In today’s job market, it’s increasingly common to juggle multiple positions or move from company to company in search of better benefits, higher compensation, or project-focused roles. Some industries thrive on independent contractor positions, making it challenging to show stability at one job or in one position on a resume. Employees switch jobs more frequently today than ever before, and while that is an acceptable career move, it can be hard to show your dedication on your resume.
In this article, we share tips on building a resume with a varied or inconsistent work history, provide a template to create your resume, and give an example of a job hopper’s resume.
11 Tips for a Job Hopper Resume
If you have stayed a short time at each job or have a varied work history, you can still stand out in the hiring process by forming a resume that helps you secure a job. Follow these tips when creating your resume with an untraditional job history:
1. Focus on Your Summary and Objective Statement
When writing your resume, ensure your summary clearly states why you are a strong candidate for the position. Focus on your overall length of experience in the field and what you are looking for. For example, you might share that you have five years of corporate communications experience and are looking for a managerial role. Define your career goals in a concise statement that addresses any questions a hiring manager might have.
2. Skip a Chronological Resume
There are various resume formats you can use, and a traditional chronological resume will highlight any job gaps or “job hopping.” Instead, highlight qualifications and accomplishments after your summary or objective statement. You can also move your education to the forefront and list any professional clubs, associations, or training. Focus on what makes you employable, not just the positions you’ve held.
3. Omit Certain Positions
A resume does not need to include every position you have had. It’s acceptable to leave off short contract positions, roles that are not relevant to the job you want, or positions where you worked only a few months. Save important resume real estate for the positions you excelled in, reducing red flags and allowing more space to share specific accomplishments.
4. Leave Out Months in Your Work History
When listing your work history, consider writing only the years you were employed, rather than the month and year combination. By omitting the months, the hiring manager does not immediately see short-term positions. This can also make your resume appear cleaner.
5. Combine Roles
If possible, combine positions based on job duties. For example, if you held three different roles as a social media manager for four months each, you could highlight that you have a year of social media management experience. This approach makes your resume more cohesive and easier to understand for hiring managers unfamiliar with high turnover in competitive fields.
6. List Why You Left
If appropriate, include brief explanations for why you left positions after a short time. For example, if there were layoffs or corporate restructuring, mention that. This helps hiring managers understand the full scope of your work history.
7. Focus on Specific Accomplishments
Highlight specific accomplishments and goals met during your short-term jobs. For example, if you implemented new strategies or received specialized training, include these achievements. This demonstrates your ability to make significant contributions quickly.
8. Create an Online Brand
Build an online presence showcasing your professional interests, networking efforts, and completed projects. Update professional profiles and join industry groups. This online brand can show your commitment to your profession and your willingness to learn and network.
9. Don’t Skimp on the Cover Letter
Use your cover letter to list accomplishments, short-term and long-term career goals, and explain how your experience, despite being short-lived, has set you up for success. Explain why you are looking for a new job and what you hope to achieve, highlighting what you bring to the organization.
10. Use the Interview to Explain Gaps
Be open and honest about your work history during the interview. Highlight career goals and accomplishments, and explain how your varied experience has helped you learn and adapt. Emphasize your resilience and willingness to embrace change.
11. Use Job Description Verbiage
Many companies use tools to scan resumes before sending qualified applicants to hiring managers. Use the same verbiage as the job description to increase the likelihood of your resume reaching the hiring manager. This can also help them see why you are a perfect fit for the role.
Template of a Job Hopper Resume
[Name]
[Address]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
[Link to online portfolio]
Objective or Summary (optional):
[Two to four skills or characteristics] [position] with [number of years of experience] seeking opportunities with [type or name of organization or industry].
Skills (optional):
- [Bulleted list of skills that are relevant to the position you are applying for]
Experience: (listed in reverse chronological order, most to least recent)
[Position/title] | [Company/organization] | [City, state]
[Year - Year]
- [Bulleted list of key responsibilities and accomplishments]
Education:
[University or college], [City, state]
[Major and minor]
[Graduation date]
[GPA (optional)]
- [Notable achievements (such as Dean's list or college internships)]
Example Resume for a Job Hopper
Jane Doe
123 Main Street
City, State 12345
(123) 456-7890
jane.doe@email.com
www.linkedin.com/in/janedoe
Objective:
Experienced marketing professional with seven years in digital marketing seeking a managerial role in a dynamic organization to leverage my skills in SEO, content strategy, and social media management.
Skills:
- SEO and SEM
- Content strategy
- Social media management
- Google Analytics and Google Ads
- Project management
Experience:
Digital Marketing Specialist | ABC Corp | City, State
2022 - 2023
- Developed and implemented SEO strategies that increased organic traffic by 30%
- Managed social media accounts, resulting in a 25% increase in engagement
- Conducted market research to identify new opportunities for growth
Content Strategist | XYZ Inc. | City, State
2020 - 2021
- Created and executed content marketing plans that boosted website traffic by 20%
- Collaborated with the design team to produce engaging multimedia content
- Analyzed content performance using Google Analytics and made data-driven recommendations
Social Media Manager | Freelance
2018 - 2020
- Managed social media campaigns for multiple clients, improving brand visibility
- Created and scheduled content across various platforms, achieving consistent audience growth
- Conducted social media audits and provided actionable insights
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Marketing
State University, City, State
Graduated: 2018
- Dean's List (2016, 2017)
- Marketing Club President
Conclusion
Building a job hopper resume that stands out involves focusing on your strengths, using the right format, and being strategic about what you include. By highlighting your skills, accomplishments, and commitment to your industry, you can present yourself as a valuable candidate despite a varied work history. Use these tips and templates to create a resume that showcases your unique career path and positions you for success in your job search.
