A CV that looks like a mosaic of colorful tiles, moving every two years from start-up to corporation, from agency to family business and back again, quite honestly, that raises questions in most HR departments.

Is the job seeker a daring explorer in search of new challenges? Or rather a restless spirit who never stays anywhere for long? Even though times have changed and the classic 30-year-at-the-same-company career is slowly dying out, there is still a certain mistrust of job hoppers who seem to be drawn elsewhere every two years. Why is it that some people change jobs so frequently?

Career, frustration and toxic environment

There are people who are real career jumpers. They see an exciting challenge, grab it enthusiastically and after two years are ready for the next leap because the learning curve is steep. Then there are the frustrated ones who quickly realize that the job doesn't meet their expectations at all, so they quickly start looking for something new.

In addition, there are aspects such as a toxic working environment, poor pay or a boss who reminds you of a Roman emperor. Honestly, who would stay there voluntarily? Of course, there are also the unlucky ones. Insolvency, restructuring or permanent fixed-term contracts. And finally, there are the curious ones who simply want to experiment to find out where they fit in best. Not everyone is lucky enough to find their dream job at the first attempt.

How do recruiters rate frequent job changes?

And here we come to the critical point. What does it look like on the other side of the application table? There are recruiters who say „Wow, this person has an incredible amount of experience. She is a breath of fresh air and can adapt quickly.“ Others see the risk above all. What were the reasons that she did not stay, maybe she is unfit or cannot fit into the team. Will she turn her back on us so quickly? Is it even worth the training? Not entirely unjustified considerations.

In creative industries, however, a varied CV can even be a plus point, as flexibility, a spirit of innovation and a broad skillset are important here. In more conservative companies, on the other hand, someone who changes jobs every two years is more likely to be perceived as impatient or disloyal, which can quickly lead to rejection.

How do you get the job anyway?

A resume shouldn't look like you're wildly hopping through the professional world, even if you've gone through many stages. Show that your resume is a deliberately chosen route with a clear progression. If you have had similar tasks in different jobs, present this as an expression of your expertise. If, on the other hand, you have tried different things, you should emphasize this as part of your job search. The wording makes all the difference here. Another factor that should not be underestimated is the right balance between honesty and strategic communication. A statement like „My last boss was a choleric person“ could quickly get you sidelined. Instead, the phrase „A supportive work environment is important to me“ conveys the same message, but in a confident and positive way.

So many job changes can be a booster for your career, as long as you present your career as a logical progression. Employers are not looking for job hoppers, but neither are they looking for employees who are stuck in the past for fear of change. Make the most of your CV, adapt your wording and emphasize your qualities. Then nothing should stand in the way of your career, even with an atypical CV!