Don’t Make These IT Career-Killer Mistakes

Working hard and playing by the rules isn’t enough if you want a successful IT career. You also have to know what career-killing mistakes to avoid.

For instance, there’s no rule against burning bridges with your former boss when you quit a job; however, doing so could come back to haunt you.

Take a look at the following ways to damage your career and take steps to avoid these career-killing mistakes.

Burning bridges

When something goes severely wrong with a work relationship or a project, it can be tempting to put people on blast, throw others under the bus and walk out in a blaze of glory. Doing that might feel good in the moment, but it could seriously damage an future relationship with these people and the company. This error is especially common among younger people just starting out on their career, who are more prone to underestimate the long-term impact burning a bridge will have.

While you might think that you can leave a burned bridge in the past, some hiring managers try to go around the references that candidate supply and check “back channel” sources when screening applicants.

Not recognizing a bad boss

Supervisors are there to support and encourage you, not look over your shoulder and wait for you to make a mistake so they can reprimand you. It’s crucial for IT professionals to notice when their boss is dragging them down so they can’t get out of the situation.

If your boss excludes you from important conversations, doesn’t pick you for projects or doesn’t bother to make a genuine, human connection with you – it might be time to start looking for a new job. Sticking it out with a bad boss can stunt your career growth or even give you crippling stress that affects your life outside the office.

Staying in a job too long

Missing out on a career opportunity can be just as bad as clinging to a job you’ve outgrown. Some people skip job opportunities out of concern they aren’t fully qualified.

Research shows women especially likely avoid a job for which they don’t feel fully qualified. According to a recent study, men often apply for a job when they only meet approximately 60 percent of a job’s qualifications, but women tend to apply when meeting 100 percent of requirements. However, employers will nearly always hire applicants with the proper blend of soft skills and intelligence over applicants who appear perfect on paper.

On the other side of the equation, too many people hold on to a bad job because they are hoping a raise or promotion is coming soon. However, studies also show remaining at one employer for too long can decrease your long-term financial and professional outlook.

Are you looking for the next step in your career?

At Software Management Consultants, every day we help job seekers take the next big step on their career path. If you’re currently looking to advance your career, explore these opportunities or contact us today.