Explaining Job Hopping Satisfactorily in an Interview

Job hopping is a serious problem faced by recruiters these days. Though it is not possible to bring down the attrition rate completely, some measures can help organizations keep it under control. A continuous and sustained growth is not possible unless an organization is able to retain its top employees.

So, while evaluating candidates, special emphasis is laid on the job hopping frequency. Some employers don't  hire frequent job-hoppers while others prefer them because of their experience in working in different companies and ability to adapt and handle various tasks. But, a candidate must convince the recruiter how his job hopping can benefit the company.

You should remember that the recruitment manager will consider you for the post you have applied for only if you can have a genuine reason for leaving your previous organizations. In case you fail to do so, then it is assumed that you are unreliable and will leave the organization in a short time if hired.

Less scope for growth, small-scale of operations of the company, low compensation, and relocation are generally considered valid reasons for resigning from a job in the corporate world. However, you should remember that this is not a hard and fast rule applicable for all.

You should avoid faking a reason as this may become evident if your prospective employer inquires about you. Moreover, irrelevant and silly reasons can hamper your chances of securing a good placement.

After having worked in several firms, you must have acquired some key skills. While you are giving an interview in a new company, you should lay more stress on your skills to assure your prospective employer that he will not have to waste time and money in training you right from the beginning.

Though educational qualifications are vital in securing the first job, talent and dedication drive a person's career further. So, use your talents to secure the top job in the industry.

Frequent job hopping by you may raise a question in your prospective employer's mind that your poor performance at work may have prompted you to switch jobs so often. Proving to a potential employer in an interview that you are good at your work is indeed a daunting task.

But, it is very essential and hence you can carry samples of your work at the time of the interview. Proof of your work brings you in a strong position to grab the job of your choice.

Finally, you need to explain to your recruiter how you are more stable career-wise now, than you were when you switched jobs often. Tell him that you have found the path to achieve your career goal and assure him that you will work with sincerity and dedication.

A cover letter is the best tool to provide details about the jobs in your career. It covers facts about your skills that you can't elucidate in résumé. Explaining your job hopping in cover letter is essential. Ensure that the explanation is short and to the point. Before every word, think from the employer's perspective by putting yourself in his place.

There are some things you should avoid while explaining job hopping. One complete no-no is talking bad about your previous employer. So, don't say that 'My boss was arrogant' or 'My previous office was filled with incapable professionals'. If you do so, you will be presenting yourself as a rebellious person who is not capable of working in a team or group.

This directly affects your chances of getting the job. Instead, a mature explanation like 'I am looking for more responsibility and learning new things' will create a better impression. Also, excuses like loss of interest in the job or long working hours will not be entertained as they highlight your incapability to adjust to high-pressure corporate life.

Another challenge before job seekers is to explain gaps in their jobs. Often it happens that people are unemployed for some months or years before they land another job. Your recruiter would obviously want to know the reason for these 'job gaps' in your cover letter.

The best reason to justify these gaps is an educational break. Today's corporate world gives a lot of importance to higher education and the ones who keep studying are considered to be industry-ready professionals. However, you must score well in your course and be able to produce certificates and mark sheets on demand.

Salary issues, limited growth opportunities, conflicts in the workplace, family issues, bad health, and lack of job satisfaction are some of the most common reasons for job hopping. This trend has increased to a great extent in the past decade because of rising job opportunities.

There are several firms that have attrition rates between 15-22%, which is really a matter of concern. Though switching in the initial stages of one's career is generally taken in a positive way, frequent job hoppers may find it difficult to get jobs in a fiercely competitive market.

So, think of all these things before you plan to say goodbye to your current employer, and consider how you will satisfactorily explain your job hopping in the next interview.