A long time ago, it was expected that workers would begin
and end their professional careers with the same company. Jumping around from
job to job was rare, and often seen as disloyal.
Now, switching jobs every few years has become more common,
especially among millennials, employers are taking fewer objections to it, but
holding too many positions in too short a time will still raise a red flag for recruiters
and hiring managers.
Consistently switching jobs, especially
if every role is short in tenure — can be a red flag to many companies. But how much is too much? The answer varies
and primarily depends on the company, and many times on the personal views of
the recruiter and/or hiring manager.
Some employers may be understanding,
while others may question your ability to commit to a job for the longer
term. Human resources manager surveys
found that an average of five job changes in 10 years (or a new job every two
years) is the limit.
Generally, you want to avoid changing
jobs within the same year. As you get
further along in your career, anything less than two- to three-year stretches
can raise some level of concern with potential employers.
If you have multiple jobs in your employment
history, there are a few things to consider when you are updating your resume
and discussing your job history during an interview.
Here's how experts say you should
address frequent job changes on your resume.
Highlight your transferable
skills. If your job changes reflect career advancement or a continued
learning and skills development, a hiring manager will likely be receptive to
hearing about the diverse
skill set you've gained from your
experiences. "Employers like to see
evidence of professional growth on a candidate's resume. Where ever possible, highlight your career
progression, which will show and explain the purpose of your job changes.
Be honest about your reasons
for job hopping. If your
employment history is full of short tenures, hiring managers will likely want
to know why. An employer will be more understanding if circumstances were
beyond your control, such as downsizing or a spouse's relocation, but if you
chose to leave each time, you'll need to provide an honest, valid reason for
your frequent moves. Please remember the
importance of not getting defensive when you explain yourself — a potential
employer won't want to hear a laundry list of excuses.
Show that you want to commit to
this company. Every job candidate should be able
to discuss why he or she wants to work for a company, and this is especially
true if you have had multiple jobs in short periods of time. Potential employers want to be reassured that
they will not have to fill the position again within 6 months. Be prepared to explain what has changed since
your last job and how your skills and experience will make you a long term
asset to the company and position.
In order to get to the interview, your resume should
convince recruiters that you won't be a short-term investment. Here are a few tips on how to show, share and
reflect your various job changes and career moves on your resume.
Define
yourself in a summary statement. Having
a tailored summary statement at the top of your resume is an opportunity to
guide the recruiter through the document and influence how they interpret your
job changes.
Include
a summary of previous employment. Avoid
a bullet list of jobs on your resume by focusing on your three or four most
recent positions and creating a summary of previous employment section for
prior jobs.
Create
a connection between various jobs. Try to show progression and that you've taken
on increasing levels of responsibility with each job change. Forward-moving changes are considered more
favorable than lateral or backward career job changes.
Indicate
involuntary changes. Not all job hops are viewed negatively.
If your position changed as a result of a merger or acquisition or you are a
contract worker, explain it on your resume.
"Downsizing, mergers and acquisitions are so common these days and
it may look like people have job hopped and in many cases it's not their choice
If your employer underwent a merger or acquisition,
next to the company's current name, in brackets write "formerly ABC
Company" with the company's previous name – this will help explain the
change in employment. If you were a contract worker indicate that in your job
titles.
Try
a different version of your resume. If
a traditional chronological resume doesn't receive positive feedback or doesn’t
get you to the interview, try a different version of your resume where your
work history is secondary to your skills.
Under your heading and summary statement, choose four
or five responsibilities that you have excelled in and list accomplishments
from your past positions relating to those responsibilities. Under the list of
responsibilities, create a section listing each employer, title and start and
end dates.
Best of luck in your job search.
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