How to avoid being seen as a "job hopper."

59 Comments

1. Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterOctober 20,2021 at 1:51PM UTC

   Yes - the "rules" around job longevity have changed and your work record is looked at differently, especially during COVID. Here's what I tell my clients: don't let it become a pattern. No worries with you leaving your first job after 13 months - this is very common right out of undergrad. Your challenge now is to take what you've learned about yourself (work preferences, corporate culture preferences, tasks, etc.) to inform your next career move.

   No one is expecting you to stay forever - just be more discriminating in your next move. Two years minimum is a good goal to aim for.

2. Meghan LeubeOctober 20,2021 at 2:01PM UTC

   I wouldn't worry too much about it, sounds like you entered the workforce right when COVID had a lot shut down so your options were likely more limited and you have now found something that is a better opportunity and are making a change for the better. I would try to focus on committing in the present to the new job no matter what your future plan is. Learn all you can in the new role.

3. AnonymousOctober 20,2021 at 2:10PM UTC

   I left my first job out of college after 4 months...and moved to my current company, where I have been for 13 years and counting. As other posters have said, just don't let changing jobs frequently become a pattern. Everyone ends up in a job that's a bad fit a time or two in their career. If the majority of your time is spent in consistency, you'll be fine. Given the current job market, now is the time to grab a "much better" (as you say) opportunity. If it'll give you additional peace of mind, schedule a quick chat with a career counselor from your school. They should have a pulse on the latest feelings on "job hopping" for recent grads in the broader job market.

4. AnonymousOctober 20,2021 at 3:01PM UTC

   Leaving your first job after 13 months for a better position isn't a red flag at all. Changing jobs every 6-12 months for a few years would be a red flag.

5. AnonymousOctober 20,2021 at 3:15PM UTC

   I've actually had kind of an opposite experience where my parents tell me I should start looking for a new job after 6 months. I think 13 months is good enough longevity at a first job if you find another opportunity and doesn't make you look like a job hopper. Now, if it were a few months or you've had a few jobs within a year.. then for sure you'd appear as a red flag. As far as asking how long you need to stay at the new job with plans for children in mind.. I think it's best to just cross that bridge when you get there since you already have a plan to make a switch.

6. AnonymousOctober 20,2021 at 11:01PM UTC

   13 months isn't a job hopper. You're young. You're allowed. Don't make it a habit.

7. Eva SteortzOctober 21,2021 at 3:27AM UTC

   Agreed. For recent graduates, this is not uncommon. Several 12-18 month stints may be a red flag but you are fine!

8. BeaBoss750792October 21,2021 at 2:49PM UTC

   My parents gave me similar advice about staying 2 years when I was early in my career. Frankly, it was terrible career advice.

   Your career will advance much further, much faster by “promoting” yourself. 13 months isn’t a short stint at all when you’re freshly out of college.

9. Erica MitchellOctober 21,2021 at 6:52PM UTC

   I know someone who switches jobs every 2-3 years in order to climb up the ladder and she's very successful. I don't recommend leaving after only 1 year however. Is this the first time you are leaving a job after 13 months? If so, don't sweat it.

10. Tara FirmanOctober 21,2021 at 10:51PM UTC

    I'm 47 yrs old & when I was 19 I was working at Busken Bakery as a closer 2-10 pm I was only there for 9 months. The reason I left is b/c I got spooked a guy came in saying he was going to take his life. I called the cops long story short. I thought if this has happened & I wok alone what else could come up? So I started to look for a job that was an office setting one. I worked there for 7 years as a Inside Sales rep. You just have to find a company/ job that you feel right working at & for. I put on my resume when asked I was looking for an office setting job, that's what worked for me. A job hopper is better than being fired then you go to another job & your fired etc. I think that's what a job hopper is.

11. KathrynOctober 22,2021 at 12:07PM UTC

    I activley hire one job for 9 month sthen to another raises zero flags especially for a newer Grad you have to find your place and you parents are holding on to old notions I have to change jobs often because I get my position eliminated a bunch do not worry about this change this is nothing now 10 years and you changed jobs every 9 months that is an issue but not this time

12. AnonymousOctober 22,2021 at 12:27PM UTC

    I wouldn’t worry about one job being 13 months. One job is not a pattern, as others have said.

    I also don’t think it’s as big a deal as it used to be, given this era of contract work. I spent 10 years going from one 6 month contract to the next. I’d finish a project, the client would have nothing else for me, and I’d move on. I could explain the many short jobs to an interviewer, and it was fine. Though I did have one hiring manager who was interviewing me for a 6 month contract ask me why I’d moved around so much. Um, because I’ve been successfully doing exactly what you’re interviewing me for.

    However, I would not mention your plan to start having children at any point in the hiring process.

13. AnonymousOctober 22,2021 at 12:28PM UTC

    Hi there, firstly, congratulations! It takes a lot of courage to leave a job for something better. You will probably continue to receive “mixed messages” on the subject. However, the key is how do you feel? Also, I speak from experience when I say in today's economy (and really since 2008) companies prefer candidates with diverse backgrounds. Staying at one company for too long can actually prove to be difficult ; if you someday wanted to do something completely different. Why? Possibly the company you may be applying to may be thinking, how will you adapt to the change? Culture? Will you constantly compare them to your old employer? It also doesn't help if you stay with a company 10 + years, but did not develop yourself professionally. Better yet, never took additional courses to stay current. I'm not saying the days of longevity on a job is outdated. Its just all about what works for the individual and where you see yourself. I graduated undergrad in the beginning of a recession, so I took what I could. When things open back up, I found a better opportunity. Do what makes you happy, but be strategic.
    Good Luck! Sincerely, a HR Professional

14. Thalia CharlesOctober 22,2021 at 12:29PM UTC

    This is archaic advice. Early in your career you should aim to stay at a job a couple of years, if it is providing the right training opportunities and advancement needed for your career aspiration. It is accepted that this generation is going to move around in order to advance and gain specific knowledge and training. We no longer live in a society in which people are going to work 1-2 jobs their entire career.

15. GirlBossanova934974October 22,2021 at 12:34PM UTC

    Being fresh out of college, you are not going to be tagged as a 'job hopper' if you leave your first job after a year. The Pandemic has changed a lot of business practices. Those changes will probably be reversed in the next year or so. However, you should look at this one job move as your "get out of jail, free card". No one is paying attention now. But I wouldn't make a habit of it going forward.

16. AnonymousOctober 22,2021 at 12:34PM UTC

    Leaving your first job out of college after 13 months is perfectly fine.

    Instead of looking at the timeframe, I would also ask why you are leaving. If you’re leaving because someone else will give you a better job - promotion, more money, better experience, etc. - then it’s really not a problem to leave after 13 months. You want to show that you make moves for personal and career development. If you’re just changing jobs laterally, I think the “job hopping” label is more likely to come up.

17. Carli GarciaOctober 22,2021 at 12:34PM UTC

    First of all, misery loves company. If you keep asking for advice on this one, you will never get a clear consensus. The fact is that times are changing. Past generations let fear be the deciding factor. It’s your life, and you are always the expert. Let your life plans guide you. That doesn’t mean there won’t be hiccups. But they’ll be yours and those are the best teachers. Anyone who tries to dissuade you is either coming from love or jealousy. You’ll know the difference. Good luck.

18. Megan RussellOctober 22,2021 at 12:41PM UTC

    I agree 100%. I left my first job out of college after 3 months for a temporary position because it was more aligned with my goals. That temp position led to a permanent position that changed the trajectory of my career. I like to live by the quote: "You are responsible for your own walk. Stop asking people for directions to places they’ve never been." Best of luck!

19. Lori Laurito BetzOctober 22,2021 at 1:09PM UTC

    “Stop asking people for directions to places they’ve never been”…I love this so much…the more I read it, the more profoundly it’s impacting me. Thank you for this.

20. Carli GarciaOctober 23,2021 at 2:55PM UTC

    That is my new favorite quote. Thanks for sharing!

21. AnonymousOctober 22,2021 at 12:40PM UTC

    Depends on the industry. I’ve worked at several schools and quit several schools after a year or 2. Very toxic places. As you can see by the constant stream of vacancies.

22. AnonymousOctober 22,2021 at 12:40PM UTC

    This is a great subject with varying opinions. I am in the nursing field and I can tell you that it may be different from a business field. The most important thing that I know that employers require is no gaps in employment. I have moved around a lot, but I have gained incredible experience. I do know that times are changing because my friend who is a higher up manager at Ford says that there is no loyalty with employees anymore, so I think the culture is changing. But I do remember very clearly when I was standing outside one of my favorite manager’s office, that she won’t hire job hoppers and she has been in her position for 25 years. So, I think you have to be careful and make sure that your employment is continuous with no gaps and that you are always learning, attending conferences, increasing your skill set. Best of luck to you. From what it sounds like, you are planning to start a family soon, don’t worry and live your best life! I do not live the normal 9-5pm job, but I am rare. I don’t mind change. I am very flexible, adaptable and learn quickly and get the job done well. I have been doing what I’m doing for 11 years. I do strongly believe that new grads should stay planted and learn their foundations. 12-18 months is good.

23. AnonymousOctober 22,2021 at 12:47PM UTC

    I left my first job out of college after a year and another job after a year after grad school, but it hasn't been an issue. And you already got another job which is the reason for the concern! I think, if you are planning to have kids in the next 3 years, if you can stay at this next job, that would be ideal if you need benefits/parental leave because some companies don't offer them if you are not there long enough.

24. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netOctober 22,2021 at 12:50PM UTC

    Given that we are so short of candidates in this market, it probably won't matter but if you continue this pattern of leaving after a year, companies will pass on you as you will be demonstrating that you can'[t stay one place longer than a year. Make your next decision carefully and plan to stay 2-3 years. I personally do not even call candidates who demonstrate on their resume that they have had 5 jobs in 5 years because I know my clients will not see them.
    Do not be bamboozled by all this rhetoric about toxic work environments, growth etc.--it highly impacts your future if you cannot demonstrate that you can commit to a job. No one is asking you to stay 10 years, but I expect to see at least 2-3 years of consistency.

25. AnonymousOctober 22,2021 at 12:50PM UTC

    It really depends on the industry as well. I I had transferred with the company to the US many years ago and about 7 years later I switched divisions within that company.
    1st division? 7 years with the same company? What is wrong with you, nobody else wants you (I never even tried outside my company).
    2nd division? 15+ years in total with the same company? I was the Newbie.

    What I am trying to say is that one job change will not be negative. There are so many other things going on in recruiters' minds (which I still don't get)... and especially in today's culture many companies don't even look for long-term employees, but a good short term fit.
    As they say, it's complicated.

    You are young and are still trying to find out what you really like and what you are good at. It is more important to leave in a professional way and not to burn bridges. It is amazing how many people who return to previous employees, they are valuable because they learned how other companies operate (referring to processes and culture, not trade secrets).
    If you keep hopping companies every year for the next 10 years, well, then that may look different.

    But never ever believe that companies care about you. You are paid to provide a service. Always make a decision on what is best for you in the long run. It may be staying, or it may be leaving. You don;t know what the future holds, and do not talk about your family plans to any employer.
    Companies lost employees' loyalties when they quit valuing experience.

26. AnonymousOctober 22,2021 at 12:52PM UTC

    Finding any job was difficult at the start of the pandemic. Congrats for finding one and even more for having confidence to know you are worth more.

27. AnonymousOctober 22,2021 at 12:54PM UTC

    Things are different for this generation. For instance, have you learned everything available in your current role at this company? If so, move one. Life is a journey where you acquire skills. Be able to show upward progression and talk about what you know or how you contributed to a previous company. Some people mistakenly think that titles get the job done. Not true!

28. AnonymousOctober 22,2021 at 12:58PM UTC

    Take the much better position. But give adequate notice and leave on the best of terms and keep in touch with them. Part as friends. You will come across people during your career again as coworkers and clients.
    While many companies consider your chronological history of where you drove to work and for how many years, months, and weeks, better quality employers will look at what you can offer and how in turn they can fairly compensate you. You have a long career ahead of you, and the less petty a company culture is the happier you will be. Good luck.

29. Karen GongawareOctober 22,2021 at 1:01PM UTC

    No. Job hopping is a term that employers coined in order to "shame" employees from leaving. You go where you will be happy and doing what you love. It is very Old School to think you have to stay in a job for 2 or more years, especially if it isn't what you want. Go ahead, live your life. Employers need to come into the 21st Century, not the 1800's.

30. Kelsey MagiltonOctober 22,2021 at 1:04PM UTC

    I wouldn’t worry too much about it seeing that it’s your first role out of college. Make sure you have an explanation on why you left this role (and future roles) since that almost always comes up in interviews.

    Staying at the same job for 20 years is a thing of the past. I’ve actually heard that when you’re in the same job for 4 years, your skills start to decline and you become less innovative. I don’t necessarily believe that, however, it’s worth considering as an opposing point of view.

    Best of luck in the new role!

31. Maggie StoneOctober 22,2021 at 1:10PM UTC

    Well, in the 21st-century, we no longer live in a world where people stay with one company or in one position for their entire careers. I believe that you’re only be perceived as a job hopper if it becomes a pattern, particularly if you stay in positions for less than a year. I think I think leaving this position after year can be easily explained by saying you found a better position. And I think you’ll be OK in general as long as you have a solid, logical explanation for why you are looking for a new job or leaving previous role. Sounds like your career is off to a good start. Best of luck.

32. Felicia EnuhaOctober 22,2021 at 1:22PM UTC

    I would take all of this advice with a grain of salt, why, because only one person asked you,"How do you feel?" My feedback, trust yourself. What does your gut instinct tell you? Not the fear, but what does your heart want. You can't lose. There are only wins and lessons in this journey called life. Don't make fear-based decisions. So in this case, don't stay at a job when you have a better opportunity because you are afraid of some illusion of penalty if you do what is right for you. At the end of the day, what is right for you may not be right for others. What is right for you may have been a bad thing for others. You have to live for you, taking the advice that is helpful and moving forward trusting yourself.

33. Joanna PoeOctober 22,2021 at 1:27PM UTC

    That is old-fashioned advice. These days, often the only way to get better benefits and a raise is to leave for greener pastures, so "hop" away. The key is to make sure that the fact it's a better position is reflected in the title and responsibilities you list on your resume.

34. FlossyOctober 22,2021 at 1:51PM UTC

    The first position will quickly drop off your resume. Don’t worry about it. In the meantime, you are showing growth on your experience, role, and compensation.

    Attitudes are changing on job hopping. Especially, if you have a career in a field that contract and freelance work is prevalent.

    Rather than time I would look at building out a network to be able to find freelance work. Take some smaller freelance projects to build a nest egg for when you do start a family. That extra money socketed away in an Roth IRA may translate into being comfortable later in life.

    Your career as it relates to life goals of being a parent is unique to you. Make decisions based on how it sets that up for success vs time in a seat. 6 months from now an opportunity that really supports your 3 year goal may present itself. Be open to the future.

35. CosmosMomOctober 22,2021 at 1:53PM UTC

    I think the only reason people used to stay at a company for a long time was for the pension. Those aren’t as common and it’s common to move to a new company for better opportunities. I’m late 40s and have had 8 employees since college- it has never hindered me.

36. M Elizabeth IngramOctober 22,2021 at 1:58PM UTC

    As a recent graduate, this is absolutely not be something you are concerned about. It definitely wouldn't impact my decision to hire someone as long as they can say why they are looking for a change. As people grow, they better know what they are looking for in work.
    If you're looking at moving to part-time in the next few years, you may want to evaluate the culture of any new company to see if they are open to part-time work or job shares. I wouldn't share that in an interview though.

37. Dr. Eva Gankiewicz MerkelOctober 22,2021 at 2:29PM UTC

    Concerns about candidates being job hoppers is becoming old school. We had to retrain our brains when looking at applicants most recently. The more "traditional" the setting, the more you will see the old mindset. Move on when the time is right for you and be open with sharing why with potential new employers.

38. Lora M. Del PageOctober 22,2021 at 3:54PM UTC

    I strongly agree with this.

39. Dcre1977October 22,2021 at 2:42PM UTC

    The best people to ask is decision makers in your field. In my field I wouldn't worry for a recent grad, but I know my job it takes at least a year to get your feet on the ground so I would doubt they were successfull if they left jobs frequently. I also am familiar enough with different companies to know why someone would leave a particular company.

40. KristenOctober 22,2021 at 2:43PM UTC

    It's becoming far more typical for people to move around. The thing to watch for with your resume is any type of discernable pattern with switching jobs - that could be a red flag. Also, just always be prepared to tell your story and you'll be fine!

41. AnonymousOctober 22,2021 at 3:23PM UTC

    It depends on your industry but I'd say stay at the next one for at least two years and no one will even notice.

42. AnonymousOctober 22,2021 at 3:40PM UTC

    It sounds like you already have another job lined up -- congrats! I recently left a job after only 6 months because of a better opportunity. You need to do what's best for you. If it ever comes up in future interviews, be honest about why you decided to move jobs (as long as you aren't talking bad about your former employer). As a former recruiter, I would say the topic most commonly comes up if the short period job was your most recent one and you're trying to find another job. As others have mentioned, once you've been in the workforce for a while, no one will notice. I've had older colleagues tell me that they even leave out short gigs off their resumes at their point in their career.

    I have had conversations with my parents about changing jobs too -- they worked in a completely different workforce era. Staying at one company from recent grad to retirement is no longer common.

43. Irish DryadOctober 22,2021 at 3:55PM UTC

    I am not sure honestly. On average I have been staying with the same company but taking new roles every year or so and for the most part I am able to find those roles. It is possible some positions bypass me for it but I have heard from hiring managers that it “appears I am talent and obviously multiple people saw me as promotable”. So personally within an organization I think it’s okay but definitely more worrisome if changing employers.

44. Vena MooreOctober 22,2021 at 4:50PM UTC

    My opinion is-do you.

    I'm Gen-X. When I was your age, job-hoppers were regarded negatively by employers as they were perceived as lacking focus and loyalty. However, during my working life, circumstances have forced me to reconsider that mindset. It's rare for anyone in my generation to stay with one company for their entire career. The longest tenure I've personally had with one company was 8 years. I've been with my current employer for 4 years. Over the last few decades, with mass layoffs, stagnant wages, increased contract work and now the gig economy, employers have not displayed any loyalty toward workers. For employers to expect any loyalty from workers is hypocritical when we know that our jobs can be eliminated at any time or we can be replaced at any time by younger workers or those overseas because older workers like myself are deemed too expensive. For most of my adult life, I've treated all the jobs I've had as temporary, even "permanent" ones with benefits.

    The negative view of job-hoppers is from a bygone era. If you've only been at your current position for a year but a better opportunity comes along, take it.

45. Kathleen FisherOctober 22,2021 at 5:00PM UTC

    As long as you already have a new position, I wouldn’t worry about it at all. Do some research on the parental leave benefits at the new company so you are prepared for their requirements. Be young, have fun, have babies and enjoy your life!

46. Andrea CreightonOctober 22,2021 at 5:45PM UTC

    As a younger millennial who was a supervisor, we don't care. Being a job hopper is only a negative if you're lateral hopping. If it's a better job or a promotion don't worry about it. It shows you've moved up quickly because you're good at what you do.

47. Renee Radcliff SinclairOctober 22,2021 at 5:46PM UTC

    "Job hopping" is not the deterrent it once was, especially in the tech industry, and especially if the opportunity is a step up in title and / or pay. Help your parents understand the new workplace. It's foreign to them...I get it.

48. AnonymousOctober 22,2021 at 6:27PM UTC

    Job hopping is seen as a good thing, especially in the IT industry, because of the experience you bring, even if it is only 12 months. I spent 10 years in 1 firm thinking I will get carrots and rewards for being loyal and doing projects that matter. When nothing was happening, no promotions, rewards, I finally left for the same exact project manager position in another company and I ended up getting about a 40% raise! I should of left earlier, I had no idea I wasn’t getting paid the market rate! Plus now I do see people come and go, some are here 6-12 months, most leave by 18-24 months, that’s today’s career progression. Good luck!

49. Joanne RosenOctober 22,2021 at 6:57PM UTC

    I write resumes for a living. As long as the titles show an upward trajectory, it's not a problem. However, if you are jumping from one "Sales Associate" position to another one, then it's a red flag.

    Employers want to see that you are working towards your future and willing to do what is necessary. That said, try to keep this one for at least 2 years. Companies don't want to waste money training you so you will go elsewhere.

    Cheers
    Joanne Rosen
    Career Coach

50. Barbara NegronOctober 22,2021 at 7:10PM UTC

    When I look at resumes currently and I see that they have changed jobs consistently I tend to review the job functions to see if there is progression of growth. If there are many jumps but the candidate has all the qualifications needed I flesh it out at the interview. I would recommend you be prepared to speak to the jumps in position.

51. Daniel LuechtefeldOctober 22,2021 at 7:27PM UTC

    Your parents are giving you outdated advice. 18 months is the target, but I think you'll be fine with 13 months given that it's only your second job out of college. Try to stick this next one out until you need to scale back for family.

52. Tami L CannizzaroOctober 22,2021 at 9:15PM UTC

    What's normal anymore, really? I think it depends on the company/industry a bit. Like others have said, IT doesn't care as much about tenure. In other more traditional fields (for lack of better word) 2 - even 3 - years is good, if for no other reason they like to see return on their investment. Also to see what an employee can do over time vs. simply continuing a project someone else started/built. Agree that simply moving without showing upward mobility is considered "hopping" vs. moving with a strategy/purpose. As long as you can justify your moving strategy, it shouldn't be an issue.

53. Christina MintonOctober 22,2021 at 9:23PM UTC

    Being someone who had 4 jobs within the first 4 years out of school, it really depends on the company. I can say with 100% certainty you'll get 5x as many questions about why you left your previous job(s) and why you're looking to leave your current one so soon, but as long as you have good reasons (not "my boss sucked" or "they wanted me to work overtime") it's still perfectly possible to get a good job after that. Also if you have legit accomplishments and such from each one, and it doesn't look like you were just coasting to bide your time till something better came along. I've been at my current company for 4 years now and I can say the job hunt responses are much quicker and more accepting than they were when I was still a 'hopper' but it's still possible.

54. Rika M PhippsOctober 23,2021 at 2:11AM UTC

    Being that you're a recent grad who successfully landed that 1st job out of college, if this is the time to move forward to up your career, go for it! You got this, and go chase your goals!

55. Connie HymanOctober 23,2021 at 3:27AM UTC

    It somewhat depends on your industry. Your parents' concerns are outdated for the most part.

    13 months is sufficient for a first job. You might not want to move companies every 13 months, but you will be perfectly fine.

    It should not be a red flag, and if anyone questions you pointedly about it in an interview, simply say that you were looking for increasingly challenging positions with more responsibility.

    Today's companies will exploit and fire employees without a second thought. Loyalty should go both ways.

56. AnonymousOctober 23,2021 at 4:54AM UTC

    It depends on the career field. As I have gotten older and wiser, I always keep options open and if I can better myself and make more, why not?

57. JOctober 23,2021 at 1:01PM UTC

    If you’ve already found another job, you must not look like a job hopper YET. However if this new role doesn’t work out, you may start looking like a job hopper.

    If each new role is a clear advancement for you, it’s not hopping, it’s moving up, and no HM with sense would fault you for it.

58. AnonymousOctober 23,2021 at 7:30PM UTC

    You graduated in 2020. It is too soon to be seen as a job hopper. You should have some freedom to figure out what it is you want from a career path. It’s probably better you are doing so now than later.

59. Eloisa JacintoOctober 25,2021 at 11:32PM UTC

    There is no hard and fast rule on how long one should stay in a company since there are a lot of factors at play with staying in or leaving e.g., alignment of values, changing priorities, opportunities for growth, etc. Since this is your first job and you are still testing the waters so to speak, there is no reason to conclude you are a job hopper.
    Future moves, however, should be meaningful especially if they will promote your professional or personal growth and not just an opportunity to get more money.