Four Tips to Keep Frequent Moves from Hurting Your Career

If you have made a few career moves in a short period of time, then hiring managers may consider you a job hopper. You may already be aware that this label is usually not seen in a positive light. But once you rack up a certain amount of mileage on your resume at a variety of different roles, it can be difficult to portray yourself in a different way. Fear not! Here are four things you can do to beat the job hopper label and show hiring managers that you are their next MVP.

1. Make sure you are running toward something. One of the best reasons for job hopping is to blaze your own trail towards a unique, tailored-to-you career. Part of the beauty of the modern work economy is that it is easier for people to create their own career tracks. You can combine experience from different arenas as you journey toward your ultimate dream job. Sit down and think about that dream job and the goals you want and need to accomplish along the way. How have your previous positions helped you on that journey? How will your next role change put you a step closer to achieving those goals? Formulate your plan, then be ready and able to speak about it clearly and with enthusiasm with hiring managers.
2. Make sure you are not running away from things. Or, if you are running away from something in your past or current position, don’t make it the focus of your search or interview conversations. Doing so only puts you in a negative light and can come off looking like making excuses. Bad-mouthing or gossip will never help you get the next role. If you speak badly about a former employer to a hiring manager, they will wonder what you might say about them in the future. Keep it positive!
3. Make sure you have a full understanding of the opportunities that a particular position and organization can offer. Also make sure you fully grasp the responsibilities and scope of the duties and goals of both the position and organization. Do your homework with online research and don’t be afraid to ask questions during the interview and when you speak to HR managers or hiring managers.You can also connect with current and former employees on LinkedIn to get a deeper understanding. Doing your homework in these areas shows hiring managers that you hold a deep interest in their organization and the work required of the position, and that you are committed to the common goals.
4. Think about your life outside of work. What hobbies or interests do you have? If you can demonstrate that you are committed to a pet project or have developed an in-depth knowledge of and passion for a particular hobby, organizations may appreciate that passion and see that you are someone who holds to commitments. This may make you appealing as a worker, and hiring managers may be eager to put you on their teams.

 

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 well on your way to moving up your own career ladder and working towards the career goals of your dreams.

Have you moved through several roles in a short period of time? How have you explained this in job interviews? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

 

Hi, I am Mark. This is my bio. If you haven’t figured it out yet, I am using the first person for this bio. First person is hard because you have to illuminate your success without bragging. However, I am giving it a try. Forgive me if I brag too much or too little.

I like to make things better. StrengthsFinder says I am a Maximizer. They say a Maximizer should find a career where he/she is helping people succeed. I took that advice seriously. After selling my last company, I started TeamBuilder Search to help clients succeed by solving recruiting and staffing challenges while helping business professionals elevate their careers.

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