Do you have an upcoming job interview? Check out my example answers and tips to the interview question: “Why have you changed jobs so often?”
Other questions that require a similar answer are: “Can you explain why you’ve had so many jobs?” or “Tell me why you switch jobs so frequently.”
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The reason why interviewers ask this question is to gauge your loyalty. If you go from one job to another, without the prospects of definite growth or other rational motives, you may appear unstable and unreliable. Reassure the interviewer that you are not a job-hopper and structure your answer as follows:
#1 Example Answer
“It’s important for me to stay with a company as long as there is mutual value, where I experience personal and professional growth and my contribution helps the company in return. I am convinced that win-win situations are most important to achieve goals and long-term working relationships.
I’ve looked into your company and thoroughly read the job description prior to submitting my resume, and it appears that this job opportunity carries more responsibility. I believe that my skill set and prior experience could greatly benefit [Task 1] and [Task 2] listed in the job description.”
#2 Example Answer
“I believed that changing jobs every two years would benefit my personal and professional growth. Although I’ve become a more well-rounded [Job title], I miss the idea of really getting to know everyone, settling into my position and concentrating on the long-term goals of a company. I do think, however, that my prior work experiences will contribute to, not only the tasks listed in the job description, but also add value to your team as a whole.”
TIPS
√ Do provide a short summary about the whole situation and, if possible, integrate some positive references to convince the interviewer that you are not fleeing a bad situation.
√ Do explain how these experiences contributed to personal and professional growth and inform the interviewer that this new job opportunity appears to carry more responsibility.
X Don’t go into details about each individual position and employer. Also, avoid sharing any private information and don’t speak negatively about your former boss, ex-colleagues or clients.
