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Enterprise Sales

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Job Hopping - Interview Response

Looking back I allowed myslef to get "woo'd" by execs without seeing things through at 3-4 stops in the last 6 years. I never left due to a RIF or PIP, but am getting killed as a "job hopper" in interviews.


What is the best way to convince a sales leader that this isnt indicative of performance and/or that I will be committed to their team?

🗣 Interviewing
14

18 comments

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jefe
Arsonist
9
🍁
I hate that people are still putting so much stock in this nonsense.

I was truly disappointed to see a post by Sahil on LI the other day touting Bravado's features and using 'no job hoppiness' as a filter...

You need to be able to be human and honest and explain why you have a few stops. That it was always your choice might make it a bit harder, but @oldcloser is right - you need to be able make the hiring manager feel confident that you'll be around for awhile at this place. That it's not just a stop.
oldcloser
Arsonist
5
💀
☝️☝️☝️ I had 5 roles in 2023. A RIF in Feb, 3 family feeders, and a long-term permanent in December. I know I’m not alone.
jefe
Arsonist
4
🍁
Such bullshit. Shortsighted companies are missing out on a lot of talent.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
3
🦊
There is NOTHING wrong and ZERO shame in taking care of you and your family.
oldcloser
Arsonist
2
💀
No shitz! Am I supposed to apologize for keeping the mortgage current? I think not
Rev32
Executive
2
Director, Sales
Employers should understand RIF's and contract work. As for the other 3 "Family Feeders" - you can try listing that as a Sabbatical, or Re-Education or Training if you took some classes, self-employed, "Research Entrepreneurial Options" (did you think about starting your own business?
Or it just might be better to not list an employer. It may be easier to explain a 4 month gap or job search than 3 jobs in 6 months.
Can list it as "Consultative Work." Maybe you were just helping the company streamline their process or offering input on their onboarding program. ;) Make the experience work for you.
You don't have have to include everything on your resume. Only the relevant stuff. Never lie, but you don't necessarily have to tell the whole truth.
oldcloser
Arsonist
0
💀
Thanks Rev, but that story ended with my acceptance of role #5. No way I would have listed any of it on my resume either way. All has settled in this new post-23 era, my mortgage is still current, I never even looked at fishing money out of savings. Same grind out of work that it is in work.
oldcloser
Arsonist
7
💀
When I see this, I ask one question: What can you tell me that will assure me you’ll survive the ramp? And I listen for anything that makes sense. Be prepared to answer that, or better yet, bring it up yourself and sell through it. It’s not uncommon.
BigShrimpin
Catalyst
4
Account executive
This, get out in front of it with your own explanation and you can save the rest of the interview. Ive seen this called pulling the pin on your own grenades at least you know the explosion is coming.
oldcloser
Arsonist
3
💀
Never heard it called that, but I’m stealing it. Do it right and you’ll come off as credible and forthright. Solid play.
5
Founding BDR
Haven’t gone through this but I would just say be a human and be honest. It sounds like you’ve had valid reasons at your previous stops. I’d explain those reasons (don’t bash them tho) and transition how and why you learned to vet companies a bit more in depth because of it. Definitely emphasis the learning aspect of it, otherwise it may come off arrogant
pirate
Big Shot
2
🦜☠️ Account Executive
Well in job interviews they go after what they might think is a weakness for you. And they'll see how you'll overcome that question. I've job hopped, I've just turned 30 recently and to be honest it's not that unusual. I know plenty of people same age who did job hopping and tried different things and different locations. Mention your performance, focus on killing the question not letting it kill your interview.
Pachacuti
Politicker
2
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
I have answered this before - your resume is what YOU make of it.

Don't lie, but you don't need to tell the entire truth. Change your resume dates to Yr - Yr, instead of Month/Year to Month/Year. Omit jobs which are not applicable to the one you're applying for.
Again, don't lie, but make your resume "need to know" only.
bonez
Politicker
1
Account Executive
A lot of this advice is killer but I'll just add that I've had 4 jobs in 5 years and it's all in the story you tell. I'm prepared for it, speak to it confidently, and it never gets asked again. People today understand that lots of layoffs mean people were only at jobs for 1 or 2 years. You got this my dude!
GoBlue
Old School Bravo
0
National Account manager
be honest... looking for a great opportunity with (what you want). If it is not a fit move on to another interview.
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
0
Sales Rep
What I do, is ask why they made moves to learn their work history/motivations and use their prior motivations to justify my moves
the_perfect_cook
0
Account Director
Tell the story. As long as there are legit reasons for each move, it shouldn’t be a problem. And if it is, move on. This is the way.
PwrBldr414
0
Division Sales Manager (North America)
I went through a similar experience and found that the important thing to do is acknowledge it, be positive, concise, and move forward. Focus on the positive contributions you made to the roles, how each was an opportunity to learn from, and how those lessons will help you in your next position. Don't deflect if the interviewer asks for more information, but don't dwell on the topic and use the positives to pivot focus on what you can bring to the opportunity you're interviewing now.

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