Moving jobs – how often is too often?
One of the more common queries we get as recruitment specialists is about the length of time its considered appropriate to stay in a job before you look to move again. The important thing to consider first is why are you looking to move?
Once you have identified this, if appropriate, I would always advise approaching your current employer, perhaps as part of your monthly appraisal and discuss your issues with your line-manager, perhaps they can be addressed? But, if you don’t think that is likely to happen, or you don’t feel comfortable doing that and your mind is made up to move, then when should you do it?
What are the averages?
According to a recent (2017) study by insurer LV, the average UK worker now moves on average every 5 years. In the US its shorter, at just over 4 years. Historically 5 years would seem like a very short amount of time, workers from the 1950’s – 1970’s for example would join a firm and work there for life, or at least for decades before moving, with people valuing job and financial security above all else.
Contrast that, so-called millennials, those born between 1982 and 1999, have very different expectations about jobs. Several surveys suggest that these younger workers aren’t motivated by the same factors as previous generations, such as a job for life, but instead value a good work-life balance and a sense of purpose beyond financial success. Millennials change jobs on average once every 2-3 years and will actually have 4 completely different careers throughout their lifetime.
Also, its genuinely acknowledged that the more junior the position, the shorter timeframe needed to prove yourself in that role. Objectives for junior professionals can generally be achieved in months, whereas a senior professional may need years to show the impact they have had on the business.
What does it look like on your CV?
On the positive side, some prospective employers see moving jobs as ambitious and go-getting, and if you can show that each move is for progression, then great!
However, employers don’t want to invest in someone who doesn’t give them a return on that investment. It’s not just the financial cost of hiring you that employers think of, but also the time and effort taken to train and develop someone. Some perceive rapid movers (months, as a pose to years) as someone who gets restless and bored easily, and it might make an employer more cautious when hiring.
How should you explain your moves at interview?
Be honest, but think about how to best promote your decisions to move jobs. Justify why you left and demonstrate what you achieved and your interviewer will feel assured your frequent changes were not due to itchy feet or a lack of commitment. If your CV is written well, highlighting your achievements, then your varied background can be a huge asset in an interview. Make sure to explain how each job gave you different experiences, or opened up a new sector of clients which will be useful for you in this role.
Could you actually stay in a job too long?
Yes and no. On the positive side, if there were good reasons to stay – like promotion, or new opportunities, there is no reason why staying it one job should work against you. It shows you are trustworthy and shows allegiance. However, working in the same job without developing yourself or furthering your experience can make you look passive, or at worst, a bit lazy! Make sure that you are constantly reviewing what you have learnt, and it’s always a good idea to keep updating your CV with notable cases you have worked on – if you aren’t adding anything, ask yourself why!
So what is the answer?
Generally, although employers may say they want their staff to stay with them long term, they will happily accept job moves of around every two years. Any less and be prepared to have the question asked at interview. Changes out of your control are easily explained – a family relocation or redundancy for example, but if you have moved 4 times in 3 years purely to gain an increase in salary, then that’s not going to present you in the best light.
In summary, I feel it’s important to identify why you are moving in the first instance and if it’s for positive, career enhancing reasons, then go for it! Moving at the right time shows a candidate has an open attitude to change and a continuous learning approach and will show you are happy to embrace new challenges.
Here at Eventus Legal we are always open to honest conversations with candidates around such topics as a career move. If you would like to discuss your career objectives and how we can help you achieve them, then please get in touch with either myself or the relevant consultant.