-check that you’ve addressed the correct company. A helpful tip: save each version with a filename that includes both your name and the company name. Generic resumes typically fail to highlight the specific skills relevant to each position, significantly reducing your chances of passing through ATS systems or catching a recruiter’s attention.
“Apply for jobs you know you’re not qualified for and shoot your shot”
Alina Mitchell, Senior Director of Talent Services
This piece of advice sets people up for disappointment, especially with how competitive the talent market is right now. It also leaves a bad impression on recruiters because it looks like you don’t understand the role or didn’t bother to read the JD they put together. Repeatedly applying for positions well beyond your qualifications can damage your reputation within specific companies or industries. Instead, focus on roles where you meet at least 70-80% of the requirements and use your cover letter to explain how your transferable skills can bridge any gaps.
“Use a fancy resume to stand out”
Cortney Battell, Director of Talent Services
While a well-designed resume can be beneficial, overly fancy or complicated designs often backfire. Complex formatting, unusual fonts, and excessive graphics can confuse applicant tracking systems, causing them to misread your qualifications. Recruiters typically spend just seconds scanning a resume initially – cluttered designs make it harder to quickly identify relevant experience. Opt for a clean, professional format that highlights key achievements and makes information easily scannable.
“Never accept the first offer”
Sarah Mueller, Managing Director of Talent Services
Asking for more compensation, either in salary amount or other “benefits” is great advice. But asking 20K or more for a 90K job may not be feasible for organizations. Blindly following the advice to always negotiate can backfire, especially if the initial offer is already at the top of the company’s budget. Most companies have limits on what they can offer. Know your worth and negotiate thoughtfully based on the specific situation, not arbitrary rules.
“Constantly switch jobs to chase a higher salary”
Vinh Hua, Senior Manager of Talent Services
It’s a great idea to switch jobs to increase your salary, but if you find a job that makes you feel fulfilled, there’s no need to abandon it. Excessive job-hopping can raise red flags for recruiters concerned about your loyalty and commitment. You also miss out on benefits that come with tenure – deeper industry knowledge, internal promotion opportunities, and meaningful professional relationships. Consider staying 2-4 years in roles that offer growth, only moving when your development stagnates.
