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Research by recruitment firm Robert Half shows more than 90 per cent of employers will overlook an accountant with a history of switching jobs.
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Accountants warned 'job hopping' will derail career
30 January 2015
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The recruiter said 93 per cent of business leaders will remove a candidate from consideration if they appear to be a "job hopper", which Robert Half defines as a person who has changed jobs, on average, four times in a 10-year period.
Andrew Brushfield, director at Robert Half, said there can be a fine line between gaining broad industry knowledge and being viewed as someone who cannot make a long-term commitment to a firm.
“Breadth of experience is often sought after, but a lack of career stability can leave hiring managers wondering how long it will be before they are once again facing the disruption and costs associated with staff turnover. Employers want someone who can help the company reach its goals, and too many voluntary changes can raise a red flag,” he said.
Mr Brushfield said that before leaving their current position employees should assess what factors are most important.
“Pursue a new opportunity only if it addresses underlying issues. For example, are you looking for more responsibility, higher salary, work-life balance or something else? Also, don’t assume you have to leave the company you are at; there may be other jobs within the firm that are a better fit," he said.
Similarly, employers need to explore options for staff retention, he said.
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Aside from direct remuneration, Mr Brushfield suggested initiatives such as training and mentoring programs, health and wellbeing benefits, flexible hours and promoting a positive office environment.
“An employee may also feel the need to change companies to move up the career ladder faster. As a manager, once you on-board a new staff member, map out their development plan to ensure your expectations for the future align. Then check in with them regularly so they feel confident about their growth,” concluded Mr Brushfield.
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