There are plenty of reasons why you might have been a job hopper in the past. Although in our parents’ day it was considered normal to stay in one role for 10 years or more, millennials are used to a more flexible lifestyle, and that extends to their employment. Long-distancing commuting, working abroad, and a large job market has made it easier for employees to change jobs more often.
The term job hopper is generally applied to an employee who hasn’t stayed in previous roles for longer than two years. Employers may see this as a negative – it appears that employees are not committed, get bored, or are unable to cope with the responsibilities.
However, there can be positives to job hopping too. Increased work experience in different roles and organisations, a large network of connections, the ability to pick up on new challenges quickly and be adaptable. So, if you have a spread of job hopping on your CV, what can you do to make it past the initial selection process?
Make sure any gaps are filled in
If you do have gaps on your CV, make sure you briefly explain them. Were you on maternity leave, travelling, made redundant, or looking for another role? Don’t try to hide the gap; do try to turn it into a positive. Highlight skills you developed while travelling, or caring for a family, for example.
Be clear and honest about your reasons
You don’t have to explain in detail why you left another job, but do give an honest overview. If you are looking at a matter of months, most interviewers understand that finding another role may take some time.
If your gap is longer, then honesty is the best policy. Never lie about a gap or your time in a previous role, as there’s a strong chance your interviewer will call a previous employer for a reference and you will be found out.
Reassure employers about your intentions
You may have job hopped in the past, but that doesn’t mean it’s what you want now. So, take time to reassure potential employers that you are looking for somewhere long-lasting, and explain your reasons.
How to complete your CV
Remember that employers may be reading a large number of CVs for a position and they don’t want to read an essay. They simply won’t have time to read everything in detail. Keeping your CV clear and concise will be to your advantage. So, you may want to consider explaining your previous job hopping and your future plans in your cover letter or personal statement. This gives you more room to clarify your intentions and sound proactive.
Job hopping doesn’t have to be a negative
Care providers, particularly in remote locations, are always on the lookout for good quality staff. A well-written CV can be all you need to help potential employees overlook any job hopping, so don’t let worry put you off employing for roles. Just remember – emphasise the positive aspects of your career history and use your covering letter to explain any job hopping you’ve done in the past.
If you’re looking for a new role in health care, begin your search right here.