Job hopping is a term used to describe when someone is only at a company for a short amount of time before changing jobs. Some of the most common reasons people job hop include better pay for a similar role, dissatisfaction with the office culture or your manager, poor work-life balance, and lack of growth opportunities. In an article on Forbes they point out that younger employees such as Gen Z and millennials are more likely to job hop since they don’t want to settle for a role, and that “until employees get their needs met, job hopping will continue for the foreseeable future.” In today’s blog, we’ll look at ways to handle explaining job hopping to potential employers.
Be Honest and Present it in a Positive Light
In an article in Harvard Business Review, they write, “If you’re one of the many job hoppers struggling to explain the multiple roles you’ve held in the past, there are a few ways to approach this predicament. Should a potential employer ask about the “job hopping” areas of your resume, try to think of it as an opportunity. It’s a chance to help your interviewer better understand your motivations while highlighting what you’re looking for long term. If the job is a good fit, the hiring manager will likely be interested in what you have to say — a 2023 Learning Workplace Report from LinkedIn revealed that 93% of organizations are concerned about employee retention.” Instead of projecting the job hopping negatively, focus on the positives. In an article on Indeed they write, “During the interview phase, continue to present your job hopping positively. For example, instead of implying that you get bored easily, explain that your job hopping means you’re always seeking a new challenge. Clarify that you want a role that challenges you and you believe the position you are applying for suits your desire. It may also be beneficial to say each of your jobs helped you determine what your interests are to best identify your ideal job.”
Focus on the Role at Hand
When interviewing, it’s a good idea to express your excitement and interest in the role and why you would be the perfect candidate for the position. Perhaps the roles you’ve had up until now have led you to learn what you like/dislike and have all provided unique skills and experience. Explain how everything you’ve done up until this point makes this the right fit. In an article by Society for Human Resource Management they write, “If you have some job hopping on your resume, it’s not only important to clearly explain why those jobs didn’t work out, you also have to assure the interviewer that you believe the position you’re applying for will be a good long-term fit. Sit down with a pen and paper before going into the interview and write down what you want at your next job—it could be the flexibility to work remotely, professional development opportunities, or working for a company that is making a positive impact. Research the company and position to make sure they align with your career goals. Sharing this with the interviewer will signal that you are serious about this being the right job for you, rather than just another in a long line of positions.”