Understand job hopping: drawbacks and how to explain job hopping
It is estimated that most people will have 12 jobs during their lives. However, in the last year, over 22% of workers ages 20 and older spent a year or less at their jobs.
Professionals are now challenging traditional notions of loyalty and career progression.
If you are one of these professionals, it is important to understand job hopping and the challenges and opportunities it presents when navigating your career, especially if you are considering switching jobs.
What is job hopping?
Job hopping refers to individuals changing jobs frequently in a short period of time. This new trend holds a stark contrast to where professionals would spend their careers with a single employer or at least a very long tenure.
Why do people job-hop?
Increase in salary
According to a survey by Glassdoor, job hoppers experience an average salary increase of 10 – 20% compared to those who stayed in the same role over a long period. These higher salaries are incentives for people to consider other opportunities.
Professional development
However, monetary gain is not the only reason why a career-development-minded professional would seek to change jobs. A new role or company can provide greater career development opportunities, opportunities to advance your skill set, as well as offering quicker progression into a senior position.
Work-life balance
Some individuals seek job changes to achieve a better work-life balance, aiming for roles with flexible hours, remote work options, or reduced stress levels. 85% of employees believe the work environment affects their mood and productivity.
Company Culture and Fit
Job hoppers may look for environments that align better with their values, work styles, or cultural preferences, seeking a better fit with their personal or professional aspirations.
Drawbacks you should consider
Those in the financial business should be cautious not to move too frequently, however. Loyalty is an increasingly important trait and a CV filled with roles occupied for less than 18 months is certain to raise eyebrows.
Many employers in this sector make significant contributions to staff development and remunerate generously – which means while they are happy to invest in you, they will actively seek commitment from a potential employee to deem it a worthwhile exchange.
Furthermore, those who job hop frequently risk coming across as opportunistic but also as rigid employees who find it hard to adapt to working culture and successfully integrate into a workforce.
Finance professionals should, of course, seek to take advantage of the benefits that changing jobs can bring. However, proceed with caution – too many moves and the offers may start to dry up!
How to explain job hopping
Hiring managers may see multiple jobs on your CV as a red flag so explaining this in a professional setting requires tact and transparency to present your career transitions positively.
- Emphasise how each job change contributed to your professional growth and skill development
- Never speak badly about your previous employers
- Highlight how your diverse experiences bring added value to the prospective role or company
- Show your commitment to finding the right fit and explain how you're now seeking a long-term opportunity where you can contribute and grow professionally
Find your perfect role with Marks Sattin
With our extensive industry expertise and a deep understanding of the evolving job market, we are dedicated to helping professionals like you explore new opportunities that align with your aspirations and career goals.
Our tailored support doesn't just stop at finding your next role; it extends to providing invaluable insights, personalised advice, and expert guidance every step of the way.
If you’re weighing up your career options or are ready to jump ship, think Marks Sattin and look for your next lasting role here or explore our career advice hub.
Signup to receive the latest discipline specific articles
Related articles
Teaser
TechnologyContent Type
General
19/03/24
Summary
The year 2024 emphasises the crucial role of RegTech — a beacon guiding firms through the evolving global regulatory landscape, enabling them to connect the dots between short-term challenges and
by
Paul Roche
Teaser
TechnologyContent Type
General
19/03/24
Summary
The UK tech sector retains the number 1 spot in Europe and number 3 in the world as sector resilience brings continued growth. With this demand comes stiff competition. London offers a wide range
by
Ghazal Mayahi
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
Career Advice
19/03/24
Summary
Are you considering a change of scenery? Just look at London - an incredibly diverse city, with over 1,600 languages spoken and 300 nationalities represented. At the centre of the UK's 4.2 milli
by
Kelvin Murphy
Related jobs
Salary:
£65,000 - £80,000 per annum + + Bonus + Benefits + Hybrid Working
Location:
London
Industry
Energy, Resources and Industrial
Qualification
None specified
Market
Financial Services
Salary
£80,000 - £100,000
Job Discipline
Risk
Contract Type:
Permanent
Description
We are recruiting for a Senior Market Risk Analyst with experience in working with refined products (e.g. blending, storage, biofuels etc).
Reference
BBBH179661
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Deem NaPattaloongAuthor
Deem NaPattaloongSalary:
£35,000 - £40,000 per annum + bonus, hybrid, private medical
Location:
West Yorkshire
Industry
Energy, Resources and Industrial
Qualification
None specified
Market
Commerce & Industry
Salary
£40,000 - £50,000
Job Discipline
Treasury
Contract Type:
Permanent
Description
Treasury Analyst role to specialise in liquidity management and cash flow forecasting. Hybrid working
Reference
BBBH179764
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Megan SmithAuthor
Megan SmithSalary:
£25,000 - £35,000 per annum
Location:
West Yorkshire
Industry
Professional Services
Qualification
Part qualified
Market
Commerce & Industry
Salary
£35,000 - £40,000
Job Discipline
Internal Audit
Contract Type:
Permanent
Description
A national leading accountancy firm looking to recruit a Senior Internal Auditor to join the business.
Reference
BBBH177835
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Rajveer SanghaAuthor
Rajveer SanghaSalary:
£180,000 - £200,000 per annum + Equity, Bonus and Benefits
Location:
England
Industry
Professional Services
Qualification
Fully qualified
Market
Executive Search
Salary
£175,000 - £250,000
Job Discipline
Private Equity Executive Search
Contract Type:
Permanent
Description
Marks Sattin executive Search is working with an international PE-Backed Buy and Build Corporate Services Business.
Reference
TA3218
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Executive SearchAuthor
Executive SearchSalary:
£60,000 - £65,000 per annum
Location:
London
Industry
Transport & Logistics
Qualification
Fully qualified
Market
Commerce & Industry
Salary
£60,000 - £70,000
Job Discipline
Qualified Finance
Contract Type:
Contract
Description
We've partnered with an international airline group who are in search of a systems accountant for a 12 Month assignment.
Reference
BBBH179790
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Jaden AlieAuthor
Jaden AlieSalary:
€75,000 - €85,000 per annum
Location:
Dublin City Centre, Dublin
Industry
Business Services
Qualification
Fully qualified
Market
Commerce & Industry
Salary
£70,000 - £80,000
Job Discipline
Qualified Finance
Contract Type:
Contract
Description
Managing a Finance team and overseeing the day-to-day monitoring, maintaining and updating of the finance systems, as well as contributing to the development and implementation of system enhancement..
Reference
BBBH179794
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Sarah FallonAuthor
Sarah FallonSalary:
€60,000 - €65,000 per annum
Location:
Wicklow
Industry
Energy, Resources and Industrial
Business Services
Qualification
Fully qualified
Market
Commerce & Industry
Salary
£50,000 - £60,000
Job Discipline
Qualified Finance
Contract Type:
Permanent
Description
Our client is a very well known household brand - currently seek a qualified Financial Accountant to join their expanding team in a newly created position
Reference
BBBH179778
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Sarah FallonAuthor
Sarah FallonSalary:
£60,000 - £65,000 per annum
Location:
London
Industry
Property and Infrastructure
Qualification
Fully qualified
Market
Commerce & Industry
Salary
£60,000 - £70,000
Job Discipline
Newly Qualified Finance
Contract Type:
Contract
Description
Interim Financial Accountant required for FSTE listed real estate business!
Reference
BBBH178975
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Jaden AlieAuthor
Jaden AlieSalary:
£45,000 - £55,000 per annum
Location:
London
Industry
Media & Communications
Qualification
None specified
Market
Commerce & Industry
Salary
£50,000 - £60,000
Job Discipline
Legal
Contract Type:
Permanent
Description
Corporate Paralegal £45,000 - £55,000 p/a London (Hybrid)
Reference
BBBH179793
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Maximillian SombartAuthor
Maximillian SombartSalary:
£40,000 - £50,000 per annum
Location:
London
Industry
Investment Management
Qualification
None specified
Market
Financial Services
Salary
£50,000 - £60,000
Job Discipline
Legal
Contract Type:
Permanent
Description
Paralegal / Legal Assistant - Financial Services £40,000 - £50,000 p/a London (Hybrid)
Reference
BBBH179641
Expiry Date
01/01/01
Author
Maximillian SombartAuthor
Maximillian Sombart