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How To Handle The Job Hopping Question
by Nathan Newberger
This http://www.WorkTree.com career article by Nathan Newberger gives you
some common sense advice and tips on answering questions regarding
job hopping.
The Career Landscape Has Changed
As the economy changes and pink slips pop up, the once optional
choice of changing jobs has become a mandatory step towards the top.
Times change: 15 years ago employers may have easily rejected a good
candidate who held five jobs in eight years. Today, in the wake of
company mergers, corporate acquisitions, dot.com shutdowns, mass
lay-offs and restructuring, hiring managers are more forgiving of
job hoppers. They are realizing it is more of the norm.
While today’s employers may be less weary of job changers than their
predecessors, some may still have misgivings. That is why you must
come prepared with confident, reassuring answers to tricky questions
like:
The Tough Interview Question: "Why have you switched jobs so often?"
What Is The Interviewer After?
When interviewers ask such an uncomfortable question, they are
usually looking or one of the following:
- A reason to choose you. Valid reason(s) for your jumping jobs.
- A reason to eliminate you from the selection process. Any red
flags that indicate you are the problem and will not last long at
the company.
Popular Reasons For Switching Jobs Often
To receive the employer’s approval and acceptance of your reasons for
changing careers, formulate an acceptable response to counter the job
hopping issue. Some popular reasons for switching jobs include:
- Taking care of domestic demands, death/extended illness in
immediate family, etc.
- Moving because of spouse’s job, desire to travel, climate, family,
etc.
- Continually seeking more satisfaction in the workplace
- Experiencing different jobs to determine where true interests lay
- Working in positions that were only temporary (internships, summer
jobs, campaign work, etc.)
- Wanting more responsibilities, more money, more respect, more
prestige, more flexibility, etc.
Be Honest With Your Answers
Don’t try to leave employment skeletons in your closet because sooner
or later, they will invariably come back to haunt you. Be bold. Take
full responsibility for whatever leaps you made in your professional
past and explain why you did what you did and how you’re a better
candidate because of such actions.
In your answer, try to:
- Tie Your Work Together.
If you worked in different capacities,
relate those duties to the position you’re applying for.
Answer Example:
"Since I
worked in public relations, marketing and promotions, my
communication skills continually improved in various mediums which
would aid your advertising firm."
- Explain Why This Time Will Be Different.
If you always had to
leave jobs because your husband was in the military, say how his
retiring will change your pattern. If you jumped whenever another
offer looked better, say how you have learned loyalty, stability and
commitment take precedence over money.
Answer Example:
"After I graduated from
college, I wanted to test my talents in many different fields but now
I know that my true passion is for architecture."
- Reveal How Your Checkered Career Path Can Benefit The Company.
List how your skills, experience and education improved in each of
your previous jobs and that such a varied background can bring a
fresh perspective to the current position.
Answer Example:
"Since the film and music industries are so closely related, I feel
my experience in the recording and commercial music business helped
me acquire unique contacts and skills that will improve your film
production company."
Conclusion
Each counter to the job hopping question will vary based upon
individuals and their unique experiences. Not everyone has a perfect
career history but that doesn't mean you are at a disadvantage. Use
the above tips to better handle this situation during your next
interview.
This article can be read online and shared with others directly at:
http://www.worktree.com/newsletter/job-hopping-question.html
Sincerely,
Nathan Newberger,
Managing Editor
http://www.WorkTree.com
"Helping You Find More Jobs Faster"
WorkTree Success Story
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I feel its really amazing!!!!....Geeta C., NJ
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About The Author
Nathan Newberger is the job and career expert at http://www.WorkTree.com Nathan has over 10 years
experience in staffing and human resources. He has worked both as a recruiter and career counselor.
Mr. Newberger has been the Managing Editor at http://www.WorkTree.com for the past 5 years and his
articles have helped thousands of job seekers.
Re-Print Guidelines
Permission is granted to reproduce any of these articles but the article content CANNOT be altered and credit must be
given to the author and also an active link to http://www.WorkTree.com.
As a courtesy, please email Nathan at support@worktree.com if you decide to use any of his articles.
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