Hello, I have had to change jobs more than I would have liked in the past three years.

13 Comments

1. AnonymousJune 15,2022 at 5:36PM UTC

   I leave positions every 2 to 5 years...averaging 3 years per position unless promoted out of a role.

   My career has prospered greatly due to this strategy compared to my peers. People who have hired me have confided in me that I am viewed as highly valued with cutting edge skills.

   Anymore, if you remain in a role more than 5 years you are not considered fresh, in demand or currently valuable. My latest hiring manager said that she views greater than 4 years in a role as someone she wonders why? Doesn't that person have anymore value.

2. Jennifer SmilnakJune 15,2022 at 7:01PM UTC

   Thank you!

3. AnonymousJune 18,2022 at 3:35PM UTC

   Such interesting feedback from your latest hiring manager. Would you be comfortable sharing which industry they are in? I totally agree with your strategy and advice - but my background is media and nonprofits. I’m curious if your hiring manager was speaking on behalf of a different sector.

4. AnonymousJune 18,2022 at 7:00PM UTC

   Entertainment.

5. AnonymousJune 18,2022 at 10:05PM UTC

   Thanks!

6. Julie HumbirdJune 15,2022 at 6:16PM UTC

   I had similar changes 2019-2022. I only applied to the best companies to work for in my field. Companies that were continuously referenced for positive culture and benefits. No one ever asked me why I was trying to work there. Everyone wants to work there.

7. Jennifer SmilnakJune 17,2022 at 7:01PM UTC

   Thank you

8. Crystal HowellJune 15,2022 at 6:24PM UTC

   Well, you could say the company sold in 2019, you were on the next job 2 years. In the latter part of 2021 Career Break was taken, until I could find my dream job.

9. Jennifer SmilnakJune 17,2022 at 7:01PM UTC

   Thank you

10. AnonymousJune 15,2022 at 8:43PM UTC

    If u left a company bc it sold, I would put went out of business to make it very clear that was out if your control.
    So now it looks more like you only voluntarily changed 2 jobs in 2 years. No that is not a big deal, because in life shit happens. For ex if you have 3-5yrs experience in an area you applied for and still have those short term switches the employer is more concerned about your overall experience and your ability to proficiently perform those skills.

    what you should focus more on is aggressively applying for the type of job you do want. Write down your short term and long term goals and apply for jobs aligned with things you like or love to do.

    make sure your resume and cover letter matches and show direct linkages to critical key words in the job duties so you make it past the software that weeds people out before a hiring mgr even sees your package. Provide plenty of examples of how you saved the day or caused positive shifts at your job.

    interview your job environment. Write a list of interview questions to ask the interview panel. But do so in a covert way, ask questions that will give insight to the day to day activities. To get a better sense of the environment ask you can do a walk around and have a sit down with a current employee and pick their brain about their day to day activities. Not only will it show how interested you are in the position, you can pay attention to their verbal and nonverbal cues to get a sense if they are happy, stressed, ambivalent, scared in their current state, as you walk around the office examine this.

    as far as sexual harrassment I just want to tell you I am so sorry and I’ve been there and it sucks even more when the jackhole is in leadership. I’ve gotten to a point where a male coworker asks me out to lunch or tries to approach me when no one else is around there’s that lingering question….is he a predator and that thought never leaves you. So I truly empathize and hope you realize there are good people out there who are still genuine and great to work with. Good luck, don’t give up

11. Jennifer SmilnakJune 17,2022 at 7:00PM UTC

    Thank you

12. AyianJune 17,2022 at 1:42PM UTC

    I put on my resume before the job title and duration why I left the position.
    "Company culture was not a fit" is perfectly fine for why you did not stay. This helps recruiters and HR understand my circumstances without having to wait for an interview to explain the short tenures.

13. Jennifer SmilnakJune 17,2022 at 7:00PM UTC

    Thank you.