Talk Your Way Out of Being Flagged as "Job Hopper" (and not hired)

 The career-guidance industry, from its surge in influence and power during Baby Boomer times, frequently operates on fear: Don't do this if you want to succeed. Do that to ensure not being forced out. Stick with those fundamentals or else ...

Yet, there are no absolute job-search or career models. 

For example, some in the heady legal sector made it, as did Eric Holder, through the revolving door serving in government then joining at a high level an elite law firm. Others such as the long-time chair of Paul, Weiss Brad Karp stuck with one leadership role but continually rebranded himself and reset the organization. 

So, when the alarm is rung about "job hopping" as a detriment to being hired that shouldn't halt such a  strategy (or necessity). Although we boomers were hammered by the career experts not to have too many jobs we had to do just that to get ahead because of the enormous glut of talent. There were so many of us clogging the upward-mobility pipeline in any single corporation. We repackaged ourselves to a bigger job at another company. Also, that had been how to keep boosting compensation rather than hang in for puny raises. 

But here is a current reality: A survey found that 37% of hiring managers perceive negatively short stays at jobs. They tend to assume that the applicants also will plan a short stay with their organizations. Hiring is an expensive process.

So?

Just like every other variable in a job search that factor can be neutralized or even transformed into an asset. 

One financial communications expert I coached got around such a perception by calmly explaining the turbulence on Wall Street during the global downturn and for several years afterward. He came into interviews armed with the number of not only layoffs but executive oustings. His message was: I am looking for a home. In addition he pointed out his track record for sticking with one university for years and years as an adjunct professor. 

Other ways of talking your way out of being blown off as a job-hopper is to offer references from those positions and cite in detail the reasons for exiting. Needing more money is a valid justification. For instance, you had begun to form a family or became financially responsible for an aging or sick parent. Or, for personal reasons you had to relocate to another geographic area. It took a while to get professionally settled and build your networks. 

A string of jobs during this volatile era also can be a testament to survival: The narrative is that you are so in demand and so resilient that you have been able to land work, no matter what's happening with businesses. Your prepare all job search materials and present yourself in the interview from that postion of strength. 

At their best career experts can provide guidance. But the dynamics of getting hired, getting promoted and bouncing back after a setback such as a layoff, firing or scandal are idiosyncratic. Those who master that game usually understand public relations or image-management. That is rooted in storytelling. 

Takeaway: Get your story right.

In business and life you usually have only one shot at whatever. Up the odds of success with Jane Genova. I am an intuitive coach, tarot reader and content-creator. Complimentary consultation (please text/phone 203-468-8579 or email janegenova374@gmail.com)