Understand the Value of Skipped Jobs
Whether you have job hopped on purpose or due to life circumstances, it is important to understand the value behind each of your varied job experiences. Many employers understand that switching companies may be necessary in order to gain certain skills. Rather than jumping ship every time something interesting comes your way, reflect on the purpose behind each of your moves and understand how the skills and experiences you gained during the period can give you an advantage in a new job.
Explaining Job Hopping during an Interview
When asked about job hopping during an interview, it is a good idea to remain honest and provide factual explanations as to why you parted ways with previous employers. If a candidate has changes jobs more than five times in the past five years, they may be faced with questions regarding their job stability.
When faced with these questions, it is best to acknowledge the issue and explain the circumstances surrounding it. It is also critical to provide an unambiguous summary of the skills and experiences you have picked up along the way, stressing the unique advantages each job has offered.
It is best to avoid getting into detailed individual explanations for each job change. Instead, demonstrate to the interviewer how your previous job experiences have prepared you for the role you are being interviewed for.
Making the Most of Job Hopping
- Highlight your transferable skills. Not all jobs are the same, but it is likely that your previous experiences in the same field will have given you the opportunity to hone certain skills.
- Make use of industry insights. By job hopping, it is likely that you have had the chance to work with different clients and colleagues from the same field, giving you the perfect opportunity to gain valuable insights. Showcasing that you are aware of industry-wide trends can impress potential employers.
- Show ambition. It is no secret that job hopping has its risks, but this also tells potential employers that you actively seek out new challenges and opportunities, indicating you are ambitious, driven and eager to succeed.
By understanding the value of job hopping and demonstrating this in an interviewer, you can make the most of your varied job experiences and ensure they work in your favor.