ASK HR: Search yourself, you might be the problem, not the companies

I cannot afford leaving out the three jobs because I learned some special skills. Prospective employers will ask me why I have had several jobs within such a short period. PHOTO| FILE| NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Generally, it is recommended that the minimum duration in a position should be three years. In that period, you are able to demonstrate your impact and achievement.
  • Without these attributes, it becomes impossible to meet the agreed targets. The professional relationships we form at work motivate us to go to the office every day, so work on establishing good relationships at work.
  • Reassure the potential employer that you have addressed the issues that prompted you to job hop.

Q. I have a good work background but my last three jobs barely lasted a year each because I felt out of place in the all of them. I am currently job hunting but I cannot afford leaving out the three jobs because I learned some special skills. Prospective employers will ask me why I have had several jobs within such a short period. How do I respond to the question without revealing the actual reasons I left?

You have a challenge that you need to identify, and unless you address it, you will continue job hopping, which is not good for your career growth and will not inspire confidence in potential recruiters.

Generally, it is recommended that the minimum duration in a position should be three years. In that period, you are able to demonstrate your impact and achievement. It’s highly unlikely that the three companies have problems that make you unsettled; you might also be contributing to this challenge. You should research a company before accepting a job offer and establish whether the roles are in line with your professional training and passion or interest.

You spend most of your day at work, hence you must like what you do, otherwise it will be frustrating. Also examine if you have the right competencies and training for the roles that you are engaged for.

What kind of personality do you have, and is it suitable for the roles you are taking on? A sales representative, for instance, requires to be outgoing, patient and persistent. Without these attributes, it becomes impossible to meet the agreed targets. The professional relationships we form at work motivate us to go to the office every day, so work on establishing good relationships at work.

Before you start job hunting, you need to have addressed your challenge so that it does not haunt you in your next role. You cannot run away from facts in your CV, and three positions are too many to leave out as there will be a glaring gap in your job history. Be honest but give facts that don’t disadvantage your prospects by outlining your challenges and demonstrating attempts you made to change your circumstances.

Reassure the potential employer that you have addressed the issues that prompted you to job hop.

Finally, build credibility through meeting your objectives and continuously adding value to your employer.