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{"id":2891,"date":"2017-01-13T00:34:58","date_gmt":"2017-01-13T00:34:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fmpblog-staging.findmyprofession.com\/career-advice\/why-have-you-changed-jobs-so-frequently\/"},"modified":"2023-01-16T05:04:48","modified_gmt":"2023-01-16T05:04:48","slug":"why-have-you-changed-jobs-so-frequently","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.findmyprofession.com\/career-advice\/why-have-you-changed-jobs-so-frequently\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Have You Changed Jobs So Frequently?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re a job hopper,&nbsp;the interview question, &#8220;Why have you changed jobs so frequently?&#8221; may require a strategic response.<\/p><p>Before we get there, let&#8217;s discuss the obvious question&#8230;<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Job-Hopping?<\/h2><p>Job-hopping is loosely defined as changing jobs more often than every two years. The idea of job-hopping&nbsp;is not as bad now as it was 20 years ago.<\/p><p>So, there is hope as you respond to this interview question.<\/p><p>Still, answering, &#8220;Why have you changed jobs so frequently?&#8221; might require some preparation on your part.<\/p><p>You might already assume that&nbsp;job-hopping is on the increase.<\/p><p>Indeed, it is, with the majority of millennials believing that changing jobs can help to benefit their career.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/better\/business\/job-hopping-rise-should-you-consider-switching-roles-make-more-ncna868641\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><sup>1<\/sup><\/a><\/p><p>This doesn&#8217;t make the question any easier to answer in an interview, however.<\/p><p><strong>Loyalty is still very important to employers even if you&nbsp;have not yet found the right \u201cfit.\u201d<\/strong><\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You need to convince a hiring manager that you can commit to their company.<\/li>\n\n<li>You can use job-hopping to your advantage while in the interview process.<\/li><\/ul><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Possible Reasons for Frequent Job Changes<\/h2><p>In our current economic climate, job-hopping has grown more common.<\/p><p><strong>Here are some common reasons a person might change jobs after a short time:<\/strong><\/p><ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Department-wide or company-wide layoffs<\/li>\n\n<li>Company restructuring, causing your position to become obsolete<\/li>\n\n<li>Facing a personal health problem<\/li>\n\n<li>Dealing with&nbsp;a time-consuming family situation<\/li>\n\n<li>The offer of a better position in another company<\/li>\n\n<li>Venturing out to start your own business<\/li><\/ol><p>Some of the above reasons would clearly be outside of your control (1 &#8211; 4) whereas others fall into the realm of personal decisions (5&nbsp;&amp; 6).<\/p><p>Whether your decision to frequently change jobs is due to unforeseeable circumstances or your own choices, here&#8217;s what you can (and should!) do:<\/p><p><strong>Focus on the positive aspects of job-hopping in your response.<\/strong><\/p><p>By following the below guidelines, you can answer this interview question with confidence.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Highlight Reasons Outside of Your Control<\/h2><p>First of all, if you have been laid off, this is not technically job-hopping.<\/p><p>Job hopping is quitting positions <strong>voluntarily<\/strong> to pursue other options.<\/p><p><strong>The problem with frequent voluntary job-switching is this:<\/strong><\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Many people&nbsp;chase a similar opportunity with a different company.<\/li>\n\n<li>This means they do not advance in either company.<\/li><\/ul><p>This is a red flag to a hiring manager.<\/p><p>It can demonstrate a lack of satisfaction with any position you hold.<\/p><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><p>Now, we are not saying to lie.<\/p><p>Work situations have many factors outside your control that can affect you.<\/p><p>Focus your response on these factors.<\/p><p>This is assuming that you have held each job for more than a couple of months.<\/p><p>If you have changed jobs more frequently than that, you might have some explaining to do!<\/p><p><em>(For more interview questions, check out our article on the <a href=\"https:\/\/staging.findmyprofession.comcareer-advice\/50-top-job-interview-questions-and-answers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">50 Top Interview Questions And Answers<\/a>.)<\/em><\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Show Growth in Each Position<\/h2><p>As you change jobs and gain experience, your responsibilities will grow as well.<\/p><p>At least, <em>ideally<\/em>!<\/p><p>If you cannot show that your skills have developed with each job, this interview question will be difficult to answer.<\/p><p>Talk about ways each position has caused growth and expanded your skills.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Try and relate specifics from each of your job titles.<\/li>\n\n<li>Use these examples to reiterate why you are the perfect fit for the position.<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Tips for recent graduates:<\/strong><\/p><p>If you are a new grad, job-hopping can mean you are looking for the right fit.<\/p><p>The problem is, as a recent graduate, you have no way of knowing for certain that the company you are applying for <em>is <\/em>the right fit for you.<\/p><p>But you can still respond confidently by stating that you are seeking a place to use your education and skills on a long-term basis.<\/p><p>If this opportunity does suit you well, you must be convincing as to why.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Also, if you find that you are constantly changing jobs, you should question your career path at some point.<\/li>\n\n<li>Ask yourself if the direction you are heading in is the right one for you.<\/li><\/ul><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Address Job-Hopping Positively<\/h2><p>If you are a chronic job-hopper, there is still hope!<\/p><p>When the hiring manager asks you, &#8220;Why have you changed jobs so frequently?&#8221; take a positive approach in your response.<\/p><p>Make note of your advantage in seeing multiple company cultures and operating styles.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>This experience can be helpful in a newer company.<\/li>\n\n<li>It can also assist a company looking for a facelift.<\/li><\/ul><p>Use the opportunity to change a negative on your resume into a positive for the company!<\/p><p>As you structure your answer, use the checklist below to assist you.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Do <em>not <\/em>show that you repeatedly left a similar position<\/h3><p>One example would be&nbsp;quitting one&nbsp;executive assistant position for another&#8230;and then another&#8230;and another.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>If this is the case, try changing the job titles.<\/li>\n\n<li>Include varying responsibilities for&nbsp;similar positions.<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Show advancement with each job change<\/h3><p>Include any additional responsibilities gained from company to company.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Consider <em>all <\/em>the skills you have acquired.<\/li>\n\n<li>Relate them to the requirements of the position you are applying for.<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Explain realistic reasons for leaving<\/h3><p>Have a story to back them up!<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The hiring manager will likely explore deeper.<\/li>\n\n<li>So, be prepared to go into detail.<\/li>\n\n<li>Lying will hurt your chances further, so don\u2019t stray from the truth.<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Show future dedication<\/h3><p>Verbalize that you are looking for the opportunity to put down your roots and commit long-term.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Explain why you hope this position is the end of your job-seeking endeavors.<\/li>\n\n<li>Prove to the hiring manager you&#8217;re not planning to jump ship next month.<\/li><\/ul><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Closing Thoughts<\/h2><p>Now, if you find that jobs in the industry you&#8217;re pursuing <em>never <\/em>seem to be&nbsp;the right fit, <em>consider a possible industry change<\/em>.<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Perhaps you&#8217;ve been trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.<\/li>\n\n<li>If this is the case, you might need to broaden your search field.<\/li><\/ul><p>Now that you have the keys to answering this tough question, work to build a positive and confident response.<\/p><p>Show that you understand your lack of commitment in the past.<\/p><p>This will show growth and maturity in your professional career.<\/p><p>Good luck as you continue on the path to finding your ideal career!<\/p><p>Once you know what path to take and would like assistance with the tasks of your job search, Find My Profession also offers a <a href=\"https:\/\/staging.findmyprofession.comreverse-recruiting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Reverse Recruiting service<\/a>&nbsp;that is focused on helping you find your dream job.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re a job hopper,&nbsp;the interview question, &#8220;Why have you changed jobs so frequently?&#8221; may require a strategic response. Before we get there, let&#8217;s discuss the obvious question&#8230; What Is Job-Hopping? Job-hopping is loosely defined as changing jobs more often than every two years. The idea of job-hopping&nbsp;is not as bad now as it was [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":35757,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"non-tsap-single.php","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[42],"author-detail":[52],"class_list":["post-2891","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-interview-questions-tips"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.findmyprofession.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2891","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.findmyprofession.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.findmyprofession.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.findmyprofession.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.findmyprofession.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2891"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/staging.findmyprofession.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2891\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.findmyprofession.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35757"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.findmyprofession.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2891"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.findmyprofession.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2891"},{"taxonomy":"author-detail","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.findmyprofession.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/author-detail?post=2891"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}