Although recruiters are traditionally warned to stay away from job hoppers, many employers now expect candidates to have a history of job hopping. In fact, a recent survey from CareerBuilder shows that 55 percent of employers reported hiring a job hopper.
Why are recruiters ignoring the advice to avoid flighty employees?
For one, jumping from job to job is common. The CareerBuilder survey found that by age 35, 25 percent of full-time employees have held five or more jobs, while 20 percent of those ages 55 and older have had 10 or more jobs.
But there is a deeper explanation. Employers see the value job hoppers can bring to certain positions. For example, workers who frequently switch from job to job may have the personality and experience needed to excel as a sales rep.
Here are the top five reasons to consider hiring a job hopper for your open sales rep position.
If you do hire a job hopper for a sales rep position, how do you make them stay?
Of the employers who reported hiring a job hopper in the CareerBuilder survey, 34 percent said the employee left after a short period of time, 40 percent said the job hopper stayed for at least two years, and 17 percent said the job hopper stayed for at least three years.
According to a qualitative analysis on the motivations for frequently switching jobs, job hoppers are looking to expand their career opportunities, grow their professional networks, and find more relevant and stimulating work.
The key to keeping job hoppers is to offer constant engagement and room for growth. Are there opportunities to move within the company? Does the position have the potential to lead to more interesting opportunities down the road? Are you challenging and motivating your sales reps with new responsibilities?
Don’t bore a job hopper. Keep them engaged and you’ll benefit from their eager and adventurous personalities.
Have you hired a job hopper? How did you get them to stay?
