In the not so distant past, resumes received with multiple jobs/employers with short stints, usually did not invite further discussion. Luckily recruiters and hiring managers have become more lenient in their acceptance of candidates who have gone through some upheaval in their careers, especially over the last three years. Job-hopping does not have the negative connotation it used to.
Switching jobs can be beneficial and can lead to better opportunities in the long run. The CIOs and senior IT leaders whom I speak with have interesting back stories to tell on why they made some quick career moves. The stories behind the short stints are not always apparent on a candidate’s resume, and at first glance, he/she may be dismissed or put in the “not qualified” pile. The stigma of job-hopping is not as severe as it used to be, but communicating job shifts still comes down to a well written resume.
Clarification and more information are needed on candidates’ resumes to inform the reader of transitions. Until you speak to someone, the detail of short job stints may be hidden. Here are some real life examples:
- A CIO listed two years at a single hospital. Then the hospital merged with another and changed their health system name. The CIO (who never left) listed the new entity as separate, when it was only a continuation and a promotion to a larger health system.
- One CIO followed a CEO to a new health system after a major management upheaval, but his resume looks like he job-hopped.
- An interim CIO with a consulting firm lists multiple jobs but without the consulting firm as his/her employer.
- Another CIO had an ailing parent in another a state and had to move and take a lesser role at a smaller hospital.
If you have had some upheavals and transitions in your career, you are not alone. The way you present them on your resume will determine if you will be interviewed.
Some ideas to help minimize the “job-hop” look on your resume:
- Combine all separate positions under one company header and describe that company.
- Explain hospital mergers or acquisitions under a company header.
- Combine several consulting jobs under the heading of the consulting firm.
- Use the header of “Independent Consultant” if you managed your own consulting or Interim CIO practice.
- Shifts due to family reasons don’t need to be explained in writing, but be prepared to discuss.
Hope this helps, if anyone needs more specific guidance on resume format, please leave a comment below.
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