The days of staying in one job for more than a year or two are over. For this, we can truly place some blame on millennials, who Gallup calls “The job-hopping generation.” These youthful workers, born between 1980 and 1996, have proven themselves to be the generation most likely to switch jobs.
What makes workers job jumpers? Is there something specific on resumes that recruiters see that define the negative idea of “job jumping?” If everyone is doing it, why is the idea of leaving a job every one or two years such a bad thing? Most companies don’t even offer a pension plan so why shouldn’t you switch for a better opportunity?
Let’s explore the idea of job jumping and help you define the characteristics that would make a hiring manager label you with that title.
Will Employers Turn You Away If You Jump Too Soon?
The answer is that most hiring managers look for a stable job history as proof you have the perseverance to excel. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the average number of years someone stays in a job these days is 4.6 years. That means the average worker today will have 10 jobs in their lifetime.
The problem is that everyone knows that a job can get boring. Conversely, they also understand there are some professions, like sales, for example, where you need to be in the role long-term to become successful at it. For employees that switch jobs every one or two years, a hiring manager may question whether the employee looks for new challenges or more money elsewhere instead of applying themselves and excelling in their current role. It can leave a prospective employer with the impression that you are unfocused and not interested in staying in one place long enough to climb the ladder. Some millennials don’t see it this way, instead, they seek advancement by changing jobs and getting a higher salary with each jump they take. Still, this can turnaround and bite the employee in the end, giving a negative perception that would turn some employers away.
For employees worried about looking like they are job jumping, consider that two years in a job is a good, stable work history. It’s also very helpful if the employees spend time advancing themselves, whether it’s by taking classes or working the gig economy on the side. These will all add to a resume that appears a little light on longevity.
Are You A Job Jumper?
The answer to this question is subjective; some hiring managers would see a resume with a spotty job history as a strong negative against the candidate. One of the ways you can determine how your resume appears to a hiring professional is to get some free advice from a recruiting professional. The Gecko team would love to see your resume and help you build it. We can also provide advice on your career path. All it takes is a phone call. We’re standing by to help you succeed.
