“Stay loyal to your employer and they’ll stay loyal to you”

“Despite life-long loyalty to a company once being touted as the holy grail in career progression, this outdated advice should be taken with a grain of salt; it’s now equally important for candidates to know when it’s time for a new challenge,” says Jessica Timelin, senior director at Michael Page. “Some may be hesitant to explore new opportunities for fear of being labelled a ‘job-hopper’, but often a hiring manager will look favourably upon those who have proactively stepped outside of their comfort zone and expanded their skillset – with an important caveat. Frequently moving roles prematurely can raise some concerns, so it’s important to find the right time when you feel you’ve reached the goals you set for that particular role, or perhaps exhausted your opportunities within the company.

“When timed correctly, a job hop can build your experience, enhance your skills and create a more appealing CV for future employers. Just be sure that this next step aligns with your overall career goals as well.”

“Never say no to an opportunity”

“You don’t have to say yes to every new project, request or role,” says Lucy Bisset, director of Robert Walters North. “While it is important to be open to new opportunities, adopting a ‘yes’ attitude in every situation can quickly lead to burnout. Of course, you are expected to take on the things that fall under the normal remit of your role – but it’s a big career red flag if you are consistently having new things put on your to-do list without having a say in the matter. Remember, you are your greatest advocate, so if you feel like things are getting on top of you, speak to your line manager and don’t be afraid to push back.”

“Fake it till you make it”

“Worst advice ever,” says Charlie O’Brien, head of people at Breathe HR. “If you’re not open about what you do and don’t know, you’ll break trust with clients and colleagues – and trust is everything. Also, the likelihood is that eventually you’ll get found out, which will knock your confidence. Instead, I’d suggest clearly communicating what you’re good at and your aspirations for what you’d like to learn. This will lead to closer relationships with colleagues, more effective delegation and continuous learning for all. It will also empower colleagues to follow your lead in being honest and genuine at work.”

11 work experts on the ‘classic’ career advice you should always ignore