How to Explain Job Hopping in Your MBA Resume

Job hopping, the act of changing jobs more than once every two years, can give employers the impression that you aren’t interested in a long-term position. Likewise, in MBA admissions, job hopping may reflect that you aren’t committed to your goals and may be a poor fit for their business school.

Stacy Blackman, founder of Stacy Blackman Consulting, recently explained how applicants can explain frequent job changes in a way that will impress admissions officers and demonstrate a strong fit for their MBA program.

HONESTY IS KEY

When explaining your frequent job changes in your resume, it’s important to be transparent about the reasons behind your job hopping.

“While it might be tempting to gloss over these transitions, it’s best to provide a clear and truthful account of your career path,” Blackman says. “Highlight the reasons for each change, whether it was to seek new challenges, gain diverse experiences, or pursue your passion.”

FOCUS ON GROWTH

Your explanation should emphasize the growth and learning that came from each transition. Blackman recommends highlighting the skills and experiences that you leveraged from a past role and applied to the next.

“You could say something like, ‘During my time at Company C, I faced several challenges that pushed me out of my comfort zone. I had to quickly adapt to new technology and lead a team through a major project. These experiences helped me develop strong problem-solving skills and a knack for leadership, which I believe will be valuable in the MBA program.’”

Think of each job change as an opportunity to demonstrate growth and connect the dots between each role.

“Show how each change was part of a broader plan or strategy to achieve your long-term career goals,” Blackman says. “By demonstrating that your job changes were part of a thought-out career progression, you present yourself as a strategic thinker who has carefully crafted their path.”

HIGHLIGHT ACHIEVEMENTS

Even if your tenure at each role is limited, it’s important to still highlight your accomplishments from each job.

“Even if you were in a role for a relatively brief period, there’s likely something noteworthy you achieved,” Blackman says. “By focusing on your achievements, you not only demonstrate your value as an employee but also your ability to make the most of any opportunity, no matter how short-lived it may be.”

Sources: Stacy Blackman Consulting, Indeed