Most people think they fail in their job search because they are not good enough. That is usually not true. Studies show that nearly one out of three people regret accepting a job within the first year. Not because they could not do the work, but because they rushed, ignored warning signs, or trusted promises that were never written down.
The job market is not fair, and it is not always honest. That is why there are rules. These rules are not intended to be negative or difficult. They are about protecting yourself.
If you are job hunting now or plan to in the future, these are the job search rules you should take into consideration.
Do Not Badmouth Your Current Employer
Do Not Lie on Your CV
Do Not Give Notice Without a Signed Offer Letter
Do Not Burn Bridges When You Resign
Do Not Disclose Your Current Salary
Do Not Apply for a Job Without Tailoring Your CV
Do Not Apply Without a Cover Letter
Do Not Leave An Interview Without Asking Questions
Do Not Trust Verbal Promises Not in Your Contract
Do Not Accept a Job With Constant "Urgent" Hiring
Do Not Skip Reading Your Employment Contract Thoroughly
Do Not Take a Job Just Because You're Desperate
Do Not Accept a Job Without a Clear Career Path
Do Not Dress Down for Any Interview
Do Not Accept Commission-only Pay Without Evidence of Others' Earnings
Do Not Leave a Job Without Another Unless Health or Well-being Is at Risk
Do Not Accept a Role Without Understanding the Probation Period
Do Not Sign a Non-Compete Without Legal Review
Do Not Take a Job Without Understanding Performance Metrics
Be Cautious With Counteroffer
1. Do Not Badmouth Your Current Employer
No matter how bad your job is, never speak badly about your employer in an interview. Complaining makes you look risky. Employers will think you might talk about them the same way one day. You can be honest without being negative. Instead of blaming people or the company, talk about wanting growth, better structure, or new challenges. Even if your boss was awful, keep it professional. The interviewer does not know your side of the story and will always judge how you speak, not just what you say.
2. Do Not Lie on Your CV
You will often hear people encourage you to lie on your CV. This is one of the fastest ways to ruin your chances. Even small lies can come back to hurt you. If you get hired and the truth comes out later, you can lose the job instantly. You do not need to lie to look good. Focus on what you actually did, what you learned, and what you can bring to the role.
View 10 Reasons Why Your CV Is Being Dumped
3. Do Not Give Notice Without a Signed Offer Letter
Never resign from your job just because a company says they want you. Until you have a signed offer letter, nothing is guaranteed. Verbal offers can be delayed, changed, or cancelled at the last minute. People lose jobs every year because they trusted a promise and quit too early. If they pressure you to resign without paperwork, that is a warning sign. Only give notice when everything is signed and confirmed.
4. Do Not Burn Bridges When You Resign
How you leave a job matters more than you think. People move around. Managers change companies. Colleagues become future bosses or clients. Burning bridges can come back to hurt you years later. Even if you are unhappy, keep things polite and professional. Say thank you. Do your handover properly. Avoid emotional messages or social media posts. You do not gain anything by leaving in a bad way. You do gain a good reference and a clean reputation. Leave with dignity. It costs you nothing and protects your future.
5. Do Not Disclose Your Current Salary
Disclosing your current salary can anchor negotiations to what you earn now rather than what the role is worth or what you bring to it. Employers may use this information to limit their offer, even if the position’s budget is higher. Instead, keep the focus on the role’s responsibilities, your market value, and your salary expectations or range.
View 10 Questions To Ask When Negotiating Salary
6. Do Not Apply for a Job Without Tailoring Your CV
By now, you should already know that employers spend only a few seconds scanning CVs they receive. If they do not quickly see what matches the role, they move on. Tailoring does not mean rewriting everything. It means adjusting your skills, wording, and experience to match the job description. A tailored CV shows effort and interest. It tells the employer you actually want this job, not just any job. A small change can make a big difference.
Use MyJobMag CV Pilot to Tailor Your CV to Any Job
7. Do Not Apply Without a Cover Letter
In 9 out of 10 instances, an application without a cover letter will not be opened. Note that a cover letter is your chance to explain things your CV cannot. It shows who you are, why you want the role, and why you are a good fit. Many candidates skip this, which makes yours stand out if it is done well. Keep it short and clear. Do not repeat your CV. Explain your motivation and what value you bring.
8. Do Not Leave An Interview Without Asking Questions
An interview is not just for them to check you. It is also for you to check them. If you do not ask questions, you miss important information about the role, the team, and the company culture. Good questions show you are interested and thinking seriously. They also protect you from surprises later.
9. Do Not Trust Verbal Promises Not in Your Contract
If it is not in writing, it does not exist. Employers can make promises about pay, promotion, bonuses, or flexible hours during interviews. Most of the time, these promises are forgotten or ignored once you start. Always get everything in your contract or an official offer letter. That is the only protection you have. Verbal promises feel good at the time, but they do not pay the bills or secure your future.
10. Be Cautious With Counteroffer
A counteroffer is when you resign and your employer suddenly offers you more money or better terms to make you stay. Sometimes, the intention could be good, but in most situations, it is usually a mistake. If they could pay you more today, they could have paid you more before you decided to leave. Most of the time, nothing actually changes except the promise. Once you hand in your notice, your employer knows you want to leave. Trust is damaged. They may keep you only long enough to find a replacement or until things calm down. Many people who accept counteroffers end up leaving anyway within a few months. Some are pushed out. Others realise the reasons they wanted to leave are still there.
Following these rules does not guarantee every job will be perfect, but it does keep you safe from common mistakes that can cost years of your career. A little patience and caution now can save a lot of stress later. Never rush, never settle, and never ignore the red flags. Your future self will thank you. Good luck with your job search.
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