If you\u2019re a job hopper, the interview question, “Why have you changed jobs so frequently?” may require a strategic response.<\/p>
Before we get there, let’s discuss the obvious question…<\/p>
Job-hopping is loosely defined as changing jobs more often than every two years. The idea of job-hopping is not as bad now as it was 20 years ago.<\/p>
So, there is hope as you respond to this interview question.<\/p>
Still, answering, “Why have you changed jobs so frequently?” might require some preparation on your part.<\/p>
You might already assume that job-hopping is on the increase.<\/p>
Indeed, it is, with the majority of millennials believing that changing jobs can help to benefit their career.1<\/sup><\/a><\/p> This doesn’t make the question any easier to answer in an interview, however.<\/p> Loyalty is still very important to employers even if you have not yet found the right \u201cfit.\u201d<\/strong><\/p> In our current economic climate, job-hopping has grown more common.<\/p> Here are some common reasons a person might change jobs after a short time:<\/strong><\/p> Some of the above reasons would clearly be outside of your control (1 – 4) whereas others fall into the realm of personal decisions (5 & 6).<\/p> Whether your decision to frequently change jobs is due to unforeseeable circumstances or your own choices, here’s what you can (and should!) do:<\/p> Focus on the positive aspects of job-hopping in your response.<\/strong><\/p> By following the below guidelines, you can answer this interview question with confidence.<\/p> First of all, if you have been laid off, this is not technically job-hopping.<\/p> Job hopping is quitting positions voluntarily<\/strong> to pursue other options.<\/p> The problem with frequent voluntary job-switching is this:<\/strong><\/p> This is a red flag to a hiring manager.<\/p> It can demonstrate a lack of satisfaction with any position you hold.<\/p> This is why, regardless of what you have done in the past, you should build your response around factors you could not control.<\/p> Now, we are not saying to lie.<\/p> Work situations have many factors outside your control that can affect you.<\/p> Focus your response on these factors.<\/p> This is assuming that you have held each job for more than a couple of months.<\/p> If you have changed jobs more frequently than that, you might have some explaining to do!<\/p>Possible Reasons for Frequent Job Changes<\/h2>
Highlight Reasons Outside of Your Control<\/h2>