On job applications, how significant is the duration of employment at previous jobs?

Answer 1

In today's changing business environment, it's not as important to show that you've been at one or two jobs "forever". In fact, having been at the same company more than 5 years may mark you as stagnant.

However, it shows a certain amount of stability to show that you can remain in one workplace for at *least *a year. This means that you are at least able to hang on to a job!

The important thing to establish is that you're not a "job hopper". Show clear reasons on your application for each job transition (increased salary and/or more challenging responsibilities).

The length of time spent in each position is not as important as showing that each move you make is a move *up*.

A bunch of lateral moves (similar position, similar salary, bunch of different companies, each job less than six months) makes it look like you may have a problem sitting still, or that you may have trouble getting along with others, or any of a number of other "bad hire" problems, from poor attendance to inability to perform to substance abuse.

A series of moves upward (better pay, increased responsibility), whether within the same company or in a series of progressively better jobs, establishes you as someone who's interested in advancing and willing to be flexible.

The key is to have good reasons for everything you have done, and be willing to explain if asked. If the employer has questions, be prepared with intelligent, logical, forthright answers. If they think you're hiding something, you'll never get past the initial interview!

Answer 2

Depends on the duration, number of job changes, the reason for frequent job changes, and the type of job you are applying for. If it requires training, an employer wants to see some stability in a work record.

Answer 3

As an employer, one of the most important things that i look for is the duration of employment, generally seeing a lot of different jobs in a short period of time is a red flag for me.

Answer 4

Employers like to see that you've spent ample time at previous jobs instead of bouncing around from job to job. Their afraid that you haven't found what you're looking for and if they go through the time and trouble of training you that you'll move on fairly rapidly. If you've had more than 7 jobs that lasted less than a year each, then you need to find one and stick to it for at least 2 years before moving on to the next or you'll have trouble ever finding a decent job again.

Answer 5

I would say very important, beacause it shows stability and responsibility.
A new employer doesn't want to waste time hiring someone who is only going to be there a short time.
If you are worried about knowing exact dates, don't be, just put down your best estimate, as long as you are honest about it.
Good Luck.

Answer 6

In reality, one company is looking for employees that would stay with them for a long time. With that they could gain loyalty and faithfulness from their people. Of course, it's hard to have an employee that is a hopper. Nobody wants such kind of employee 'coz it's not that easy to train, enhance and develop ones' talents and skills (to have specialization) and most of all to have an employee that you could trust with regards to company knowledge.

Seeing in your form that you used to be staying in one company for long, they could feel that you are a trusted one and loved to be taken care of and be trained and have own specialization in the company.


Paula Butil
Global Sky Inc.
www.global-sky.com
1 619 342 0197

Answer 7

if you have a series of jobs where you worked for less than a month, you're not going to get hired, because the new employer will assume that you're either going to quit, or get fired very quickly.

they want somebody who will be a reliable, longterm employee.

Answer 8

very, it shows a prospective employer how long you are willing to stick to a job. if you've stayed long enough to be creative and solve issues. working with difficult people. whether you stick to it or cut and run.

Answer 9

Two year or longer is ideal. If shorter, they may ask you why. If you have a legitimate answer, don't worry. Qualification is more important.

Answer 10

Fairly important. Often they have to verify those dates.