Afraid to Take the Leap? Here’s How to Intentionally ‘Job Hop’

Understandably, job hopping is seen as taboo by many recruiters. But if you want to go after what you really want, why not? While it’s viewed by many as ‘mercenary mentality,’ at its core, it’s simply prioritizing yourself and your loved ones.

I spoke with Dennis Schultz, Executive Director of the Blacks In Technology Foundation and an accounts expert who has worked with the best IT companies in the world. From his point of view, I learned that these so-called ‘job hops’ are merely steps – movements that people do when they’re in search of something they need.

And whatever it is – growth, greener pastures, or support — it can only be found in the next chapter.

How to Intentionally ‘Job Hop’

1. Know yourself – the rest is noise

What are you searching for in the next company? Take some time to evaluate and figure out what you really want.?

Whether you’re looking for greener pastures, mentorship, work-life balance, or a better manager, cling to that, and take pride in your choice to be more proactive in your career.?

If you’re branded being a ‘job hopper,’ it’s better than not living your truth just because someone else might judge you.

“I'd rather disappoint somebody I didn't know than disappoint my family,” said Dennis when he decided to choose a better high-paying job.

2. Be honest

As you look for new opportunities, you’ll be asked why. And whatever reason you have for leaving – better compensation or budget cuts — is valid. Likewise, it’s also understandable if a recruiter prefers someone more loyal to companies over you. It’s fine. It just means that that company isn’t for you, and the right one is waiting to be found.

Don’t worry. Being so intentional in choosing companies, you’ll find the organization that will address your needs, and hopefully, will get you to stick around for longer.

3. Don’t do things alone

You may think that as long as you have a solid record on your resume, you won’t need others to land your next job – no. Whether it’s someone from your previous company, your Employee Resource Group (ERG), or a stranger from LinkedIn, anyone can open doors for you.?

So don’t burn bridges – and don’t burn ones that haven’t even started. Always keep your eye open for possible connections or mentors. They are there if you look for them.?

ERGs and foundations, especially, can create opportunities for people of color, like the Blacks In Technology Foundation that advocates to increase the number of Black people in the tech industry. Members are provided with scholarships, networks, and training to accelerate their careers – one sponsor being Kadima.

Join BITCON 2022

BITCON is an annual conference hosted by the Blacks In Technology Foundation for IT professionals, university students, and a variety of afro-technologists and futurists. They’ve invited tech leaders and recruiters from the world’s largest companies so you can learn, network, and advance your career.

I highly recommend you to join BITCON 2022 as Kadima will again be offering sponsorships to talented Black In Technology members ready to accelerate their careers. A big thanks to the foundation for helping make this possible.

Dennis Schultz on LinkedIn

Register for BITCON 2022

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