Can Staying At One Job For Too Long Ruin Your Career?

I’m sure at some point during your job search you’ve heard people say that job-hopping is a career killer (we actually debunked this myth in a previous blog), but could the opposite be true?

Just like moving from job to job can be damaging when it comes to your future job hunt, so can staying put in one company for years on end. Let me explain…

Years ago it would be considered impressive if a candidate had stayed at a company for a long time, proving their loyalty and commitment to a role, but these days with the recession and unemployment issues it’s just not a viable option.

Staying in one job for a number of years may no longer paint a picture of a perfect employee, but of an unmotivated one who’s set in their ways.

These days, employers may look at a candidate’s career history as a problem financially. For example, employees tend to receive pay rises and bonuses based on the time spent at a company, as well as performance, so a candidate who has spent years in the same role could be a lot more expensive to hire than one who has held two or three positions over the space of about five years.

The candidate who’s been at the same company for a long time may not need training so the employee will save cash that’s normally spent on that, but increased salary and promised bonuses to match the candidate’s current package will far outweigh that.

Also, being at a job too long means that the candidate’s probably very settled in the role and used to working in a certain way, so the employer will be asking themselves how easy the candidate will be able to transition to the company’s way of working.

In the same breath, will this particular candidate be motivated enough to take on a new challenge? Will they have the drive and ambition that was present when they started in their current role or has that spark died out?

There’s no magic number of years for when you should start worrying about being in a job too long – but if you’re starting to get concerned, there’s some things you can do to avoid putting potential employers off hiring you.

Emphasise your adaptability and willingness to learn on your CV by explaining the variety of roles you have taken on during your time at your current job. Prove to the employer that you’re not stuck in a rut and are more than capable to face new challenges and take on different responsibilities.

With all this in mind, having a stable job with examples of progression is certainly not a kiss of death when job seeking, but it can trick you into feeling a false sense of security and make you too comfortable.

As ever I’d like to hear what you think about this. Is staying in one job too long detrimental to your job search, or does it prove your commitment to any future employers? Let me know in the comments below.

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    I want to express my deepest gratitude for the support and guidance provided by Patrice & Associates during my job search. I was greatly impressed by the professionalism and commitment of your team in helping me find the right job opportunity.  In particular, I would like to highlight the invaluable assistance provided by Chris Bousquet, who stood by my side every step of the way in the search and interview process. His dedication and expertise were instrumental in achieving a successful transition to my new position.

     

    Once again, thank you for your assistance and commitment to my professional career. I wish you and the Patrice & Associates team continued success in your work.

     

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    To begin, Clint Carpenter was the ONLY recruiter I didn't get a generic template e-mail from. He actually took the time to look at my complete resume. In the first few days we spoke, he really took the time in our conversations to get to know what was important to me in a future job as well as what I knew I did not want. He checked in with me every day, whether it was to help coach me for an interview or just follow up if I'd gotten feedback. When I finally did get the offer I wanted, there was a snag and the paperwork with the company was delayed by 2 weeks. It was incredibly frustrating, but Clint called or texted me EVERY single day to encourage me and make sure I was ok as well as doing whatever he could from his end to help facilitate the paperwork. I never felt like I was alone in the job search process. Clint is professional, positive and you can tell he genuinely loves helping people. I would recommend him to anyone!!!!    

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    Dave Evens has been working with me these past couple months as I transition from a restaurant owner toward a corporate environment.  Along with this, I'm relocating from TN to NY.  I feel that he was able to capture my unique experience in the updated resume he created for me.  Dave was great with communicating options and feedback from all sources. It was a true pleasure to work with him.  While we were unable to find a good fit for me, I am blown away by Dave's approach and enthusiasm.  I found a great job, on my own, but I do not feel that reflects poorly on Dave nor Patrice & Associates. When, again, I enter my next job search, I will be sure to reach out to Dave first!

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    Neil Archibald

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    I honestly didn't know what to expect from Patrice & Associates. Upon my first time speaking with Mr. Mike Buterbaugh, I was instantly put at ease with his genuine approach to helping me find the best fit for me overall in my next career decision. Not only did he coach me on how to drastically improve my resume, he also had me an interview within a couple of days. I have never had an experience quite like this during a job search, but I would definitely give 5 stars to this company and their recruiting team. I have gained a new career that not only met my salary expectations, but balances with my personal life as well. Thanks again for your help, and although I don't plan to be on a search again, if the need arises, they will definitely be my first point of contact.

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    I worked with Clint Carpenter on getting a job. Clint did an amazing job helping me with my resume, walking me through the process and giving me help and interview tips.  He was in communication with me everyday about what was going on and keeping me in the know. I would call on Clint again if I ever needed him!  

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