Job-Hopping No Longer a Red Flag: Career Expert Advises Hiring Managers to Embrace Mobility

When hiring managers seek new candidates, 54% indicate that they prefer individuals dedicated to continuous learning and enhancing their skills. This statistic comes from a recent study. LinkedIn survey Of 1,024 hiring managers surveyed, nearly half—48%—give additional weight to applicants who can begin immediately, while 40% favor those open to working full-time in the office.

On the other hand, there are resumes turnoffs for hiring managers As well, over a third, specifically 37%, indicated that witnessing a candidate often switching jobs could deter them from considering those candidates. This suggests they may wonder, “If you stayed just nine months, perhaps you’ll leave after only nine months,” according to a LinkedIn career expert. Drew McCaskill .

Approximately the same percentage, 34%, indicated that a lack of direction in someone's work history could make them hesitate before proceeding further.

No matter what your rationale is for having an inconsistent work history, here’s how you can inform recruiters and hiring managers that you’re still a suitable candidate for the position.

You must provide an explanation for why.

It’s not rare for individuals to list various kinds of positions on their resumes and to include brief tenures at certain ones.

Perhaps when you began your professional journey, you were uncertain whether to pursue sales or marketing, so you explored both fields. Perhaps you needed to step away from work for a year during the pandemic to look after a ill family member. Or maybe there were downsizing measures at your former workplace leading to job loss.

You simply require an explanation for why that has been your path, according toMcCaskill.

The summary at the top of your resume, just before listing your work experience, provides a chance to link together different aspects of your career history or address any breaks in employment. Similarly, your 'About' section on LinkedIn serves as another platform where you can shape this story and inform recruiters about how past roles have molded you into the professional you are today, according to McCaskill. This explanation can further be expanded during job interviews.

"As he points out, career breaks aren’t viewed negatively now like they might have been half a decade earlier,” provided they come with clear explanations. “For instance, mention that you were looking after a sick relative or perhaps spent time focusing on your psychological well-being.”

If you have switched among various sectors or held brief positions in certain jobs, you could mention, “from these individual experiences, here’s how they’ve equipped me with skills that make me ideal for this position,” advises McCaskill, emphasizing that you should “present it as a benefit.”

No matter what happens, avoid giving them cause to believe you've acted improperly, he advises. "There’s no need to offer explanations."

Eager to secure your ideal position? Consider enrolling in 's latest online course. How to Nail Your Job Interview To discover what recruitment officers truly value, understand body language strategies, know what comments to make and avoid, and find the most effective approach when discussing compensation.

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