In the past, employees stayed with an employer from their college graduation until the day they were given the gold watch at their retirement party. Now, however, the days of staying put in one company for an entire career are over, especially in fields like IT. On average, most IT professionals change jobs every 1 to 2 years. While this new way of doing business is becoming the norm, inconsistent employment can still appear to be negative.
How Do Employers Feel About Inconsistent Employment?
Hiring is part of doing business. Searching for new talent takes a significant amount of time and money. This investment usually does not pay off until after the first year when the new employee has had the opportunity to learn the ropes in their position and become as productive as they can possibly be. With this in mind, employers will try to make the most practical decision when it comes to extending an employment offer. When employers see a history of rapid job changes on a candidate’s resume, they see an increased risk of the same thing happening at their company.
You Are Always on the Lookout for a Higher Salary
If an employer feels you are only interested in your bottom line, they fear you’ll be whisked away as soon as the next highest bidder comes along. With such a tight employment market, there will always be employers who poach and offer higher compensation, but a history of making repeated hops every time a bigger check comes will raise red flags.
You Can’t Commit
Employers want employees who can commit. They want workers who believe in their work and are willing to stay even when things get challenging. Also, with markets as highly competitive as they are, a non-committed employee may be more likely to take sensitive company information with them and use it elsewhere. While NDAs offer employers some protection, most cases are hard to win in court and by that point, the damage is already done.
You May Have Issues Getting Along With Others
Candidates that have changed jobs frequently can make employers wonder about their ability to work with others. Hiring managers fear candidates who possibly have interpersonal relationship issues coming into their company and causing havoc with negative attitudes. This is due to the fact that unprofessional behavior can cost considerable time and produce many headaches.
Ways for a Candidate to Negate Inconsistent Employment Experience
Above All, Be Positive
During an interview, display appropriate body language and tone. Remain positive and always be professional. This will prevent employer’s minds from wondering toward possible negative reasons for your inconsistent employment.
Highlight Your Experience and Unique Skills
Turn your inconsistent employment into an asset. Play up the fact that having the experience of numerous employers and situations has given you the opportunity to learn and grow. Talk about the platforms and skills you have been exposed to.
Don’t Badmouth Past Employers or Co-Workers
When interviewing it’s best not to badmouth past employers or co-workers. Don’t tell stories of how colleagues or former supervisors wronged you.
Moving Forward
While inconsistent employment is becoming the norm in some industries, some still see it in a negative light. When employers see inconsistent work experience, it may give them pause before making an offer. The best way to avoid these misconceptions is to remain positive when interviewing and be professional. If you need help presenting your experience in the best light, consult a professional recruiter. They can help you craft your message to show employers how you can be a valuable asset for their organization.