Job hopping is a term that applies to professionals who frequently change jobs after a short period. This trend goes against the traditional workplace opinion that you should remain within a company for a minimum of two years to demonstrate your dependability and increase your professional development.
According to Forbes, job hoppers are mainly millennials, with over 22% leaving their positions before a year. The reason for this is not only because of the current labour market but because of a modern mindset which focuses more on achieving personal goals than settling down into a company for life.
The Advantages of Job Hopping
Moving jobs can be a great way for you to gain new skills and grow professionally. As you move around, you will need to adjust to new environments and learn different business strategies which will help increase your adaptability and innovative thinking.
This is an opportunity to widen your network by meeting new people and developing professional relationships.
You can snap up fresh opportunities and face exciting challenges you have never come across before.
The Disadvantages of Job Hopping
Whilst it’s becoming more accepted, there is still a stigma surrounding job hopping. Depending on the hiring manager and their professional values, a candidate whose CV shows a lot of movement could be interpreted as unreliable.
Jumping from one role to the other runs the risk of demonstrating previous job dissatisfaction. This could negatively impact your reputation as it shows employers you aren’t able to weather the storm when times get tough. By working through difficult circumstances, you demonstrate your resilience, determination, and willingness to face challenges.
Hiring a new employee can be time-consuming and costly. Not every company can afford to bring someone into their company who runs the risk of leaving after a short period. As a result, if your CV shows a trend of switching jobs, you may find that searching for a new role proves to be a little bit difficult and that you have to do more to prove your dependability.
From a mental health perspective, job hopping can be stressful. Frequently changing environments are tiring, especially when you have to constantly build relationships, settle into a new schedule and learn different business structures from scratch.
Why are People Job Hopping?
Salary: According to the Office for National Statistics, professionals who switch jobs are more likely to receive a higher wage increase than those who stick to their current roles.
Career advancement: Rather than waiting for a promotion, you can use your vast experience to quickly step up the career ladder.
Better work environment: Perhaps you are looking for a company that can offer you better benefits, a more attractive package and a work culture that fits you.
Learning opportunities: Changing jobs enables you to continue building on your knowledge. You can learn about different brands, products, and business structures which you can use to excel in your next role.
Freedom: You don’t have to be tied to a company and role for the rest of your working life. If you want to relocate and try something new, then you can!
How to Put a Positive Spin on Job Hopping
If your CV demonstrates a pattern of job hopping and you are attending interviews, the hiring manager will likely ask why you left your previous roles.
Here are a few ways you can put a positive spin on your answer without raising any red flags:
Be honest about why you left. However, try to paint your departure positively, rather than placing blame or accidentally making it sound like you are a difficult employee. For example, you could explain that you were unable to live out your true potential with your previous employers but that you believe this role can offer you exciting challenges and the opportunity to push yourself.
Emphasise that you have a diverse skill set, which you have picked up from working at different companies.
Explain that you have strong career goals and a clear mindset because your previous roles have helped you figure out what you want to pursue and achieve in your next position.
Make it clear that your various job experiences have made you a strong candidate because you can easily adapt to new situations and pick up tasks quickly. As a result, you will be a breeze to train. A manager’s dream!