I’ve been at my current employer 25 years but this seems to have a negative impact in getting interviews or during the interview process (why would you leave after all this time; how will you adapt to a new organization).

12 Comments

1. Kimberley Ferretti HammettMarch 18,2022 at 5:55PM UTC

   If you're getting a lot of questions about it it sounds like there may be concern that your skills might not transfer or you may be too indoctrinated into your current employers way of doing things. Instead of just saying how the move is good for you, show them how you are prepared to meet these new challenges and bring your skills to a new environment. Demonstrate ways you've adapted to changes and/or been exposed to similar challenges or tools (whether its within your current company or otherwise). Alleviate their concerns and show them why the move would be great for both you and them! :)

   Best of luck!

2. AmyMarch 18,2022 at 6:07PM UTC

   Agree! Include upgrades in software, projects, new clients, titles/promotions, anything that shows life-long learning. How you would bring these skills to the new environment and interest in growing at the new job. That last part might be best said during the interview, asking about their employee professional development opportunities.

3. IkyMarch 18,2022 at 7:09PM UTC

   Great advice here! If the concern is about whether or not you can adapt in a new organization, summarize examples of how you adapted to new situations/environments/changes in the past. It would be hard for me to believe nothing had changed at your current job for the past 25 years.

   My friend, who is interviewing, has been working at their current company for 20+ years. They got the same concern from the hiring companies. My friend couldn't believe being a loyal employee has become a liability for them. (I purposely use "they" and "them" here to make my friend completely anonymous). In short, you are not alone.

   Be confident that you are the best candidate for the job. Be your awesome self. If the potential employer can't see how awesome you are, it's their lost, not yours.

   Good luck with everything. Sending you positive vibes!

   Have an amazing day!

4. Crystal HowellMarch 18,2022 at 7:44PM UTC

   If you are making an upward move,

   There isn't room for advancement at my previous employer, and I am ready to utilize my skillset for new challenges and growth opportunities.

   After researching your company and the position requirements, my skill set will be adaptable.

   Even if it is bilateral, room for advancement always worked for me.

5. AnonymousMarch 18,2022 at 8:45PM UTC

   For years now the accepted trend is for you to change jobs every 3 years or so. The belief is that if you stay at one place longer than that, you'll stop learning, become placent, stagnant, etc. (even though you may have switched jobs within the company several time). In fact, I was at one company 16 years, and another for 13 and had the same issue. It's no longer about loyalty, it's about upskilling and learning. Good Luck to you.

6. KileyMarch 18,2022 at 10:44PM UTC

   Agree. Being perceived as 'institutionalised' is real. Never stay 'too' long!

7. AnonymousMarch 18,2022 at 11:16PM UTC

   I was at a job for almost four years before being laid off and was told "Wow. You were there for so long!" Recently I was told that if you are at a job more than TWO years you are considered damaged goods so move along every 1-2 years.

8. Melissa Mellor, COOMarch 18,2022 at 10:52PM UTC

   One response I've used in the past that always gets good reviews (if I do say so myself) is....

   While being inside an organization for so long makes you comfortable, it's time to learn new companies, processes, ideas and collaboration. At a certain point, your value is tapped out and its just your history that you offer. I'm looking forward to coming to a new organization with the vast intellectual property I have attained over the last 25 years, and also expand myself and the company by collaboration with new people, ideas and energy. I want to be challenged and inspired again. There's energy behind newness that I'm ready to jump back into

9. AnonymousMarch 20,2022 at 4:22AM UTC

   Excellent advice!!!!!!!

10. AnonymousMarch 19,2022 at 3:46PM UTC

    Yes, longevity is not a valued commodity and has not been viewed positively for decades. Unfortunately employers actually view it as old school and a stagnation factor. So knowing that you can combat that with illustrating the momentum of titles, promotions and level of work you held

    Update your certifications so you can show updated skills and cutting edge expertise. Lists training you've completed over the years. You need to counter any impression of outdated skills and compete with new in-demand skills.

    Unfortunately what you have most likely leaves the impression that you got stuck in the 90s. While your counterparts have held 6 or 7 progressive and modern jobs, been exposed to cutting edge business practices and bring a business savvy with them that you don't have. Which we all know in just not so

    Prove your value by have your resume written by a professional that can highlight your momentum and modern business sense.

11. AnonymousMarch 19,2022 at 4:04PM UTC

    I am 65 and have held 8 jobs over the past 30 years. Early on I watched people I admired and saw that they jumped around a lot, held progressively high titles, made substantially more money and earned a respect professionally that others who dedicated themselves to a a few employer did not. So I modeled myself after them. And you know what? It worked. I never got comfortable.

    The illusion is that I know more, bring a more valued skill set and am something special, worth more money and require more or I will leave. You know what? It's b.s. I am no more special, skilled or capable than my peers. It's all the impression you make and how you convey your value. When I'm at a board meeting people at the table shut up when I speak. They listen because of the pedigree I bring due to the number of high profile companies I have worked at. Smoke & mirrors my friend. It's cache and knowing how to use it. Change your mindset and figure out a way to use your cache.

12. AnonymousMarch 19,2022 at 4:18PM UTC

    Since you are just now figuring this negative perception out, work with a coach to learn better out to sell yourself and counteract the 25 years in one place. You will need to really learn to a turn this around. Saying you are ready for a new challenge and growth is not going to cut it. Like others have pointed out, this is a hard image to overcome. Working with a professional will help point you in the right direction.