What's the best way to explain why I've had 8 jobs in an interview?

Question

I'm 25 years old and I've had a total of 8 jobs, and I'm beginning to feel that this may be the reason why employers aren't calling me back after sending my resume.

Even though I have a college degree, I'm guessing employers think I'm a crappy employee because I have a history of leaving jobs after one year. I've never left a job shorter than 8 months. (I've only been fired once)

I've never had a job that paid more than 12 dollars an hour, and that's why I left jobs (I felt I was too far down to see any forseeable advancement).

Please say I'm not alone with havoing this problem cause I'm really getting worried. Is there a way to fix this? Should I lie and just "forget" I even worked somewhere? What should I do?

Answer 1

You have a couple of options here the way i see it.

First I have to say that you are not alone - I am 38 and have been jumping around for years.

To explain why - I would have to say that it has to do with not settling, which is a good thing for you. Don't until you love your job. This is one of the true keys to happiness. In my humble opinion.

If you can express this in one of your job applications your potential employer may be impressed. Unless they think that thier position sucks. In which case you probably don't want the job anyway.

Your other option will of course be to get 'creative' with how you list your lengths of time with your last 3 jobs.

Your call.

Answer 2

If you lie then you will have to explain why you didn't work that certain time period. You don't want to make it look like you worked longer at other jobs because when they call for a reference they will find out the truth.

I think you should say in your interview that your goal is advancement, and you have left other jobs because you couldn't for see any advancement.

I am not sure if that is why there not hiring you though. It seems like while we are young we go through many jobs and that is our way of finding ourselves. I think that is normal.

There are alot of people looking for work. It's not like it was 20 years ago when jobs were a dime a dozen. Easy to find.

You will need to somehow sell yourself to the employer. Also, even after the interview keep bugging them until they hire you or tell you that they gave the job to someone else. I think I would even ask them why not you? Let them know you are only asking so you can improve yourself.

http://www.officeteam.com

Answer 3

Since you have your college degree, you are smart enough to learn and understand a few things. Consider this, if offered a job during your process, take it. However, in the mean time, think about this.

Who has the most money, the worker or the store owner? Which would you rather be?

I think you should consider starting your own business doing something you like. There are so many ways one can earn a great income if you put your mind to it. You have to make a decision and do it, whatever it may be.

If you would like some ideas, you can check out this website that I found. They have lots of good ideas and articles that may help you. So whatever you do, do it with all your might.

Answer 4

Leave out a couple of jobs, especially the crappier ones. I have found that you need to be selective about reporting on your experience and as long as you can make the years tie up, it works out ok. I had one job ($11hr) where I was kind of fired and I got sick of them spreading crap about me because they were dirty lying scum sucking idiots. They didn't even have enough guts to fire me properly they were so incompetent. I left it off my CV recently and I am now in the market for 60k jobs. As Bing Crosby used to sing "accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, don't mess with Mr In Between." I am 40 and I have had so many jobs I've lost count. I just leave enough of them out and I also differentiate between fixed term, temp and permanent contracts/jobs. Also find a job that suits you, not just any job, it will allow you to stay longer if you are happy and can advance. You need to be able to stick at a job for five years to get around the inevitable job jumper tag. Also, bear in mind that people are mobile in their working habits today. It may be that your CV is not presented properly. Get some help with it. Also, pick a field where you really want to work and concentrate all your effort on getting a job in that industry.

I also have a university degree (not USA), and spent five years out of the workforce with a serious injury. Its hard to get back in but you have to keep trying and not just take any job. If you have to take a job to get by, try to find one that you can enjoy at least a little bit until you find the right one. Don't stop looking. Tailormake your CV for each individual job application and highlight the skills and experience that you have which would make you seem an attractive candidate.
Good Luck

Answer 5

I would just put the jobs that I had after completing college. Those are the ones that are more relevant anyway. Unless the jobs you had before and during college were greatly significant to the position you were seeking, there really isn't any reason to put them down. Most employers assume students go to school and do not work full time.

Answer 6

I hire a lot of people where I work, and you're right the more jobs, the more reluctant someone is to hire you. Most places just ask for you're previous 3 jobs. Don't list more than it asks for. And when in an interview just be honest. Tell them that the other jobs had no advancement opportunities. Most employers will understand.

Answer 7

you are alone. Employers want to find some one who has stability. why should we waste are time training this person if they are going to leave after 8 or 9 months. you should should try and stay at least 24 months at your next job, you need to start working on a good work history. Or just make up a fake resume and give bogus dates that's all

Answer 8

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Answer 9

Do not lie. You can include a brief, professional explanation in your cover letter. Explain that you have left many (or #) jobs in the past because you saw no opportunity for advancement and wish to excel personally and professionally through your job. State that your goals are to do well in the job and learn enough to move into (management, whatever you want to move into) eventually, and you hope the position will provide you the opportunity to use your knowledge and experience effectively to reach your full potential.

Answer 10

I have this same problem. In in interview, simply explain that you seem to find jobs that you realize don't have any further advancement until you start. Do not "forget" that you've worked someplace, some employers will like the experience. Good Luck!