Workplace Etiquette: Job Mistakes to Avoid in 2025

As 2025 approaches, the stakes for your professional reputation have never been higher. A casual comment on social media can spiral into workplace chaos, while an innocent remark about politics can ignite tension among colleagues. In a world where mistakes echo louder and rumors spread faster, the chances of stumbling in workplace etiquette are everywhere.

Mistakes Made Before Landing the Job

Talking negatively about previous employers

Regardless of what led to your frustrations, avoid criticizing your former employer. Maintain neutrality and professionalism before and when you land a job. Although it might be tempting to post a video on TikTok about your boss's mistakes or share a hurtful story on Instagram, remember that you might harm yourself. You never know how your post will be perceived or what narrative will be built around it. Following your online activity, a potential employer might reconsider your candidacy.

Resume mistakes

Writing a resume can feel like a story of never-ending pitfalls. In addition to obvious stylistic and grammatical errors, there are other mistakes that undermine your chances.

Don't:

• List irrelevant skills.
• Never use one generic resume template sent to all employers.
• Create too complicated and creative design or layout.
• Include meaningless descriptions with no data/metrics.
• Include anything confidential.

Do:

• Optimize your file for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• Highlight practical experience more than education.
• Quantify achievements.
• Include a QR code that links to your online portfolio, LinkedIn profile, or relevant projects.
• Use AI wisely.

Cover letter mistakes

Do not repeat resume mistakes. Except that, be aware not to:

• repeat your resume,
• use inappropriate tone,
• fail to follow the instructions if they are provided,
• ignore job descriptions,
• forget the strong opening,
• discuss remuneration,
• go off-topic.

Lying or exaggerating

Lying or exaggerating your skills, experience, knowledge, or obtained certifications is entirely unacceptable. Remember, lies have short legs, and the truth will undoubtedly come to light during phone interviews, online meetings, or even after you’ve been hired.

Mistakes at Work

Sharing inappropriate content online

In today's digital world, where the lines between personal and professional life are blurred, it's worth considering what signals you send through your online activity. Whether you want it or not, social media is your business card. Even if they are maintained solely for personal purposes, each publication, comment, or interaction can influence how potential employers perceive you.

Making dramas or sharing negativity, publishing offensive memes, discriminatory comments, inappropriate photos, strong political statements, jokes, oversharing privacy, and more can significantly influence your professional image.

Talking about politics

Sometimes, discussing political issues at work is a bad idea, especially when your opinions differ drastically from those of your colleagues or employer. Such conversations create tension and discomfort, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts that may undermine teamwork and collaboration. In fact, 89% of respondents to a recent MyPerfectResume study say that employers should limit or discourage political discussions in the workplace.

• For 80%, political neutrality in the workplace is important to their job satisfaction.
• 82% of respondents regretted engaging in such discussions.
• 73% of respondents admitted they have witnessed concerning situations arising from political discussions at work, including arguments (47%), favoritism (44%), or bullying (36%).

Forcing people to guess

Never force coworkers to guess what you mean or read between the lines. An indirect communication style can lead to misunderstandings, confusion, and frustration among team members. Even more significant consequences arise when individuals act on false assumptions, leading to tasks being carried out incorrectly. When discussing a challenging topic, prioritize clarity in your communication. If you're unsure about something, don't hesitate to seek clarification to avoid any misunderstandings.

Talking about kids

While sharing personal anecdotes can foster connections, it can also lead to disengagement among those who may not relate. Moreover, conversations about children can unintentionally alienate or exclude those who do not have kids. And while it may not seem obvious, asking someone why they don't have children can be offensive and intrusive. This question touches on deeply personal and sensitive issues, including individual choices, health concerns, or circumstances that others may not feel comfortable sharing.

Engaging in an office romance

The heart wants what it wants, but engaging in an office romance can damage reputation, cause job losses, lead to accusations of favoritism, and more.

Workplace romance is still quite common, despite the risks involved. According to Zety’s survey, 80% of employees report having experienced a romantic relationship at work. Meanwhile, 57% would rather give up their jobs than lose workplace romance.

It’s essential to consider that office romance may be reported as harassment. As revealed by the ResumeNow study, 55% of all respondents said they’d been sexually harassed at work, while 67% had reported the behavior they’d experienced.

Forgetting that during work events, you’re still at work

Training, conferences, coffee breaks, business lunches, team-building meetings, company trips, or parties—all of these, when related to your employer, should be considered work events. Even if characterized by a more relaxed atmosphere, etiquette applies, including proper clothing and language, drinking responsibly, or avoiding discussing sensitive topics or gossiping.

Having private conversations at your desk

Discussing private issues with your colleague, distracting others with personal phone calls, and gossiping at your desk is unprofessional and violates unwritten workplace etiquette. You make those who overhear the conversation feel uncomfortable and draw unnecessary attention. While it's no crime to pick up a private call or exchange an update on personal lives, it's respectful to take the conversation away from your desk so no one can hear you.

Posting during business hours

Sharing Facebook posts, Instagram stories, or commenting on others' content during work hours is not a good idea. Your coworkers and, more importantly, your employer may notice your activity and consider your actions as a lack of focus, commitment to work tasks, and unproductiveness.

Key Takeaways: Understanding Unwritten Rules and Diverse Perspectives

The list of pitfalls at work, less or more harmful, can continue. We could add excessive complaining, ignoring office culture, cursing, bringing smelly food to the office, not crediting others when appropriate, and more. Some relate to performance and job duties, while others are defined by unwritten etiquette. While some are obvious, others may not be as clear to everyone. Given your colleagues' diverse personalities and backgrounds, what might seem harmless to you could be deeply offensive to someone else. It's important to reflect on your actions and consider the perspective of your co-workers to understand what might bother them.