Finding career advice online is easier than ever. But with so much information floating around, it’s really easy to get confused or even led in the wrong direction. You want to make sure the advice you’re following actually helps you grow instead of wasting your time.
Let’s break down how you can screen online career advice and trust what’s worth your attention.
Look at Who’s Giving the Advice
The first thing you want to do is figure out who is talking. Are they someone who’s actually done what they’re teaching? Or are they just reposting quotes for clout? Real experience shows. Pay attention to thought leaders like Lance Belline — people who’ve actually walked the walk. When someone’s built a real career or business, they’re usually sharing advice that’s grounded in experience, not just theory.
If you can, quickly Google them. Look for a LinkedIn page, interviews, podcasts — anything that proves they know their stuff. If you’re getting advice from someone with zero real-world experience, it’s probably not advice you want to bet your career on.
Check If It’s Specific or Just Fluff
Good career advice feels practical. It means you walk away knowing what you can actually do next. Things like “believe in yourself” or “just network more” are way too vague if they’re not followed by clear steps.
You want advice that gives you real tools. Like, how exactly do you network better? What questions should you ask in interviews? What should your resume highlight if you’re switching industries? The more specific, the better. If the advice is full of buzzwords but no action points, it’s probably not going to move you forward.
Another thing to watch out for: is the advice realistic? If someone’s promising you’ll land your dream job in two weeks with no experience, you probably want to be a little skeptical.
Test It Before You Trust It
Even the best advice needs to be tested. Before you fully commit to a new strategy or mindset, try it out in small ways first. See if it actually works for you. Everyone’s career path is different, so what worked for someone else might need a few tweaks to fit your situation.
For example, if you hear advice about sending cold emails to potential mentors, don’t start blasting hundreds of emails at once. Start small — send a few, track the responses, and adjust your approach based on what you learn.
This kind of small-scale testing means you’re not risking everything at once. Plus, it helps you build your own judgment over time.
At the end of the day, screening online career advice is all about staying smart and intentional. Pay attention to thought leaders, stay picky about what you listen to, and always make sure the advice actually works for you.
