Job hoppers - What do employers & recruiters think

There are many reasons why a candidate might have a long list of previous employers on their CV; relocations, redundancy’s or poor career choices.

It begs the question, what is actually classed as ‘job hopping’? Is it a new role every 6 months, every 12 months or even every 24 months? Employer opinions will differ greatly on this. As recruiters that deal with a vast range of candidates everyday. We asked our consultants for their advice to job hoppers and how the employers that we recruit for view this increasingly common habit; 1. "If you’ve had a lot of jobs in the past, I would recommend turning this is into a positive by drawing upon the wide range of experience that you have gained in different environments. Some employers appreciate the adaptability of a job-hopper and recognise that the candidate should easily fit into different company structures, cultures and management styles". Rachel Williams 2. "Job-hopping is viewed differently depending on the industry. A lot of the candidates I deal with in Buying and Merchandising move to a new company for a more senior role after not very long, it is more than acceptable in this field. I would be more concerned about several sideways moves in quick succession, rather than evidence of clear progression". Tessa Woodhead 3. "If you’re a job hopper, be honest with recruiters on your reasons for leaving, it means we will be able to advise you better on current opportunities that you would be better suited to and makes sure you have more chance of staying in the position". Adena Romano 4. "As a recruiter I would have big concerns if a candidate had changed jobs every 2 years or less. I’d want to explore their reasons in detail. If a candidate has job hopped for progression, then this needs to be clearly visible by how they put their CV together". Gary Robsinson 5. "For an interim candidate wishing to move in a permanent role - a series of short term contracts might be viewed as ‘job hopping’ but if there is a valid reason for the various contracts and the candidates’ motives for now moving in to a permanent role are clear then it should be viewed positively. This type of candidate will be able to hit the ground running, assimilating new information quickly and bringing new ideas about best practices to the table". Aimee Gleave 6. "It depends completely on the employer. I’ve dealt with employers in the past that that are really hung up on people who have moved every couple of years, some won’t interview candidates who’ve done this. However, some clients aren’t bothered, if they are clearly a good candidate on paper then the employer is likely to meet them and talk in person about the reasons why they have moved on and make up their own minds on them". Dan Bevan 7. "Candidates should consider staying in a role for 12 months. If a candidate has positions on their CV that they were in for less than a year, they should include the honest reason for leaving, mainly to ease the minds of prospective employers that they won’t be moving on quickly!" Rosie Williamson 8. "Job hopping does raise questions in the mind of an employer. It can suggest that you’re a quitter and the likelihood is that the employer is looking for someone who will be loyal. Make sure that roles you apply for in the future are definitely suited to you so that you can prove that you will be committed". Matt Owen If you’re making a career move, be sure to identify the definite benefits, experience and new skills that you will get out of it. A candidate that has learnt something significant from a role can at least defend their time spent in the job, no matter how long it was for. If you would like some advice on moving forward in career, or are looking for your next role, contact one of our experts today on 0161 825 0825 or visit https://www.castuk.com/about-us/meet-the-team