Most employers understand that the days of the one-to-three job career are long gone. Gen-Y workers are even more prone to adopt a Company Me attitude and move to the next best thing as soon as the opportunity presents itself. That’s what the war for talent is all about.

Having a storyline, an intelligent, logical rationale for each of your career moves will help a potential employer understand your decision-making process. When on an interview, follow these tips to connect with the hiring manager and navigate the “So, why have you had so many jobs?” question:

1. Highlight Positive Moves: Were you lured away for more money, a promotion, or a chance to manage staff? Let the hiring manager know what was attractive about the offer and what you hope to make part of your next role
2. Admit Mistakes: Everyone makes a career misstep. If you took a job and then realized it was the wrong fit, take accountability for the decision and explain what you learned from the process. If you were downsized, be up front about the event and then express how you recovered. Sometimes you have to affix a “Career Band Aid” to pay the bills, but turn a negative into a positive by discussing your flexibility and resiliency
3. Explain Why This Job is Fit:After walking through your career history, summarize what you find attractive about the organization, the role, and the potential career path it offers. Underscore how it aligns with your longer-term objectives.
4. Express Career-minded Intentions: Convey the desire to leverage what you’ve learned from prior moves and build a career with an organization. Ask about the career path, expectations for excellence in the position, and how new hires can quickly assimilate into the corporate culture.  

Need a career coach? Contact me using the form above.

Want to connect with free work/life resources and research? Subscribe to this blog.