Think through what might be asked of you
Dr. Robinson advises thinking ahead to the questions a hiring manager or recruiter might ask based on your resume. Their perspective could be that if you’ve been in a previous job for under a year, you might dislike the industry. You want to counter that in your cover letter, your resume, your LinkedIn profile, and your interview, Dr. Robinson advises: “You want to emphasize how much you’ve actually learned. You want to talk about what your goals are, and how it is that what you’re trying to move into aligns or fits with the goals that you have longer term.”
During your interview, Dr. Robinson suggests, use language like: “Here’s why this step was really important. It allowed me to learn about XYZ. It introduced me to XYZ concept. I worked on a project that showed me XYZ is really important to me, so I want to pursue more of that.”
She adds, “Just have that answer ahead of time. Focus on your ability to learn and the skills that you pull[ed] together in the time you did work for an organization. You can be a significant contributor even in a short time.”
Consider what you need before moving on
Before moving into a new role, experts suggest, take stock of what you’re hoping to gain by leaving. Keep factors like job satisfaction, compensation, and lifestyle in mind, Soltano advises, and consider what you think the next job should offer — then make a list of pros and cons.
Soltano also notes the importance of trying to leave on a high note, including staying in touch with colleagues: “Maybe the last three jobs, for whatever reason, didn’t work out. [But] it’s a small world, and you don’t know who’s going to remember you at the next job.”
Dr. Robinson encourages workers to practice what she calls “scanning the horizon” of the industry, looking into what political, economic, environmental, social, or legal factors might be shaping a field. “Is this a growing industry? Is this an industry that’s disappearing?” Robinson asks. Ideally, you want to be in an industry that will grow with you.
That may also count for your current job: Could you ask for a promotion or apply for different roles within the organization? As Dr. Robinson puts it, when you’re looking for a company where you want to apply, “is it one that has a ladder that you can move up? Is it one that has bridges that you can move around?”
Dr. Robinson also reframes the idea of changing jobs: “You’re seeking better and better alignment,” she explains, between the industry, your values, skills, and interests. She encourages young workers to be bold and unambiguous about who they are and what they’re interested in when writing cover letters and resumes, on LinkedIn, and in person. “It doesn’t mean job-hopping is the end of your life,” she says. “See it as a ladder.”
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