You’re ready to take the next step toward the job you’ve always wanted. Easier said than done! These four oopsies may be keeping you from your dream job.

Complaining

It’s tempting to vent job troubles to your coworkers or social-media friends, but is complaining going to improve your circumstances? Probably not. It might earn you a little sympathy, but in the wrong hands, complaints will damage your reputation. Instead of complaining, take a look at your goals and evaluate what needs to happen to reach them. What steps can you take to make things better?

Waiting for a raise or promotion

While merit increases are increasingly common, some companies still require you to sit down and (gulp) ask for what you want. Gather the info that supports your value add and then plead your case. The same goes for that next great promotion; if you’re looking to move up the ladder, make your goals known early. You may find support in your network, such as training, mentoring, or connections. You wouldn’t want to be passed over simply because you never said you wanted to promote!

Networking when you need something

The friend who only calls when they need help moving—don’t be that person who only reaches out when they need something. Keep regular tabs with people, build genuine relationships, and keep your LinkedIn profile active well before you’re ready to take the next step in your career. See how you can add value to other people’s lives before you start asking for favors.

Letting your resume stagnate

Most people wait to update their resumes until they need to look for a new job. This is a terrible idea. Worst-case scenario, what if you suddenly find yourself out of work? Even without doomsday, your resume is an ongoing snapshot of your career journey. What details will you remember about the last ten years if you don’t write them down at regular intervals? Even if you don’t formally rewrite your resume every three months, keep good notes on your key achievements, especially concrete figures.

The good news? Now that you’re aware of these silent saboteurs, they are easily remedied. You may find yourself one (or four!) steps closer to the job you’ve always wanted!