How to Spin Job Hopping as an Asset to Your Career

Job hopping, or frequently changing jobs, is often considered a red flag on your resume. However, the reality isn’t so black and white.

A recent Resume Genius survey shows that only half of hiring managers see frequent job hopping as a red flag.

This finding is encouraging for job seekers, who increasingly view job hopping as a valid way to advance their careers.

To make sure you’re going about job-hopping strategically, we’ve prepared a guide to help you frame switching jobs in a positive way:

Frame job hopping positively in an interview

Even if half of hiring managers won’t disqualify you based on job hopping alone, they still might ask about it in a job interview.

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Be prepared to explain why you changed jobs in a way that strengthens your chances of getting hired by following these tips:

1. Assess your work history

First, you should determine if your work history will be seen as job hopping.

The following is likely to be considered job hopping by employers:

• Staying at a job for less than six months
• Changing companies multiple times after less than a year
• Quitting your job at a company and returning to it later
• Not staying in any position for more than 18 months

2. Be honest about your job hopping

It’s important to be transparent about why you hopped jobs in your application because it highlights your integrity and self-awareness. You can do this through your resume, cover letters, and interviews.

Be prepared to answer questions about why you left one job for another, and why you only stayed in a previous role for a certain period of time.

Frame your reason for changing jobs in a positive light whenever possible. This way, employers will see your career moves as thoughtful and driven by a desire to improve and succeed.

3. Highlight your positive qualities

Hiring managers think that job-hoppers won’t stay at their company for very long.

So, if you’ve switched jobs frequently in the past, it’s important to explain that you’re dedicated and won’t jump ship by emphasizing your skills and what makes you a unique fit for the role.

Mention how you job hopped in the past to gain new experience and skills, and show how those roles prepared you to transition into a more stable position.

Here’s how you might positively express your reasons for job hopping in a cover letter:

Job hop responsibly

If you’re in the position to change jobs but are worried about how it will look on your resume in future interviews, here are some guidelines to help you job-hop responsibly.

1. Plan your transition strategically

Trevor Bogan, Regional Director at Top Employers Institute, points out that if you’re considering changing jobs, it’s important to consider both the timing and the reasons behind your decision. He says:

Job-hopping is still an acceptable practice and has increased significantly since the pandemic. The labor market has been very tight, candidates are looking to increase salaries to combat inflation, and people’s professional networks are so vast with social media that new opportunities can come to someone faster than ever.

Trevor Bogan, Regional Director at Top Employers Institute

Because new opportunities can arise quickly, job hopping may be a smart idea, especially if it leads to an immediate pay raise or a clear upward career move.

On the other hand, you should think twice about taking a similar position at a new company without a raise or promotion, because one or more instances of this kind of career sidestep on a resume signals instability to hiring managers.

2. Don’t burn bridges

When you’re considering switching jobs, it’s important to do it in a way that won’t cause problems or burn bridges with your current employer by:

• communicating openly
• providing notice
• helping with the transition
• staying professional

Discuss your career goals openly and clearly with your manager when planning to change jobs. Providing notice ahead of time will go a long way in maintaining your professional working relationship, and they may even make you a counter offer.

Aim to give two weeks’ notice when resigning. This will give your manager more time to find a replacement, during which you may be asked to train coworkers to do the work you currently do.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about job hopping:

1. What is job-hopping?

Job-hopping refers to staying at a position less than 1-2 years, as well as frequently changing jobs or companies. While some employers see it as a potential commitment issue, job-hopping can also be viewed as a way to build skills, gain varied experience, and advance your career.

2. Why do people job hop?

There are many reasons for job-hopping, including:

• leaving for a higher salary
• career advancement
• unhappiness or boredom with a job
• a more desirable opportunity suddenly coming up

3. What attitudes do employers have about job hopping?

Half of employers think that job-hopping is a red flag, and all of them will expect a candidate to have a reasonable explanation for instances of job-hopping in the past.

Recruiting costs companies time and money, so it makes more sense to retain employees whenever possible, which is why employers don’t want to hire people they think will just leave the company after a short period of time.

4. Is job-hopping bad?

Job-hopping is a common practice, and it’s not necessarily bad. It can be beneficial to the job-hopper if it results in higher pay or a career advancement. It’s often frowned upon by employers because it may suggest instability in a candidate, but it’s not bad.

About Resume Genius

Since 2009, Resume Genius and its resume builder software have been helping people from all backgrounds and experience levels land their next job faster.

Resume Genius also provides a wide range of free career resources, including customizable resume templates, resume examples for different industries, and resume writing guides, to help job seekers find fulfilling work and reach their career goals.

Resume Genius is led by a team of dedicated career advisors and HR experts and has been featured in The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, CNBC, and USA Today.

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