Portray Yourself in a Different Way
There are many reasons why frequent moves might appear on your resume. Once you rack up a certain amount of mileage on your resume at a variety of roles, it can be difficult to portray yourself differently. Being labeled a “job hopper” can hurt your career moving forward. Here are four tips to beat that label and keep frequent moves from hurting your career:
Tip 1.
In order to keep frequent moves from hurting your career, run toward something. One of the best reasons for job-hopping is to blaze your own trail towards a unique, tailored-to-you career. The modern work economy makes it easier for people to create their own career tracks. Combine experience from different arenas as you journey toward your ultimate dream job.
Sit down and think about that dream job. Determine the goals you want and need to accomplish. How have your previous roles helped you on that journey? How will your next role put you closer to achieving those goals? Formulate your plan. Then, be ready and able to speak about it with hiring managers.
Tip 2.
With this purpose in mind, the most important step in developing a unique career plan is found in Tip 2. In order to keep frequent moves from hurting your career, don’t run away from something. If you are running away from something in a past or current role, then don’t make it the focus of your career search or interview conversations. Doing so could be perceived negatively by hiring managers.
Bad-mouthing or gossiping will never help you get the next role. Don’t speak badly about a former employer to a hiring manager. The hiring manager will wonder what you might say about them in the future. For these reasons, keep your conversations and interviews positive.
Tip 3.
Ensure you have a full understanding of the career opportunities that a particular role and organization offer. Also, fully grasp the scope of the duties and goals of both the role and organization. Finally, assess the responsibilities of the role and organization.
Conduct thorough online research. Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask questions during interviews or when you speak with HR managers. You can also connect with current and former employees on LinkedIn. This shows hiring managers that you have a deep interest in their organization. Additionally, it demonstrates that you’re interested in the work required of the position. Above all, it shows that you are committed to the common goals.
Tip 4.
In order to keep frequent moves from hurting your career, emphasize your life outside of work. Firstly, think about your life outside of work. What hobbies or interests do you have? How did you commit to these? Also, for what length of time did you commit to these? Demonstrate that you committed to a pet project or have in-depth knowledge of and passion for a hobby. Organizations may appreciate that passion and conclude that you are someone who holds commitments.
Job-hopping shouldn’t be the only feature on your resume. If you make frequent moves, then be sure to emphasize other aspects of you. This may make you appealing as a worker. Hiring managers may be eager to put you on their teams.
Final Thoughts
The appearance of job-hopping can make it difficult to obtain that next role. However, if you focus on these four things, you will be on your way to moving up your own career ladder. These four tips are designed to help you work towards your unique career goals. In order to keep frequent moves from hurting your career, run towards something. In the same fashion, don’t run away from something. Then, demonstrate a complete understanding of the role and organization. Finally, emphasize your passion and commitment to things outside of work. Contact us for more career tips.
