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Implementing Received Advice: For You, the Unwilling Career Counsel Recipient

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By Emily Armstrong-Jones  on Wednesday, July 26, 2023
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Emily Armstrong-Jones

Emily Armstrong-Jones is an expert in resume critiques, career advice, and recruiting. Emily was sought by Leet Resumes to continually research best industry and career product practices while holding our team accountable to the highest standards.

A witty guide on how to implement career advice while retaining your sanity. Learn how to evaluate, implement, and ignore advice with aplomb.

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Implementing Received Advice: Because Obviously, Everyone Knows Better Than You

Oh, you know exactly what I'm talking about. That part of your career journey where everyone – from your roommate to your postman – seems to have the ultimate career advice. And since you are the lucky recipient of all this wisdom, it becomes your royal duty to actually use it, right? So here is a helpful guide on how to implement received advice while keeping your sanity intact.

One person humorously contemplating a pile of advice notes2

1. 🎯 Take Every Piece of Advice with a Pinch (or Pound) of Salt

First off, let's clarify something. Not every given advice is a "golden nugget." Sometimes, it's more like a rock painted gold. So, take some time to evaluate the counsel you receive.

One person humorously contemplating a pile of advice notes3 Action Item: Implement a 48-hour cooling-off period for any new advice. Don't rush to integrate it into your work life immediately. Mellow on it and figure out if it could truly benefit your career or if you're just considering it because Aunt Martha was very convincing.

2. 🛠 Use Your References as Tools, Not Golden Statues

Yes, we all understand the importance of a great reference on a resume. But, can we all agree that a reference isn't, in fact, a magical ticket to job-land? No? Yeah, thought not.

Most of the time, a solid reference on a resume example can show an employer that you are respected and competent. But it does not erase the need for you to actually prove yourself.

Action Item: Spend less time fretting over that perfect reference and more time honing your skills, and proving your worth to potential employers. While you're at it, maybe work on that "soft skills list" shoved in some corner of your drawer too, huh?

3. 🏄‍♀️ Ride the Waves, but Don't Get Washed Away

All right, this is where things get tricky. You can't ignore all advice (although, believe me, I’ve been tempted), but you also can't go implementing each and every suggestion.

Action Item: Find your balance. Decide which advice aligns with your career goals and personal values. Then, filter out the noise. It's like cleaning your room, you never know what gem you might find amidst all that clutter.

4. 🥇 Remember, Not All Advice is Meant for You

And here comes the big one. Some advice, like jobs for teenagers, is just not for you. Don't get me wrong, that advice might be fantastic for a 16-year-old looking for a summer gig. But you, my career-driven adult friend, probably need to look elsewhere.

Action Item: Know your audience. When receiving advice, consider who it's coming from and whether it's applicable to you. If your barber starts discussing the intricacies of finance and you're a hairstylist, maybe take that advice with a grain of, no, a whole block of salt.

So there we have it, a guide to implementing received advice. Remember, everyone has an opinion, but that doesn't mean their opinions are the Holy Grail for your career. Now go forth, my career warriors, and conquer your careers with wit, wisdom, and a healthy dose of skepticism.

['Career', 'Advice', 'Workplace', 'Professional development']

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