I agree with what the others have said so far, but just wanted to add a couple points:
1) Introducing a counter-perspective may help: Consultants are hired to apply past experience and expertise to new and challenging engagements that are often completed after only a few months. This is not seen as job-hopping, it is seen as a consultant building on all their past exposure (the more exposure, i.e. different experiences, the better) and providing value in the present. This is only effective if you can knit a cohesive narrative to your path that shows you were loyal to a particular career/skill and not just jumping to avoid responsibility for your decisions or for greener grass. Never say you had bad luck. Focus on the positive outcomes -- how you turned each position into an opportunity to grow. 2) Laying your cards on the table should help: Each change should be quickly and honestly explained, but always with a focus on the positive. For example, your position ended as company A downzised, yet you grew professionally while there and completed several important projects in a short period of time. Then, your next position at company B drew heavily from experience A and so you added value immediately to B based on your experience at A, but also continued your professional growth in X Y and Z. When B ran out of money, you took your A plus B skills to help C become better, etc.. This may require some discussion of the counter-perspective mentioned above. 3) Rounding out your character should help: I hate to say it, since it probably sounds rediculously obvious, but you need to be able to get the interviewers to focus on you as an individual not only with skills that they need/want, but with other personal qualities they desire. If they can't get their mind around the idea that you've worked hard to become the best you can and you really want to stick with a single employer now, you need to refer them to other personal choices you have made. For example you have other very important long-term responsibilites that you are committed to (own a house, married for a while to someone at a stable employer who isn't going anywhere, have kids in school, etc.). Even local chapter memberships, sports competitions (participant more than spectator), or other ties relevant to the place you are applying will help. 4) Finding the right place to apply will help: Make certain you are as genuine as absolutely possible to your own needs/desires when answering questions. I also think this goes without saying, but it's important never to forget to research a potential employer as much as possible so you realy REALLY know how to explain that you're the right person for them and you will be happy there for many years to come. One thing that will kill your chances for sure is if interviewers detect that you are uncertain, or trying to snow them by sounding more certain than you really are. So when they ask why you jumped so much, you can turn your answers into "I made the most of what I had at the time. It was good for my employers and good for me then, but it wasn't right for these two/three reasons. Now I know exactly what I want, based on all my experiences, and I can say this position is it because..." Hope that helps and good luck, Davi +++ ------------------------------------------------------------- +++ Davi Ottenheimer, CISSP Synchron Networks, Inc. Chief Security Engineer www.synchronnetworks.com email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 100 Enterprise Way, C230 emergency: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Scotts Valley, CA 95066
