Although changing from one job to another can sometimes make sense in the short term, doing it too many times may be concerning for an HR manager. Five times seems to be the number that raises the most red flags. In a recent survey of more than 300 HR managers at companies in the US with 20 or more employees, Robert Half asked, "Over a 10-year span, how many job changes, in your opinion, would it take for a professional to be viewed as a job hopper?" The mean answer was five.
"Businesses look for people who will be committed to the organization, can contribute to the company, and help it reach its short- and long-term goals. Too much voluntary job hopping can be a red flag," said Paul McDonald, Robert Half senior executive director.
Studies have shown that millennials are more likely to be job hoppers than other age groups. But it may be hurting their chances at finding a long-term career. Manjur Ahmed, head of HR at Telecom Trust, recommends that millenials think carefully before they begin a job and find out if it fits their interests and qualifications.
One way of seeing many different jobs without being labeled a job hopper is by joining a team of contract workers. If someone joins a temp agency, his or her employer of record will stay the same even as he or she works for different companies and gain experience.
