Question forms part of
Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet
Other interview questions that are similar
- Can you explain the reasons for changing jobs so often?
- How do you ensure a smooth transition between positions?
- What motivates you to seek new opportunities?
- How do you handle adapting to new work environments and teams?
- What has been your most significant accomplishment in your previous roles?
- How do you determine whether a job is the right fit for you?
- Are you looking for long-term stability in your next role? Why or why not?
- What are the most valuable lessons you’ve learned from changing jobs frequently?
- How do you build trust and rapport with new coworkers and supervisors?
- Can you describe the most challenging job transition you’ve experienced, and how you overcame it?
What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question
There are probably an infinite number of questions that the interviewer could ask you on the day. Some questions are incredibly common appearing in almost every interview you will have, while other questions you might hear once and never again regardless of how many jobs you apply for.
Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:
1 – Can you do the job? (Do you have the skills/experience needed?)
2 – Will you do the job? (Do you have the drive/motivation to get the job done?)
3 – Will you fit in? (Does your personality match the workplace culture? Are you likeable?)
That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.
When an interviewer asks, “Why have you had so many jobs?”, they are seeking to understand one or more of the three fundamental aspects mentioned above. This question can relate to all three areas in different ways:
- Can you do the job? – By asking about your job history, the interviewer wants to know if your frequent job changes have provided you with the necessary skills and experience to excel in the position you’re applying for. They might be concerned that you haven’t spent enough time in any single role to develop the depth of expertise required.
- Will you do the job? – The interviewer may be trying to gauge your motivation and commitment. Frequent job changes could signal a lack of dedication or focus, making the interviewer question whether you will stay in the role long enough to make a meaningful impact.
- Will you fit in? – The question can also help the interviewer assess how well you would fit into the company’s culture. If your job changes resulted from conflicts or difficulties adapting to new environments, this could raise concerns about your ability to work effectively with the team and integrate into the workplace.
By addressing these three aspects in your response, you can demonstrate your suitability for the role, your motivation to perform, and your ability to adapt to new environments and teams.
How Best To Answer ‘Why have you had so many jobs?’
The B-STAR method (Belief – Situation, Task, Action, Result) system is primarily used to answer behavioral interview questions that ask you to describe a specific situation or experience from your past. While the STAR system might not directly apply to the question “Why have you had so many jobs?”, you can still adapt some elements of the STAR method to provide a more structured and clear response. Here’s how you can incorporate parts of the STAR system:
- Acknowledge the concern: Start by recognizing that the interviewer might be worried about your frequent job changes, and assure them that you understand their concern.
- Provide context: Give a brief explanation for each job change, focusing on valid reasons such as seeking new challenges, pursuing career growth, company restructuring, or personal circumstances. Be honest, but avoid dwelling on any negative aspects or placing blame on former employers.
- Highlight the positives: Emphasize the benefits of having diverse experiences, such as acquiring a wide range of skills, adapting quickly to new environments, and learning from different industries or roles. Mention specific accomplishments or skills gained in each role that are relevant to the position you’re applying for.
- Demonstrate commitment: Explain how your past experiences have led you to this opportunity and why you believe this role aligns with your long-term career goals. Convey your enthusiasm for the position and your willingness to contribute to the company’s success.
- Show cultural fit: Briefly touch on how your personality and values align with the company culture. Mention any research you’ve done on the organization and why you believe you would be a great fit for the team.
- Reassure the interviewer: End your response by reassuring the interviewer of your commitment to the role and your intention to stay with the company for a longer period. Share any specific plans you have for professional growth within the organization.
Remember to stay concise and focus on presenting a positive narrative that addresses the interviewer’s concerns while showcasing your unique strengths and fit for the role.
What You Should NOT Do When Answering Questions
Do not avoid the question.
Do not downplay the situation.
Do not overhype the situation.
Do not reject the premise of the question.
Do not give a one-sentence answer.
Why Have You Had So Many Jobs? – Example answers
Job Hopper Example
“I understand the concern about having multiple jobs, and I appreciate the opportunity to provide some context. My job changes have been driven by several factors. One reason is my desire to gain diverse experiences and learn new skills. For example, at TechCorp, I had the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in the software development industry, while at HealthSolutions, I transitioned to the healthcare sector, where I applied my skills to create innovative solutions for patient management systems.
Another reason is my drive for continuous improvement and professional growth. When I felt I had reached a point of stagnation at GreenBank, I pursued a role at BlueConsulting, where I took on more challenging projects and responsibilities, such as leading a team of analysts to streamline operations and reduce costs.
Lastly, some job changes were due to circumstances outside of my control, such as when AlphaMedia underwent a major restructuring and my position was eliminated, or when I had to relocate due to family reasons, which led me to leave BetaIndustries.
Despite these factors, I have consistently focused on making meaningful contributions and achieving success in each role. For instance, at TechCorp, I played a key role in developing a software module that improved efficiency by 20%, and at HealthSolutions, my team and I implemented a new patient management system that increased patient satisfaction scores by 15%.
I am now looking for an opportunity that aligns with my long-term career goals, where I can leverage my diverse experience and skills to make a lasting impact. I am confident that this role and your organization, XYZ Company, offer the kind of stability and growth opportunities I am seeking, and I am committed to contributing positively to the team and the company’s success.”
Contractor Example
“As a contractor, having multiple jobs is a natural aspect of my career path. I have actively pursued various projects that offer opportunities to collaborate with diverse companies and industries, enabling me to apply my skills in a range of settings. This approach has allowed me to continually gain new experiences and expand my skill set.
For example, I worked on a project with TechGlobal, where I led a team to optimize their e-commerce platform, increasing sales by 25%. In another assignment with GreenEnergy, I helped design a new process for monitoring energy consumption, which resulted in a 10% reduction in energy usage for their clients.
Being a contractor often entails taking on short-term or project-based assignments and transitioning to new opportunities upon project completion. This flexible work arrangement not only enables me to explore various challenges and make a positive impact across different organizations but also helps me maintain a healthy work-life balance.
As I pursue new projects, my primary focus is on opportunities that offer both challenges and avenues for professional growth and development. I am confident that my diverse experience and adaptability make me a valuable asset to any team, and I look forward to contributing positively to the success of each project I undertake.”
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