I may have stayed too long.

16 Comments

1. Tracey MorrisNovember 15,2022 at 2:34PM UTC

   I would think for most hiring managers, this would be a very positive selling point for you. Your loyalty is an indicator that as long as you are provided opportunity for growth (like you were at your current organization) you will stick around. That stickiness is rare these days. I am much more likely to receive negative feedback when someone is perceived as a job hopper. As long as you have a reasonable explanation to the question "why leave now" -- that should not impact your ability to make a move.

2. AnonymousNovember 15,2022 at 3:30PM UTC

   I try to be as authentic as possible and tell them that I’m eager to work for a company or organization that has a history of continued success. My company is on the brinks of bankruptcy and I don’t want to lose my job due to finances. They can’t afford to pay me more and I (along with the rest of America) need to pay their rent.

3. AnonymousNovember 15,2022 at 2:46PM UTC

   I'm curious too about leaving now. Lots of companies are retrenching and lots of people, recruiters alike think that those left out, are somehow damaged. I like the comments others shared, you do have loyalty and if a company doesn't see that move to a company who will. Good luck!

4. AnonymousNovember 15,2022 at 3:31PM UTC

   Thanks so much. Good luck to you as well. I would love to stay but we just don’t know in which way the economy will turn. It’s risky and scary but we have to work.

5. AnonymousNovember 15,2022 at 3:24PM UTC

   If you're leaving because things suddenly aren't so great, I would tell recruiters that you're leaving for a new challenge to support your growth and development. It makes it about you without making it negative.

6. AnonymousNovember 15,2022 at 3:28PM UTC

   Inflation and the market are not keeping up with my salary. I’ve applied for every position that I can internally and I’ve asked my manager for a promotion but our company is still suffering from Covid and our budget is shot. They are recruiting externally but I haven’t been able to get an interview internally but I’ve had plenty of interviews externally but they all ask me why I’m leaving such a “good company”. I tell them to watch the news. It says more about our deficit than I can explain.

7. AnonymousNovember 15,2022 at 3:37PM UTC

   I totally get where you are coming from. I stayed with my company for ten years now and wonder if that hurts me on interviews as companies expect you to move every so many years. I've been looking mainly because of "diminishing returns"-i.e. pay isn't at all where it should be, benefits keep lessing, no growth.

8. AnonymousNovember 15,2022 at 3:42PM UTC

   Loyalty is not viewed to be as valuable as it once was. Newer and younger hiring managers often view tenure that is great that 5 years as somewhat stagnant abd something they can't understand.

   With that said, I would get too hung up on it. Looking for your next challenge is a nice answer to why you're looking. Obviously you've exhausted your growth opportunities.

9. Anne KrookNovember 15,2022 at 4:47PM UTC

   I don't think so; it just takes time to get hired. Employers are cautious about finding the right fit

10. AnonymousNovember 15,2022 at 6:14PM UTC

    Don't focus on remaining in place. Rather focus on your growth and the increasing titles you held.

11. AnonymousNovember 15,2022 at 9:44PM UTC

    You need to play up your skills, expertise and accomplishments and really downplay staying at one company for so long. You managed to learn all you could and grow. That's what you need to focus on.

12. Stephanie LekowskiNovember 16,2022 at 7:49PM UTC

    I understand, but what if the firm you're interviewing with is worried you'll a) not be able to adapt to their way of doing things, or b) leave them for the same reason(s) you're leaving your firm? How do you avoid the "You may be overqualified for this position" turndown, which is basically the "It's not you, it's me" of job interviews.

13. AnonymousNovember 16,2022 at 4:45PM UTC

    The fact that you are getting interviews is a great sign that your experience is valued. How are you positioning your desire to leave, and what is it that you want in a new company/role you want to join? I think this is just as important to prospective employers. It's a two way street, and smart employers understand that it is about what the company can do for you as much as what you can bring to the table.

14. Crystal HowellNovember 16,2022 at 8:21PM UTC

    You are not speaking to the right recruiters, you are pursuing other business interests. You probably can do your job in your sleep, and need a challenge. Tell them also, their is no more career growth, the President isn't leaving. (LOL)

15. Audrey KirschNovember 16,2022 at 10:01PM UTC

    It shouldn't as long as you are showing real interest in the positions you are applying for and a willingness to learn and grow even more. If you aren't displaying that, you may be perceived as someone who can't adapt or that you will have entrenched habits that won't work in the new environment.

16. AnonymousNovember 21,2022 at 10:20PM UTC

    I do not think it hurts. I like to see tenure at a company when I am recruiting for a role. I think the phrasing of why you are looking and what you want in your next role is important. I agree with the comments below.