How to explain job hopping in an interview

[jrineakter]

In the old days, our parents and grandparents had a golden rule: find a company, swear loyalty and stay there forever in exchange for job security and stability.

Jumping from one job to another used to be seen as a red flag for employers.

However, since the early 2020s, changing jobs has become much more accepted and is even seen as a way for people (especially Gen Zers) to explore new opportunities and develop their careers.

But here's the real question: can these people breeze through job interviews and explain all those quick job changes without raising suspicion?

In this article we share some tips on how to explain job changes in an interview. Let's make sure you're prepared to make a good first impression on the hiring manager.

What is job hopping?
You change jobs frequently, often every two years or less.

This trend has taken off in today’s workforce, with 86% of people surveyed in a Hays LinkedIn Survey agreeing that it’s okay to leave a position within 18 months – over half have done so themselves!

Is it so bad to change jobs?
While hiring managers may still be switzerland number data wary of a resume filled with short stints, changing jobs has its advantages. It allows you to explore new learning opportunities, earn more, or find a company culture that fits you better.

Of course, some employers may wonder if changing jobs frequently means you haven't had the opportunity to face a range of challenges or carry out projects in their entirety.

There is always the possibility that a hiring manager will worry about repeating the hiring and training process sooner than they would like if they hire someone who changes jobs frequently.

But let's face it: these perks can make it worth changing jobs from time to time.

More and more companies are understanding why employees change jobs in sectors like technology, where the "job for life" mentality has long since disappeared. And this mentality is becoming more and more accepted in different fields.

Why do you change jobs?
Before you start preparing for that job interview, it's helpful to understand why job hopping is so common.

Let's look at some of the main motivations for these frequent changes.

1. Professional growth: Search for better opportunities or higher salaries
According to a report by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, nearly half of those unemployed in 2022 saw their wages outpace inflation. In contrast, less than half of those who remained with the same company received increases in line with rising costs.

To put this into perspective, nearly one in four Gen Zers who changed jobs saw their income increase by $50,000 over five years.

However, changing jobs is not just about salary.

For many, it is a way to explore career advancement and gain diverse experiences.

By changing roles and companies, people can face new challenges, expand their knowledge and move up the corporate ladder more quickly.

2. Sector dynamics: Short-term contracts or temporary work in sectors such as technology or marketing
Do you know why our older generations probably worked for one company their entire lives? Loyalty.

Hard work and dedication meant you would likely be rewarded, promoted, and looked after.

But that may not be the case now in most scenarios.

Since January 2023, a whopping 949 tech companies have laid off more than 200,000 employees .

Mass layoffs and remote working have driven job change. The pandemic has also changed workers' priorities: they want to be seen as people and not just productivity machines.

The rise of hourly work and short-term contracts, particularly in the technology and marketing sectors, also offers flexibility for workers: 36% of the US workforce is engaged in "gig" roles and 39% of adults are self-employed.

3. Personal reasons: Relocation, family responsibilities or finding the right fit
Whether it’s relocation, family responsibilities, or finding a company that fits their needs, personal goals often drive job turnover as employees seek roles that better fit their lifestyle and values. According to Deloitte , nearly half of Gen Z workers would reject a potential employer if it didn’t align with their personal values, and a significant portion would consider leaving if their current job didn’t prioritize social issues.