changing jobs - how often is too often?

sharrison778

I'm just interested in people's opinions on how often is too often to change jobs? What looks bad on a resume?

I'm asking because I've been in my job 10months and I'm not happy. Representations that my boss made when I was hired have turned out to be untrue.

I want to change but I was also in my previous job for only a year so I'm worried it'll look like I'm not committed to a job.

My jobs are professional level, if that changes anything.

19lottie82

I wouldn't say that looks the best. If I was an employer and saw that you had left your last two jobs after less than a year in each, why would I employ you, spend the time and cash to train you up, if you'd do the same with that job?

I'm sure I read somewhere that 2 years is the acceptable "minimum" time to spend in the job, without looking like a so-called "job hopper"

cottonhead

These days its normal to change jobs quickly. You might be asked why and the you just need to explain it in a positive light.
I worked for just 3 years in my last job and when I left, my new employer was impressed by that so people obviously move around a lot.
I would wait a year so that at least on your cv it looks better if you have a different year in the to and from section.

CL

I left a job after 6 months. The job they advertised and the one which was described to me in the interview was not the job that materialised (and the deciding factor was a completely unbearable manager). I signed up with a recruitment agency and got an interview and was asked at the interview why I was leaving so soon. I told them that the job was not as described and I would be doing a very specific small section of work in a very large company and that I wouldn't be gaining any professional development or experience. I got a call within the hour to say I'd got the job and I've been here (very happily gaining much professional development) for 6 years.

onlyroz

I left my first job after 6 months because the circumstances in which I was working changed. I stayed in my second job for 4 years and I've been in my current job for 1.5 years so far.

I think it's OK to make a few "mistakes" and move quickly - but if you end up with a whole string of short appointments then it becomes more difficult to justify this in subsequent interviews. In general, unless you're thoroughly miserable, I think you should stick with a job for 2+ years. Changing this often, as long as each new position is a promotion, shows that you are interested in progressing your career and gaining new experiences. However, changing every job after a year just shows that you're fickle and can't settle down to anything. After all, in many professional environments it can take at least 6 months before you're able to make a meaningful contribution.

Jason_Chapman1

Once upon a time in days of old, you used to be able to walk out of one job into another. Back when the coal mines, car industry, steel industry and other manufacturing industries were in full bloom.
Nowadays I wouldn’t recommend it, unless you’rereally savvy and can talk your way into any job then good luck to you.
There is no such thing as a job for life anymore.

MX5huggy

I find this a bit of a strange thing to ask. Presuming you are not leaving a job without one to go to. You been in a job for 6 months you see something better, you have nothing to lose, just apply. The recruiter may say not having them they flip flop. The outcome is your still in the crappy job. Of course the recruiter may say perfect they are the one for us and you get the new job.

onlyroz

MX5huggy wrote: »

I find this a bit of a strange thing to ask. Presuming you are not leaving a job without one to go to. You been in a job for 6 months you see something better, you have nothing to lose, just apply. The recruiter may say not having them they flip flop. The outcome is your still in the crappy job. Of course the recruiter may say perfect they are the one for us and you get the new job.

Yes but what if you don't like the new job either?

If you switch jobs every year for, say, 5 years, you might still find yourself in a crappy job but by now no new employer will touch you with a barge-pole. So ultimately, it's OK to make a few mistakes in job choice but you really should make sure, before accepting a new job, that it's one that you'll want to stick at for a few years at least.

Kildare

The last batch of CV's I had through when I was recruiting a few months ago I did notice that people seem to be moving companies at a lot quicker pace than before, some do change every year. I think some of it is to do with the recession as well as the normal changing of jobs.

It wouldn't put me off inviting someone for interview, however I always ask the HR department to find out from the agency why they have moved so often and I do expect a good explanation e.g. previous job was good oppertunity on paper, however changes at the company meant the role wasn't as described etc. Sometimes its because people have been travelling or finding their feet post university.