Changing jobs

A study has found that serial job hoppers could find themselves out of consideration for future opportunities.

Many sectors give considerable weight to loyalty. Almost 90% of 270 Canadian CFOs with 20 or more employees (polled by recruiter Robert Half Finance & Accounting) said that the length of time a candidate has spent with previous employers is an important factor when evaluating that person for a position with their company. Only 8% felt that tenure in a previous role was unimportant.

"It's not unusual for someone to change jobs or careers multiple times during his or her lifetime, but holding too many positions in rapid succession and without signs of professional advancement can be a red flag for employers," said Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International.

Messmer noted that many job changes stem from a desire for greater challenge, which doesn't always require changing employers. Professionals in this situation should look for opportunities within their own companies first, Messmer said.

However mobility between law firms seems to be more generally accepted now, the market is strong for candidates and competition for top lateral talent is, as we know, fierce. Good news for headhunters.

Dan Binstock, MD of BCG Attorney Search in the US has recommended asking headhunters the following questions before temporarily entrusting the course of your career to them:

- Do you work exclusively in my market?

- How long have you been recruiting?

- Will you be writing a covering letter to the employer on my behalf?

- Can you share what you will write in the covering letter?

- Are there any firms that you do not work with, but that could still be a good match for me?

- What role do you play in the recruiting process?

- Does your company divide employers between its different recruiters?

- Can I meet with you in person?

Click here if you want to read more about these questions or find out what responses you should expect from recruiters.

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