Frequent job changes were once seen as a cause for concern on CVs - but is that still the case? If you’ve had multiple jobs in a short period of time then you may consider yourself to be a job hopper. But fear not, this may not negatively impact your job search.
There was a time when young adults would graduate from university, get a job and stay in that job for the next 20 years or even until retirement. Now, it’s much more common to stay in a role for only a few years, especially in a volatile job market. Because of this, it’s important you understand how to discuss your job changes when applying for jobs.
If hiring managers look at your CV and see that you’ve had six jobs in the past 5 years, they’re definitely going to ask about why you changed jobs so frequently. Don’t panic! Instead, show them that you’ve gained experience and diversified your knowledge from past roles. If you explain your job history in a positive way by framing it as an asset instead of a setback then it’s absolutely possible to use your job hopping to your advantage.
If you’re worried about how job hopping will affect your job search, here are some ways you can change your mindset and even use your experience to your advantage.
Revamp your CV
Use a format that focuses on skills, education and achievements rather than work experience, so you might choose a non-chronological resume format. Many CVs list jobs chronologically, but there may be better options if you’ve changed jobs frequently. There are lots of different templates online to help you get started so make sure you browse through some examples before making these changes.
Refine your cover letter
Where your CV is a great way to showcase your experience, use your cover letter to explain it. Don’t be afraid to address your job history in the cover letter attached to your resume. State why you left and describe your departure as a positive move, such as an attempt to grow your career or work at your dream company. Make sure your cover letter is tailored to the role and company that you’re applying to so the hiring manager knows you’re serious about working there.
Prepare yourself for interviews
Go into every call or interview with a company expecting to be asked about your experience in different roles. By considering ways to present your job hopping positively during an interview, you’re giving yourself the opportunity to highlight the benefits that your job changes have had on your career. Once you know what those benefits are, think about how you can explain how you’re going to apply them to the role you’re seeking.
Be honest
There’s no point in lying about job history. By presenting your history honestly, you’re showing hiring managers that you stand by the decisions you’ve made. This will show your dedication to advancing your career despite challenges you may have overcome along the way. Maybe you were pursuing your dream role or maybe the office environment wasn’t the right fit for you. Whatever the reason for changing jobs, it’s better to be transparent. Discussing your job changes with the hiring manager will stop them from making assumptions about your job hopping and allow them to express their concerns. Then, you can respond proactively by focusing on your other attributes. This is why it’s important to practice answering interview questions too!
Regardless of your work history or however many jobs you’ve had in the last three years, you can still progress in your career and land your dream job. It’s just a matter of learning how to use your experience to harness career opportunities.
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