Job Interview Tip: The Best Answer to the Job Hopper Question
Vložit
- čas přidán 15. 02. 2017
- Join career expert and award-winning author Andrew LaCivita as provides this Job Interview Tip: The Best Answer to the Job Hopper Question!
--------------------
GET INTERVIEW INTERVENTION HARDCOVER FREE!
--------------------
Get the Interview Intervention Hardcover, eBook, and Audiobook while supplies last! The $29 book is FREE. I bought it for you. I'm also adding in the $27 digital experience. I only ask that you pay $7 so my friends at the warehouse can pick it, pack it, and ship it. I'll send it anywhere in the world for $7!
Get it here: bit.ly/YTFreeInterviewInterven...
--------------------
FULL EPISODE
--------------------
Get mp3, summary, and quotes from this episode: milewalk.com/mwblog/the-best-a...
--------------------
CONNECT WITH ANDREW
--------------------
Join Andrew’s email list: milewalk.com/mwblog
Get Andrew’s books: www.milewalkacademy.com
Facebook: / andrewlacivita
Twitter: / arlacivita
LinkedIn: / andrewlacivita
Instagram: / andrewlacivita
Podcast:itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
--------------------
SUMMARY
--------------------
Are you frustrated when an employer asks you, "Why have you had so many job during your career?" or "Why can't you seem to stay at one job for any lengthy period of time?" Do you have difficulty coming up with a great response? Join career expert, motivator, and award-winning author Andrew LaCivita as he discusses the best answer to the job hopper question!
Let’s first address what’s happening when an interviewer asks you these questions.
Realize no one is smart enough to take your responses from those particular questions and determine whether you’ll be a great employee in their company. It's just too great a leap to connect those dots.
Decisions you made years ago simply won’t help them understand how you're going to fit into their organization.
What’s the question you’re really being asked?
The question they are truly asking is, “Why will it be different this time?”
The interviewer wants to know why are you going to make a good decision that sticks…so when you join their company you’ll be a good longstanding, successful employee.
That’s what they really want to know. That’s what they want to be assured of.
That’s the question you need to answer!
Turn multiple job hops into one issue you’ve resolved!
First, take responsibility and own your previous actions.
Second, turn “several” problems into one problem you can address quickly. That is, if you’ve had a handful of job hops, respond to all of them at once. Make it a universal issue you’ve now fixed. You can diffuse it all in one fell swoop.
Third, give your response with a smile and lots of positivity regarding why this will work going forward.
The answer…
“Ya know, you’re right. I do have a few (or a number of) job hops in my history.
I discovered very recently the reason I was having some trouble was due to a common issue. I wasn’t clear upfront regarding all the criteria I needed to be fulfilled in my job.
I did some self-reflection and thought deeply about everything I needed to make me happy in my work life. I hadn’t done that previously. But, now, I took the time. Performed the exercises and reflected.
This has put me in a much better position to evaluate whether any future job opportunity and company will be a great fit for me because I now have a much more complete list of the criteria I need. I have that clarity.
Previously, I wasn’t as skilled at getting the information I need from the employer, but I’m in a much better position now because I’ve gone through this reflection.
I understand specifically what I need to evaluate and how to evaluate it. Now, I’m more confident I can determine whether your company is a good one for me.”
Why this works…
First, you avoid the risk of dragging the conversation on by trying to take one job hop at a time.
When you do this, the interviewer thinks goodness. It's always something with her. It seems like a different issue every time or he's just like Pig Pen. He's got that cloud of rain over himself wherever he goes.
You’ve also shifted a negative question into a positive action you’ve taken!
I realize people leave jobs for countless reasons. You could have an illness in the family. Your husband or wife could be getting transferred.
But, if you're getting asked the job hopper question, the interviewer is looking for the common pattern.
Take responsibility. Defuse it all at once. Speak positively about the action you've taken to overcome it and why it won't be an issue this time!
#milewalkacademy
#jobinterview
#jobhopper
#interviewintervention
#careercoach
#careercoaching
Hi Everyone, I know job interviews are tough, but they're especially tough when the employer thinks you're a "job hopper." Let me know what you struggle with in your interviews and I'll be happy to help. Also, check out my free webinar 3 Keys to Ace Any Job Interview for so much more help: bit.ly/aceanyjobinterviewwebinar. Now, let me have those questions!
I think this is the only decent advice I have seen regarding this ubiquitous problem. I think this topic really deserves more attention.
I like this response. However, what about my case: 21 years with the same company.
؟
@Kittysoftpaws989I would not say that because the company you’re interviewing with will think you’ll leave them for the same reason!
We leave also because of bad management and it seems to be more prevalent than finding a good employee
You sure should leave because of bad management. You deserve more!
The #1 reason most people leave their job/ position is feeling unappreciated for what they bring to the table. I've left jobs that i enjoyed what I did, but wasn't respected for my experience.
The #1 reason most people leave their job/ position is feeling unappreciated for what they bring to the table. I've left jobs that i enjoyed what I did, but wasn't respected for my experience.
@@bradphillips7429 or corporate layoffs ya know the saying goes like this, first hired first fired when the SHTF in a company with cost reduction agenda.
I went from ridiculously stable employment for over a decade with a job, hopping the last few years. Bad decisions on my part with companies that could never be a fit for eachother.
I have a lot of shame with job hopping, but I’m learning to be confident in my answers. Thank you.
Hang in there! You got this!!
Thank you for helping with this question! I have never been asked in a job interview until this year why I have had so many jobs. I didn't even know I was considered a job hopper. I always looked at my resume and thought that me working in so many jobs has helped me build my skills and experiences. I was so caught off guard when I had my first interview this year. I looked like the cow in the tornado in The Wizard of Oz! This will help me the next time I am asked that question.
This is great, thank you for posting. I was feeling very discouraged today even cried a little bit due to a couple friends and family members making comments about how my resume looks like job hopping and how at my age, it doesn't look good. I'm working really hard researching and revamping my website, resume, creating introduction videos, and just doing my best. Thank you sir for taking the time to post this informative and positive content. This has been a huge blessing. Thank you. 🙏
You're welcome Annette!!!
my honest answer? most employers get too comfortable with my hard work and refuse to compensate for it so i bounce to better pay/ opportunity
Do what ya gotta do Mike. I support you!!
Thank you for the great advice. Question- is it inherently the employee's fault for being on the lookout for a better job? I just think it speaks for the current reality that a great percentage of employers/companies out there are just not meeting basic needs of employees to be working happily. I think the rates of employees "job hopping" should be a cue for employers to improve themselves.
Interesting perspective!
I totally agree with you!
From what I can tell, the job hopper objection from interviewer is really a poor excuse to pre-reject a good candidate due to the volume of job applicants.
Renaissance Man it typically makes employers concerned you will also leave them and that’s why they worry!
Its really just screens out the idiots who think they are "ambitious" hopping from job to job. Have fun being a loser the rest of your life.
@@ocoolwow Or the guy who is in a trade and job hopping is common. As a welder I job hop all the time. The people who make the least amount of money are usually the ones who stick around and hate their lives. Job hoppers in the welding field know just about every process of welding and can land a job anywhere.
@@matthewsmith6931 exactly....i work in oil and gas industry, job/company hopping is necessary because nature of the industry completion certain projects.
My heart sanked and I cringed awaiting to see what the response was. Great answer!
Thanks Valerie! Glad you liked the video and thanks too for engaging!
I've been getting many interviews (thank goodness), my resume looks incredible, and have been considered as one of the final 2 candidates 3 times, but they always have concern of me being a job hopper...it becomes a pattern. I lost job offers for some less qualified candidate 3 times, I cried a lil. But your video here gives me glimpse of hope, I wish I watched it sooner. Thanks, Andy!
Hi
Doing better now?
The thing I love most about this advice and response, is it’s TRUE!!!! This has to resonate with so many people.
I always speak the truth Willow!
Brilliant way of thinking, brilliant advice! Thank you, Andrew!
You’re so welcome!
You offer some great advice! Thanks for putting up this content, it's much needed by me!
You’re welcome Duane!
Such a great point of view. I'm now 100% confident answering this question going forward. Thank you!
Awesome! :-)
Thanks again Andrew, I constantly get that question and now I have your answer!
Love to hear it Gabriel!
I love this!!!! Thank you so much for sharing this!
Jami Kure so welcome!
Andrew, you videos are golden: Even if I haven't landed the job I really feel more confident in talking during a job interview, now that I see it more like a chess game: it really helps me focusing more on strategy than personal feelings. BTW, even if I searched a lot I haven't found a clever way to say "I decided to leave my job after only 6 months because, even if I learnt a lot, I've never been paid a penny and I had to leave so I could at least focus on my technical skills development until I find a real job". Yes, 6 months are really a big deal.... I decided to leave this week and I'm afraid that the more time passes, the more awkward I'll feel to answer this question if I don't find a convincing answer...
Anyone any suggestion?
Glad you like the videos! You made a decision to leave your job, it's okay. It happens a lot. For your response, take responsibility for your choice and get clear on your criteria in a job. For example, if you left because of the environment of your job, then talk about an environment where you can do X in your job, and highlight what you want. Don't make comparisons to the previous role.
Damn that part about "there's always something with this person" got me. I think I need assertiveness training.
You got this Roti!!
I've had over 30 jobs and counting.
Yikes! I have faith you will find THE one you love!
What a great answer, i have a job hopping problem and this video helped me, thank you
Wonderful to hear it Ron. Hope it helps!
Andy , you are God sent. I don't know if you have done a video on : How to respond to rude/bully interviewers.This would be golden👌.( I have tried searching for one to this effect on your channel to no avail )
My key concerns are 2 :
1. How to respond to interviewers that are seemingly condescending. It's almost like you've wronged them by even just showing up.
2. How to respond to interviewers who insist on squeezing out personal information from you that will not in any way help them make a hiring decision - other than just create a bias.
JUNE! You are tooooo kind. On the bully thing, i don't have a video on that because it would be a 1 minute video which says, "JUNE! Here's what you should say to bully interviewers. Oh. Here I thought you were interested in attracting the best workers and top talent, but I can see by your demeanor and tone that you'd prefer desperate and unhappy people. I'll just see myself out." LOL. Actually, that IS what I'd tell you to tell them because you are worth more and don't deserve to be treated like that. If that's how they behave in an interview, what do you think it'd be like to work there. If you took a job like that, you'd be back watching these videos in a week or so. 😂
On the personal information, I'd just say that's personal. :)
@@andylacivita True 😂.
Thank you for the insight! ☺
June congo you’re welcome June!
great advice thank you.
You're welcome Dijonne!
Them: So, why all of this job-hopping? You couldn't find "the right job?"
Me: All of my employers wanted an employee that would work at-will and were not looking for a long term employee. However, if you would like to negotiate a contract for long term employment instead of at-will employment, then I would be willing to discuss that.
Them: Uh, oh, no. We only hire at-will.
Me: Oh, you aren't willing to make a commitment to long term employment :) Then, how long do you expect you will need me to complete the project you have in mind?
Them: Some answer of time.
Me: That is within my ability to deliver for that length of time and I have done so on multiple occasions in the past with multiple employers.
Them: Ok, we would like to hire you.
Me: Thank You.
Brilliant. Would you kindly suggest the best answer for : "Why did you leave your last job (just 2 weeks ago), without a new job lined up?"
Great video Andy!!! I have a question related to this topic: what if I had all these different jobs in different countries and they call me out for being a job & country hopper? The real reason for that is my past relationship with a pilot that was moving from country to country and I didn't have any other choice than to take any kind of job, that would give me some income. I mean - I have very wide labor experience but every time I get this question during my interviews...
Would you advise me to come with an explanation about my private life or shall I stick with the explanation that you gave us in the video? I will be very grateful for any kind of tip :)
Thank you.....thank you...
You’re welcome. You’re welcome!
Hai Sir,
May I ask how to answer and what to put in resume or cv as a job hopper who been working in 5 different place of duration kot more than 4 months?
I would call-out persons and companies who have people working in them for 15-35 years! Are these employees just average 'lumps' that are mediocre and are not truly excelling in their careers and fields? How can people truly advance and grow if all they know is the same people, processes and 'games'?
I’ve been working for my own company which i started 19 years ago. It’s not how long you’re there. It’s the mileage you’ve racked up.
Ive gotten this question less than a handful of times and I knew instantly I wasnt getting the job but later found out the company wasn't a very good one. Is every 2-2 1/2 years considered job hopping? Especially when the most recent employment is +4 years? Seems irrelevant to me at that point. What about when those roles show increasing levels of responsibility? Would love an update video on this topic.
not anymore if you work in tech due to mass layoffs
great answer.i should have looked at this video, before going to my interview. I keep getting the question because I have been doing contracting.it is difficult to explain the right thing.
Glad you liked it Darius!!!
I was recently terminated but was also given a severance pay for the next 7 weeks so it's more like I was laid off they wouldn't tell me why I was being let go. So my question is when I'm asked what do I put on my resume and what do I say in an interview I'm assuming that I should not lie and act like I still work there laugh out loud
I'll tell them the truth. I have adhd i get hyper focused then lose interest due to not being challenged. Its just how my brain is hardwired, Im not ashmed of that and I will not apologize for jobhoping. But they cannot dismiss you just for having adhd. As they can get sued.
very nice.
Thanks!!!
Temp agencies that offer short term and replacement roles have been my only way to work and survive! This is how the job market works nowadays in Europe. So I don't get how potential employers freak out once they are quite aware of the issue!
Had this question come up today in a job interview!!!!
Sweet 👊
@@andylacivita I was honest about corporate layoffs and being abused with past jobs. At least it was practice.
Hi Andy, Is it ok to tell the interviewer that moving to new city where i could not adjust with climate a reason why I quit my last job in 4 months
I wouldn’t share that as much as saying you were looking to move to a location that more suitable for your interests. It doesn’t just need to be about the weather. It could be about so many other factors, and there’s no reason for you to bring up the fact that you didn’t like some thing about your last location.
Spot on! thank you
You're welcome!
I got that from a private organisation. They didn't understand Labour Hire Government jobs and have contractual agreements with " Start Date " and " End Date ". No choice their to stay! You got leave, whether you like it or not!!! You, want to stay with the organisation? To Bad. When Gov organisation places a external job out, then apply with the rest of the public!
Hey when an opportunity pops up with a big company and the possibility of a life changing career. You jump on it and take that chance. However sometimes the mind set isn’t there. So like Marv in home alone 2 says, “ I’ve reached the top!” Only to hit rock bottom. That’s what happens to me. Also sometimes I’ve had a job that I loved but it was enough “hours” to survive not receive medical benefits so I jumped ship into what I thought would be a good thing. I’m currently in between. Working “full time” hours but on a temporary job situation. No benefits however the bills are getting paid and some wants but mostly needs are met. The uncomfortable part is living month to month. Not knowing what to expect and that any time I can get dropped like a bad habit.
Just buy a couple of burner phones, tape names of fake companies on them and give your own references. They play their games, I play mine!
How the hell you became so smart ? Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Glad it helped Kevin. Lots of hard work and experience for me. Appreciate you man!
The thing is...I ended up moving in with a boyfriend so I needed to buy a car because it was out of town and the job I was at...was an hour commute in a car minimum every day so I quit. I ended up at one point selling my car but my job was far from the city where I decided to live so I could take public transportation. Sometimes we job hop because we move in with some guy which was a mistake in the end and we lost out on a good job. Sometimes we quit because our life circumstances change and no car means being limited on where you work so we quit because of that and not because we are unstable.
That's what I'm running into
Hang in there!
@@andylacivita it's very frustrating, I have a big variety of experience, just trying to convince the employer that you want a long term position is another thing.
Why are you applying for a lower position than what you already have?
That’s a good one! I struggle with this one when I try to make a career change.
But is it ok to answer the question and then ask them why is the position open to begin with? We also have to make sure that they’re not a flight risk also.
It sure is.
Employee retention is the employers job right? 🤔
Is a marriage only one party’s responsibility?
I’ve been everything but a brain surgeon.
😂
That's a lot of jabs!
Lol
Entrepreneur are job hopper? It is true or not? I hope, I Got a answer from you,,I'm waiting po,,, thank you
2:30
👊
Well I agree that some of the employers be nervous but it still doesn't have the right for them just to assume that I'm going to work there for short term. Because I went to a job interview and they decided not to move forward with me because they thought I was job hopping but they never ask me about my experience or my resume if they did I would have told them the reason why I left the job
They get concerned because even if you’re fabulous at what you do it won’t do them any good if you don’t stick around!
Tape the name of three fake companies on 3 different burner phones. I give my own references.
In my case, it wasn't that wrong :). I was young eng with very high responsibility for experience I had. Older engineers here couldn't apply EU regulations for design in English or could not use softwares. Younger engineers could not perform well from first trial. Without middle generations at that time because of war and imigration. Nobody blames me here that I went in another company, re-do previosly failed project for Institute for animal health, (challenging for HVAC design) and got funding from EU for reconstruction of building from World Bank which requested design done by EU regulations and approved by EU (passed Slovenian revision at first attemp). Even now, here, I am directed to jobs I don't like. When you are forced to projects, and work is big part of your life... you are not thinking in long terms from the begining. However, for job of your choice this doesn't apply.
I’m unhireable :( a 27 year old loser...with a bachelors and a masters...making less than I have in debt...I’m a dependent...
And it’s very discouraging....
Don't give up. I'm 26 and have changed 3 jobs in different fields and even tried freelancing once. All in 3 years. And I didn't earn much. Still figuring out what I want. I get asked this job hopper question every interview and fall into depression after that. Now I have a good answer, so that's something. So I don't give up. And you shouldn't.
You’re not a loser. Debt is a big problem many pursuers of Higher education face. Keep at it!
Cant i lie and just say i worked got this company for six years instead of saying i hopped 3 times in those 6 years? Do they check? Call the companies or smth?
It shouldn't be illegal since being honest dosent help you even though the require "honest" employees.
The background check will surface the places you worked.
@luciferhasfallen7940 Being honest doesn't always pay.
Are employers and recruiters 100% honest in their business? They do when it's in their best interest. So, even if it's morally not good to lie it's sometimes necessary to explain what can not be explain. Will you explain that you were bullied or harassed ? And that you left because you have respect for yourself and your mental health ?
interview process is soooo fake !!
Why do we have to stay in one place?? I just cannot adopt the capitalism mindset.
yea its real hypocrisy in the part of corporations, HR, and management. Stop laying people off, provide better work life balance and pay well.