Are you having trouble explaining your career moves?

Explaining movement on a resume from one job to another, or speaking to a random career change can be difficult for some people to explain or justify.

Movement on a resume is frequently the most noticed item by recruiters and it is always of crucial importance to a hiring manager.

Short tenures or movements that do not appear to make sense are major red flags.

Why is this senior executive moving around when they are only 1 or 2 years into a 3 or 5-year mandate? Even if they left for a promotion, it can appear that the individual is leaving without finishing the job or is possibly an impatient person.

Why would you want to do

that

? Wasn’t that a little risky? Why are you making such a drastic change that does not seem to be in line with your career?

Some interviewers will ask those questions, while others will not but will keep their skepticism to themselves.

Finally, some interviewers will not even grant an interview if they cannot get over the movement on the resume or understand the logic on paper.

The most important step in getting others onboard with your career transition is crafting a compelling narrative. I am not talking about fabricating a story!

In a very succinct manner, take the interviewer to that point(s) in time, the circumstances and environment, and guide them through your thought process.

But do it quickly!

This can be a critical determinant of success in winning others’ understanding of you, as well as wining their support for your professional goals and vision for the future.

Career trajectory and building experience in order to achieve an overall goal is obviously the desired storyline, but honesty is the key.

There are many circumstances that can prompt a career move, trust me, I have been there.

Honesty, respect for past employers and the growth that you received from the experience goes a long way in properly telling your story.

These are some answers that you need to avoid.

I got head hunted so I left that company. (you would be surprised at how many people even at a senior level use this answer.

Do not become one of these candidates.

It does not show strategic or independent thinking)

My boss was not allowing me full control, or the U.S. Head Office was setting unreasonable expectations for my Canadian division.

(you can use this answer once, but if you use it more than that, it shows that you are not doing your due diligence or are not learning from your past experience)

The company was not financially strong. (see above.

you can use this once, but if you got fooled twice, shame on you.)

Stay focused on moving forward.

Be very precise in what you are looking for and what you are bringing to the table.

Your passions, your strengths and your learnings (both good and bad) should help you identify and articulate your game plan for a potential employer.

Be sure to also explain the unique value that you can bring to your new endeavor on your way to winning their support.

Farewell,

Mike

Recruiting BusinessMike KingDecember 8, 2017Toronto Headhunter, Recruiter, Headhunters, Recruitment FirmComment