Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the offer at this government entity!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

• First of all, while multiple switches in a short span can be viewed as a potential red flag by some employers, the narrative you craft around it matters a lot. If you can articulate genuine reasons for each move, and it's clear that each was a progression or provided a unique learning opportunity, it can be understood.
• Moreover, moving to a government role can be seen as a shift in career trajectory rather than just another switch, since they offer a different kind of experience and network that can be very valuable.
• Lastly, I would advise you to consider not just the immediate benefits of this new opportunity but also how this role aligns with your long-term career aspirations. If it feels right in the context of where you see yourself in the next 5-10 years, then it might be worth taking.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

(editiert)

Hi there,

Q: My question is that how will it look for future prospects to have spent 4 yrs across 3 firms and not ever being at any for long? 

Did you increase the levels of seniority with the different firms? If so, it might not be an issue. If you had the same level of seniority in all firms, it might look unusual but not necessarily a red flag – you might just need to explain why you switched during interviews.

I agree with Ian that if you stay for a bit with the government entity, that would help to show more consistency in your career path.

Best,

Francesco

Hi,

If you want to switch to the government entity and stay there for a long time, then I think it wouldn't really matter that much.

You are right in that staying too short at one place can cause doubts, but my thinking is that

• You should optimize for what you want in the short-mid term, and if the gov entity gives you that it makes sense to switch now
• If any future employer really is worried about it, if you are really good you will show that in the interview and then it wouldnt matter

The ultimate question is what additional value staying at your current firm will add to you. If you plan to stay at the gov entity for a long time then I think there's not alot of incremental value. 

Your career trajectory, including the number of firms you've worked at and the duration of your stints, can influence future prospects, but it's not the only factor that matters. Here are some considerations:

• Skill Development: The value of your experience often depends on the skills and knowledge you've acquired during your tenure at these firms. If you've gained a diverse set of skills and expertise across different industries or functions, it can be seen as an asset.
• Consistency and Growth: Employers typically prefer to see a pattern of professional growth. If you've consistently taken on more responsibility, leadership roles, or have shown upward mobility in your career, it can offset the perception of frequent job changes.
• Reasons for Movement: The reasons for changing firms matter. If you have valid, well-thought-out reasons for your moves, such as seeking better work-life balance or pursuing a specific passion, it can be understood and appreciated by potential employers.
• Industry Norms: Different industries and sectors have varying expectations when it comes to job changes. Consulting, for example, often sees more frequent movement than some other industries. Government roles can sometimes be seen as more stable.
• Networking and References: Building a strong network and maintaining positive relationships with colleagues and mentors can help mitigate concerns about job changes. Having solid references who can vouch for your abilities and work ethic can be invaluable.
• Long-Term Goals: Consider your long-term career goals. If your move to a top government entity aligns with your aspirations, it may make sense to prioritize that opportunity over concerns about short-term job changes.
• Communicate Effectively: During interviews or when networking, be prepared to explain your career moves in a way that highlights the value and skills you've gained. Emphasize how each role contributed to your professional development.
• Stay Committed: If you do decide to make the move to the government entity, consider staying there for a longer duration to demonstrate stability and commitment in your next role.

In summary, while frequent job changes can raise questions, they are not necessarily a detriment to your career prospects. What's more important is how you position your experiences, the skills you've acquired, and the reasons behind your moves. Ultimately, make choices that align with your long-term career goals and personal priorities.

Hi there,

Happy to provide a non-generic ChatGPT answer like some other coaches here.

Honestly, that's a lot of switching. You need to be very careful with this level of switch.

If you're quite confident that you will stay in this new gov entity role for more than 3 years, then you will be safe. If, however, it doesn't work out and you need/want to leave with less than 2 years there, your resume is going to raise many red flags.

Ultimately, this isn't binary. There's a range. And it won't “suddenly” make you undesireable to employers. It's more of a guide.

Note: I wouldn't not take this job (if it's as fantastic as you say) just because of fears of resume switching.

Hi there,

Honestly, not great :) 

But then it comes down to how you tell your story. 

It also doens't make sense now to stay in a firm for longer just to avoid questions in the future. I'd rather just do what I want and figure out a better answer / story to those questions :)

In consulting, it helps to have spent at least 2 years in a firm. Then employers assume that you have the skill set. You spent 4 years in consulting - so I'd focus the discussion on the time spent, not the changing of the firms. 

Best,
Cristian

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Hi there,

I suggest you do some self-reflection on how you want your career path to look like in a few years. Quick switches across company might not necessary be something bad as long as you can explain your story and makes sense to your final career goal.

On the other hand, as my colleagues already said, it might be a problem if you keep this quick jumps with a global objective in mind. It would be a much more difficult story to sell.

Best,

Alberto