7 Career Regrets To Let Go Of In 2016

Everyone has regrets. Especially, when it comes to our careers. We all make mistakes we wish we could take back. We all have things we wish we could do over. Here are seven career regrets you need to let go of in 2016.

#1 - I blew the interview for my dream job. Here's the good news: there's more than one dream job out there. And, just because you didn't get the job that time, it doesn't mean things won't change at the company and you could get another shot. Read this article on what to do when you don't get the job.

#2 - I followed up too much with a recruiter about a job and now they won't respond to me. Recruiters get over 200+ applications per open position these days. You are competing against a lot of other job seekers. That's why many recruiters have a, "don't call us, we'll call you," mentality. The solution is to get savvy on how to make recruiters fall in love with you. Read this article to learn three things you can do to make that happen.

#3  - I didn't keep in touch with my network. Don't worry, your network was just as busy as you. The solution is to focus on consistency. Thanks to LinkedIn, you can network for 5-10 minutes each day. Just like brushing your teeth, if you make online networking part of your daily routine, you'll find it easier to keep up. Read this article to learn how to customize connection requests so you can increase the chances of people accepting your invite.

#4 - I put off updating my resume, can't find the file, and now I have to start all over. As much as I'd like to tell your resumes are dead and LinkedIn is the new resume (I can't wait for that day), the reality is you need one. Even if you aren't looking for a job, you just never know when your circumstances will change. If you do a quick internet search on "turn LinkedIn profile into resume," you'll find plenty of free and low-cost options to convert it into one for you. Problem solved. Also, read this article to learn how to avoid mistakes on your resume that make recruiters cringe.

#5 - I left a job on bad terms and now I don't have a reference. When you make a career mistake like this, the best thing to do is to own it. You need to map out what I call the, "Experience + Learn + Grow" story to explain what happened. Tell the truth and stick to the facts. Take the emotion out of what happened. Then, explain why you regret leaving on bad terms AND how it's taught you first-hand why you should never do it. Employers will appreciate your honesty and accountability. Read this article if you quit a job within a year and are struggling to explain why.

#6 - I wasted hours online applying to jobs and never heard back. You and millions of other job seeker made this error in 2015. It's time to stop the insanity. Your time is too precious to waste on the big black hole of job boards. Check out these *free* video tutorials to learn the new way to look for work that is more fun and effective.

#7 - I didn't build any new skills I can use to advance my career. Keeping skills fresh is vital to making sure you have what employers need. Thanks to online classes, like the ones at Lynda.com (now part of LinkedIn), you can work at your own pace and on your own schedule to gain new skills. Read this article if you want to know the 8 career moves you should master for 2016.

PS - How To Not Have The Same Regrets in 2017

Times have changed. We now live in a 'gig economy' where every job is temporary. Unfortunately, school teaches us everything except how to manage our careers. Especially, in times of change. Until now...

I invite you to join me in my 21-Day Career Challenge: Crossfit For Your Career.

[I explain why I built the challenge in this LinkedIn article.]

Stop making excuses and start focusing on taking full control of your professional future. As we say at CareerHMO:

Better Job. Better Career. Better Life.

Come see what the 21-Day Challenge can do for you. 

If you liked this article, you may also enjoy the following:

8 Career Moves You Should Master In 2016

5 Career Mistakes You Can't Afford To Make In 2016

A 6-Step Crash Course In Career Mastery