Too many job changes? How to make messy choices look good?

[nodogz]

I started a new job about six weeks ago and I'm not loving it (and I'm picking up the vibe that they're not loving me).

Fairs, fair - that's life. The problem is that I'm developing a track record of not staying anywhere very long*. That's due to a mixture of circumstances but I worry I'll look "suspicious" on paper.

I'm really worried I won't be able to present myself as a good candidate. Any tips? My confidence is rock bottom, I've had so much rejection over the last three years that I doubt my own abilities.

Problem is I was too overskilled/senior for my region but now I'll have to work my way back up again (if I ever get chance).

*Cv summary
8 years with one employer, senior role (made redundant)
3 years with another employer (made redundant)
4 months and resigned - got offered an amazing role on paper and was meant to be regional but ended up basically full time 200 miles away
1 year - 1/3 salary previously but thought I could do something for a good cause. Really shitty colleagues and some bullying, resigned
7 months nice but boring job with same company as above. Low salary but ok to just "do"
Six weeks with new company - not going great

So 4 months, 12 months, 7 months and 6 weeks are how long you've been at your last four jobs (including current)?
Sorry your summary is hard to read on a phone as there are no paragraphs or line breaks.

Yes, that's right @milkytwilight

Oh god it looks awful on paper. I have no idea how I'm going to progress past this.

Honestly you're going for your fifth job just outside of a 24 month period. I'd be cautious in hiring you! Especially as these jobs were supposed to be permanent rather than contract or agency I assume?

Two wereFTC's (the year long role, I drew to a conclusion but it would have been extended) and the 7 month they wanted to extend to 24 months but I took this other job.

Even the four month was supposed to be a contract role but they liked me so much after interview they offered me a permanent contract (biggest mistake ever).

The last two years have just wiped out over a decade of diligent hard work and great achievements. Being as self aware as possible, I have given everything a good try but I just haven't had any luck with the right place, right time factors

I would explain that they were FTCs and with the uncertainty of 2020 you took what you could find. Now that covid restrictions are easing you're hoping to find a permanent role to get your teeth into.

I think if you put that it's a FTC next to the contract roles it will look better. Also most employers hopefully will take 2020/2021 as a period of short lived jobs/unemployment/changes in light of the economic situation and covid.

Step one would be to show some roles were a contract & step two once you get an interview would be explaining the changes and making sure you can explain why the new role would be a good fit.

I stayed 11 months each in two jobs and now I'm moving on to the third one, I just made sure to explain that I'm now looking for somewhere to stay longer term and it was well received. Good luck!

Even if you’re not loving your current job - can you stick it out longer? There is always a bit of bedding in with new jobs.

If you can reframe the last two as ‘xx company, aa and bb roles’ then I think you’re fine. Just get out of this one quick if you can.

Great advice above about how to present the info.

Actually feeling ok about it this morning. If I can get interviews then I'll be upfront.

My cv looks similar - just about to move on to my 4th role in 2 years (civil service transfers), most recent I’ve been there 8 weeks...My prior roles were 8 yrs and 3 yrs though.... luckily when you’re looking to transfer internally no one factors in your CV.

I have a reasonably good explanation - I changed professions and just never settled into the new one, now I’m returning to my original profession.

I’ve decided though that whatever happens with new role I need to grit my teeth and stay put for a couple of years to improve my CV. Luckily so far it’s looking good!

Fixed term contracts are your friend. Put it against the 4 month, 1 year and 7 month jobs. Spin a positive story about wanting to gain experience in different areas. Now you want a permanent job........

What type of job do you do? I work in the NHS now and this isn't a problem. In fact, they like you to move around to get good all round experience.

Jobs and work have changed and not for the better. There seems to be a lot of mis-selling, inaccurate or no job description, ridiculous workloads, nightmare bosses, no training, etc. I'm not sure where it has gone so wrong. I don't remember work being like this when I first started out.

Make sure your CV and Covering letter are strong and tailored - answer each requirement asked for - fundamental mistake enormous number of candidates get wrong.

Similar predicament here. You need to put a covid spin on why it was necessary for you to leave certain jobs. Blame it on the uncertainty and change of family circs etc. Not untrue at all for my CV but I’m absolutely looking suspicious as I already had two jobs in quick succession before the 2020 shitstorm kicked off.

Spot on @OccaChocca about jobs and work changed...I’m long in the tooth and it wasn’t like this when i started out! I could have written those exact words it’s how I feel at moment 😟