3 Traps to Avoid in Your Job Search

Job searching is rarely just about resumes and applications. It’s emotional. It’s personal. And when it stretches on longer than expected, it can start to wear on your confidence.

Rob Murphy knows that feeling firsthand. Before leading Vervic Human Capital Solutions, he went through a difficult job search himself—filled with urgency, frustration, and rejection. That experience shaped how he now helps others navigate their careers.

According to Rob, most job searches don’t fail because of effort. They fail because of three common traps that quietly derail momentum.

Trap #1: Bitterness

It’s easy to become cynical during a job search. Social media is full of posts about broken hiring systems, bad employers, and unfair processes—and a lot of it is relatable.

But bitterness doesn’t help you land your next role.

Hiring managers aren’t villains. They’re people under pressure to make the right decision, meet company expectations, and protect their own roles. When frustration spills into public spaces—especially LinkedIn—it can unintentionally signal negativity, even if the feelings are valid.

Rob’s advice is simple:

• Vent privately to people you trust

• Stay professional and thoughtful in public

• Focus on what you can control

A bitter job search is a miserable one—and it rarely produces good outcomes.

Trap #2: Misalignment

One of the most common frustrations Rob hears is, “I know I can do this, it’s just not on my resume.” While that may be true, the reality is harsh but important:

If it’s not on your resume, most employers won’t believe it.

Hiring decisions are based on proof, not potential—especially when applying online or through formal channels. That’s why networking is so critical. Conversations with people who already know and trust you are the only places where “I haven’t done this yet, but I can” actually works.

Without that context, employers are simply trying to match past experience to current needs. If you’re pursuing a role outside your resume history, you may need to accept entry-level treatment—even later in your career.

It’s not fair, but it is reality.

Trap #3: Casting Too Wide of a Net

Applying to hundreds—or thousands—of jobs feels productive, but it usually backfires.

Instead of chasing volume, Rob recommends focus:

• Identify 10–30 roles that truly fit your background

• Apply intentionally

• Follow up with real people

• Be old-school and professional

Once interviews begin, preparation still matters. Understanding the company, the role, and the people you’re meeting shows respect and builds confidence. While hiring has evolved, showing up prepared and polished still carries weight.

A Better Way Forward

A successful job search isn’t about anger, ego, or exhaustion. It’s about clarity, alignment, and intention.

By avoiding bitterness, aligning expectations with reality, and focusing your efforts where they matter most, you give yourself a far better chance of landing the right role—not just the next one.

If even one of these ideas helps you move forward, then this conversation has done its job.