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Here is the #1 most important career advice I can give:
DO NOT HAVE A RESUME FULL OF SHORT STINTS.
Roughly, more than 3 consecutive jobs with less than ~18 months tenure is career danger zone.
DO NOT HAVE A RESUME FULL OF SHORT STINTS.
Roughly, more than 3 consecutive jobs with less than ~18 months tenure is career danger zone.
This advice is based on research we've done at @placement.
This is the #1 most cited red flag by hiring managers in knowledge work industries by a *very* big margin.
This is the #1 most cited red flag by hiring managers in knowledge work industries by a *very* big margin.
This tweet has been around the world and back. Adding some follow-ups based on some of the concerns voiced.
First, like all advice, this is not universal advice. It applies to the people who usually follow me, but definitely not everybody everywhere.
First, like all advice, this is not universal advice. It applies to the people who usually follow me, but definitely not everybody everywhere.
Second, I would never recommend staying anywhere that is mistreating you simply for the benefit of your resume. Your mental health is *much* more important.
Then, where possible, work extra hard to find a place that will accept you and support you. This may be very hard!
Then, where possible, work extra hard to find a place that will accept you and support you. This may be very hard!
Third, I agree that this signal is weak. Employers *should* seek to learn the full context.
Unfortunately, employers don't go deep on all applicants. Work history with short tenure is a top signal many employers use to sort resumes.
Unfortunately, employers don't go deep on all applicants. Work history with short tenure is a top signal many employers use to sort resumes.
Fourth, nobody we talked to said that they outright refuse to hire anybody based on this heuristic.
A history of long tenure can make your life *easier*, but it's not the only way.
There are literally millions of people who are gainfully employed with only short work histories!
A history of long tenure can make your life *easier*, but it's not the only way.
There are literally millions of people who are gainfully employed with only short work histories!
Fifth, no employers I have ever talked to apply this heuristic to young people. People fresh out of school usually only stay ~18 months. That is super normal.
See also: https://twitter.com/seanlinehan/status/1299883865591304192
See also: https://twitter.com/seanlinehan/status/1299883865591304192
Sixth, no employers seem to care about a couple short stints. There are so many reasons why things can go wrong: layoffs, bad fit, bad culture, bad commute, health reasons, etc.
Seems nearly everybody understands this. Don't stress about a couple quick departures.
Seems nearly everybody understands this. Don't stress about a couple quick departures.
Seventh, despite many statements to the contrary, we absolutely support our candidates @placement to overcome this bias (and many, many others!)
With that said, we are a small startup. We do not have control over the biases that many hiring managers come to the table with.
With that said, we are a small startup. We do not have control over the biases that many hiring managers come to the table with.
Eighth, many people have claimed that the labor market has fundamentally changed. I'm sure that is true in many sectors.
All advice is context-specific. I appreciate the people who tactfully have shared context-specific info about their own industries to their audiences.
All advice is context-specific. I appreciate the people who tactfully have shared context-specific info about their own industries to their audiences.
Ninth, just letting y'all know I muted this tweet a while ago.
I'm glad to see some productive and truth-seeking conversations in the comments.
At this point, there is too much volume to even remotely approach keeping up with any of it.
I'm glad to see some productive and truth-seeking conversations in the comments.
At this point, there is too much volume to even remotely approach keeping up with any of it.
Tenth, there are innumerable paths to a fulfilled life. Some are easy, some are brutally hard. Some are popular, others are totally unique.
Find the way that works for you. And ignore advice from the internet you disagree with.
Peace, love, & good luck with your careers y'all!
Find the way that works for you. And ignore advice from the internet you disagree with.
Peace, love, & good luck with your careers y'all!
