I have worked for four companies in ten years in consulting and industry. A headhunter advised me that this is excessive and not typical of the CVs that they see.My job changes all resulted from redundancy, relocation or major restructuring. Typical attrition rates of middle/senior managers during these changes were 80%+. So in my personal experience I have definitely not been job hopping.What are the views here? How frequently can one change jobs before it is seen as unacceptable?

RD - Sorry to say, but yes, most employers/recruiters will see changing jobs every 2.5 years as quite excessive, even if they are for valid reasons.

Depends a lot on why you change so often and what you offer a prospective employer. I have known people change jobs annually and it doesn't seem to stop them. I think most employers woyuld still prefer some stability though.It's an interesting question for our industry though and I wonder if the top-consultant team have a view on what the typical length of stay for each grade of consultant actually is?

I am a head-hunter. Presumably you have not had 4 stints each of exactly 2.5 years, meaning that at some point you did 3 years + in a role and demonstrated some progression. I would love to have that company's database if they do not see CV's of people who change jobs after 2½ years! I sincerely doubt you have much to worry about based on the info you give, especially as the market is quite soft at the moment. If you are a good rather than brilliant candidate (on paper - I am sure you are great in person) it may be worth going the direct route. We are paid to rip out the tough to unearth nuggets rather than to help those who are actively seeking change. Good Luck. Nothing you write here would ring alarm bells.

Hello Mr Headhunter,If he did some roles for 3+ years as you say, then:If we assume 2 roles for 3.5 years each, then that means for the other 2 jobs he left after an average of 1.5 years. This looks even more like job hopping than 4 sets of jobs for 2.5 years each!

RD - if you just tell them the truth, that you got made redundant along with 80%+ of the other staff, then they should understand. These are tough times and redundancy happens to the best of us.

Actual figures were:4.5 years - company relocated.2 years - division restructured. attrition 100%.4.5 years - redundant.2.5 years - interim role with one company.1.5 years - job not what was promised.

that does not seem too bad to me. You actually look quite stable! If you are not getting the jobs you want, I very much doubt that "job hopping" is the issue. there is probably something else. take some advice

Hi RD. You don't need to worry. Having a few different company names on your CV will probably go in your favour, in fact.

RD,is it just my maths, or have you actually worked 15years? Or are these jobs not related to consulting/industry? Anyway, in my opinion, it shows a certain stability, and should the other factors on your CV be fine, I don't think you will have a problem.