How bad does job hopping look on a resume?

2021-09-15T17:18:40-04:00

Since returning from my deployment I have transitioned through three jobs and quit one of my jobs upon return (they held it because of USERRA), all in the security field. Technically I am still employed at one, I have just been removed from the full-time schedule and placed on a work at-will schedule where I can pick up extra shifts if I so choose.

The transition from the first job to the second was due to hours, I was working graveyard which was affecting my ability to attend college.

The second job resulted in a pay decrease but gave me the schedule needed to attend college.

The third job increases my pay and keeps me with a decent enough schedule to continue college.

My question is if I find another higher paying position and I transition to a fourth job, how does this make my resume appear to future employers? Is this a red flag that I have transitioned so much in a short amount of time?

What's your experience with employment after deployment?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2021 5:45 PM

2021-09-15T17:45:00-04:00

It would be a red flag to some, and probably not to others. It's all going to be how the person reading your resume feels

Response by CWO4 Terrence Clark made Sep 15 at 2021 6:26 PM

2021-09-15T18:26:06-04:00

Putting my PHR hat on here. As a hiring manager, I was not so concerned about the number, but the why. Sounds like you're working your way toward a degree. We've all been there. Most HR wienies will look favorably on that, more so if the degree bears on the job they are offering. Practice responding to questions about your moves, placing you in a professional light. Nothing in your first four paragraphs would give me pause. I would ask if you had given ample notice before leaving. I'm looking for two weeks. Or an explanation why not. Don't want to hear about clashes with bosses or how rotten the company was. Even if fired, simply say it was not a good fit. Don't tell them you intend to stay with them until the second coming - we both know better. Don't tell them you've got one quarter to get out of the way, then intend to transfer to a school across the country. Be honest about your needs. Be honest and research enough about their company to be able to align your and their needs. "I'm attracted to you because you're the biggest corrugated box company in the state and your hours and working conditions are perfect for me. Although I'm majoring in the sex life of the Antarctic sea squirt, I've come to realize that sea squirt anchoring slime would make a perfect corrugated box adhesive. "

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2021 12:38 AM

2021-09-16T00:38:44-04:00

I’m my experience, it would depend. If I see a lot in a short period, I am a bit leary. For example 9 months here, 6 months there. But if it like every two/three years, I don’t worry about it. Sometimes I may ask someone during the interview about their past employment. The short story is, I want someone who will be with us for at least a few years or longer. But be ready to explain it if it does come up.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Sep 16 at 2021 11:18 AM

2021-09-16T11:18:31-04:00

Job hopping happens but in comparison, a length of time at a location looks better than bouncing from place to place. Just do what you can.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Sep 16 at 2021 11:55 AM

2021-09-16T11:55:44-04:00

Now a days the average company would not look at it so much. More so on the why.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Sep 16 at 2021 12:56 PM

2021-09-16T12:56:35-04:00

It will certainly raise eyebrows, and you should be prepared to discuss it during interviews. If you can satisfy the interviewer(s) that your decisions were sound and not a reflection of your work ability or work ethic, you should be fine. But the onus will be on YOU to satisfactorily explain the employment volatility.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Sep 17 at 2021 10:46 AM

2021-09-17T10:46:23-04:00

Some of the decision may be on how much, if any, training they have to give you to be proficient in the position you are applying for. If you have a history of less than six months on a job and it is going to take them three or four months to train you if I were an employer I would pass. If the training was only a couple days I wouldn't be AS concerned. However, if someone else of equal qualification were to come along in the window of applications who had a better job history I would probably hire them. Hiring and training is a pain the the rear end and most employers would prefer to do less of each of these!