Signs a Manufacturing Candidate Is a Job Hopper

You’re interviewing applicants for an open manufacturing position, and you’ve found a great fit. Yet, you suspect this individual could be a job hopper. So, how can you tell? Here are three signs you may be better off hiring someone else.

Tops Signs a Candidate Is a Job Hopper

1. They’ve Had Lots of Different Jobs

This is an obvious red flag, but it’s also subjective. After all, how many are a lot? Years ago, many people stayed at the same organization for their entire careers. Today, that’s far less common. According to a 2018 report, the median employee tenure was 4.3 years for men and 4.0 years for women. Thus, by current standards, a person who changes jobs every 6 months might be a job hopper. However, someone who changes jobs every 6 years probably isn’t.

2. There’s No Career Progression

Additionally, it’s important to recognize the difference between job hoppers and people who change jobs to advance their careers. For example, let’s say a candidate worked in an entry-level manufacturing role while they were still in school. Upon earning their degree, they accepted a supervisory position at another company. And now, a few years later, they’re applying for a production manager opening at your organization. Even though they’ve had several jobs in a brief period, they’ve also been working their way up the ladder. And this could be just the type of motivated person you want on your team.

3. They Can’t Give Adequate Reasons for Leaving Past Positions

Often there are perfectly acceptable reasons for leaving a job. For instance, someone may have relocated, accepted a higher-paying role or moved to a company offering more room for growth. Therefore, it’s worth asking, “Why did you leave?” If a candidate complains about boring work, mean coworkers or terrible bosses, you should be concerned. Similarly, if they can’t explain their reasons for leaving, this is a red flag as well. Because, in the end, a person who changes jobs over minor obstacles probably won’t last long at your organization either.

Are You Looking for More Hiring Advice?

Connectology publishes weekly blog posts on topics ranging from rehiring a former employee to targeting passive job seekers. And if you’re looking for top candidates who aren’t job hoppers, we can help with that too! Our recruiters place engineers, supervisors, managers and more with top manufacturing organizations throughout the upper Midwest. Contact us today to find reliable, industry-leading talent for your team!