The Do's and Don'ts Of Effective Job Hopping
Job hopping, once considered a red flag, has become more prevalent in today's rapidly changing job market. But there are some standard do’s and don'ts of job hopping to ensure you are strategically maximizing its benefits while avoiding potential pitfalls. In this article, we cover the most common do's and don'ts of effective job hopping.
The Do's:
Align with Your Goals: Ensure that each job change aligns with your career goals and aspirations. Look for roles that offer opportunities for skill development, growth, and advancement in your desired direction.
Research Thoroughly: Before making a move, research potential employers extensively. You need to fully understand their company culture, values, and reputation as this will help you avoid jumping into a situation that might not be a good fit.
Skill Acquisition: Use job hopping as a chance to diversify and acquire new skills. This is your chance to take a bit of risk and seek out roles that offer you the chance to learn something new or expand your expertise. Don’t be scared- it’s ok to try something new and fail or not like it, it’s all about learning.
Network: Every job you take is an opportunity to expand your professional network. Be sure to maintain relationships with colleagues and supervisors even after you move on as these connections can be valuable for future collaborations or job referrals.
Negotiate Wisely: When switching jobs, negotiate your salary and benefits thoughtfully- and don’t be too greedy! Use your past experience and skills as leverage to secure a compensation package that reflects your market value and benchmark that against websites like Glassdoor so you know you are in the right ballpark.
Show Results: During your time in each role, strive to achieve tangible results. Accomplishments are what sells you to future employers so make sure they are positioned powerfully and strategically on your resume and in your interviews. Be clear and concise with how you contributed and made an impact.
Plan Transition Smoothly: Lastly, when leaving a job, provide ample notice and assist in the transition process. A positive exit will leave a lasting impression and maintain your professional reputation. Need help with this? Download The Comprehensive Roadmap To Leaving A Job Without Burning Bridges ebook for free.
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The Don'ts:
Don't Job Hop Too Frequently: While some level of mobility is acceptable, avoid changing jobs too frequently. You should aim to stay in a role for at least 12-15 months before moving onto something else. Short tenures might raise concerns about your commitment and adaptability.
Avoid Negative Reasons: I know it’s easy to do, especially when you are desperate and hopeless in your current role, but don't hop jobs solely to escape a challenging situation or a difficult coworker. Make sure your reasons for leaving are positive, such as seeking growth or a better fit, or more money.
Don't Neglect Company Culture: As humans, we typically want to be part of a community and our work is influenced by passion and purpose. We generally want to feel fulfilled and proud of our work. As a career coach, most of my clients are leaving roles because of firstly, low pay, and secondly, bad culture. A strong company culture fit is essential for job satisfaction. Don't overlook this factor when considering a move.
Avoid Skipping Learning Opportunities: Changing jobs too often might prevent you from gaining deep expertise in a particular domain. Consider balancing movement with opportunities for mastery and be intentional about what continuing education and upskilling you are engaging in and why.
Don't Oversell Yourself: Hot take here, but you need to be truthful about your skills and experiences. We all want to put our best foot forward when applying and interviewing for a new role, but overselling your capabilities can lead to being overwhelmed in a new role.
Avoid Impulsive Moves: Don't jump at the first opportunity that comes your way. Take time to evaluate how the new role aligns with your long-term goals and if you don’t have those goals solidified yet, now is the time to do so!
Final Thoughts…
Job hopping can be a valuable strategy for career growth if executed thoughtfully as it provides a chance to diversify skills, expand networks, and climb the career ladder. But you need to job hop in a way that is professional so as to not burn any bridges or hurt your professional brand. By adhering to the do's and avoiding the don'ts, you can navigate the world of job hopping successfully and build a fulfilling and dynamic career path. Remember, every move should be a step forward, contributing to your overarching professional journey.
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Meet The Writer!
Hi! My name is Nadia Ibrahim-Taney and I help people design happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally. Please connect with me on LinkedIn or at Nadia@beyonddiscoverycoaching.com
