Number of jobs held

Question

Hi

How/ where in my application do I explain 6 jobs since graduating from undergrad in 1998? One was a layoff during the downturn, 2 were for personal reasons (moving because of my husband's move), and one job was in India, for a year before I came to do my masters in the US.

However, there has been some career progression overall. Is this going to be a deal breaker? I've been at my current job for over two years now. 

I was originally thinking I should ignore it (and hope they wont notice) but I'm not so sure anymore.

Thanks!

riverripper · Answer

I know in some industries changing jobs frequently is pretty common. My brother has been at his current company with 4 years but went through 5 companies in under 4 years right out of college with the move out - move up mentality. I have several friends that average a year at a job, my wife is at about 2 years per job. 

If you are moving to new countries and are getting promotions or a good raise then I wouldnt worry about it at all. I am sure they are used to seeing people who go through lots of jobs pretty quick.

mbagal1 · Answer

Hmm, well, I am in IT where this is more common.

However, I still have a bad feeling about this. I am thinking now that I will address it briefly in one of my essays. I still haven't figured out how I will tie it to everything else I write in the essay.

What you just told me however, does make me feel better, like Im not the only one who has gone through this, thanks

aaudetat · Answer

We're doing resume reviews right now, so I've seen lots of resumes. There's plenty of job hopping. I wouldn't address it directly - that makes you seem defensive. (I have changed jobs a lot, but I swear it's for a good reason.) Instead, talk about the various opportunities you've had that have led you to change roles. Don't go on too much about it - dwelling on negatives is a common mistake. 

You might also be able to make a triumph through adversity story out of it, depending on the details.

mbagal1 · Answer

Thanks aaudetat, yes, I don't want to be seeming defensive. But if adcoms ever bring it up, I want them to say "ah, yes...that's why she made all those changes". If it doesn't concern them, then hopefully it will somehow mesh with the essay I write. I still haven't figured out how exactly to do that though, ie, fit it into one of the essays without using an optional one. 

No, I don't have enough material for a triumph through adversity story - unless you count the lack of H1 B (visa) sponsored jobs during the tech downturn. I don't want to go there, because I know I could come across as whining, even though it affected just as many americans.

Number of jobs held

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