Job Hopping and its effect on Nigerian startups

is Job hopping the new norm? Most Nigerian employers frowned at job applicants whose resumes seemed to signal that they can’t stay long on a job. These make employers think that job applicants are somehow unfocused, unstable, or maybe difficult to work with.

While some Nigerian startups will always be against job-hopping, it's becoming more typical for people to change jobs early. Being a job hopper has its benefits and its adverse effects too. Before you start changing jobs, be sure you know what job hopping is and its effect on Nigerian startups.

What Is Job Hopping, and Reasons for Job-Hopping?

The act of retaining many jobs in a reasonably short period is referred to as job hopping. Generally speaking, it is described as employment lasting fewer than two years. In today's workplace, frequent job changes once viewed as a red flag on resumes have become increasingly typical.

According to different Nigeria startups and companies, the meaning of job-hopping will be different. Staying on one job for less than two years may be a big reason why certain organizations or startups worry, and staying for fewer than six months may be deemed as leaving a job to another.

You could change employment for a variety of reasons, such as work discontent, health concerns, or a desire to change careers. Job switching may be uncomfortable yet vital for certain people. Due to COVID-19, your employment might have been terminated or your responsibilities altered. 

Others, on the other hand, deliberately switch jobs to land their ideal employment opportunity. As the labor market adapts to developments like an increase in remote employment and reformulated product demands, opportunities may materialize.

When can Job Hopping be acceptable?

Candidates with 0–4 years of work experience (entry-level) moving around is quite acceptable. They are attempting to determine their job route while in the self-discovery period, which explains this. 

They are attempting to gather a variety of experiences that will aid them in choosing a job path that will guarantee their long-term success and satisfaction. 

Therefore, a skilled recruiter from a fast growing startup in Nigeria will take into account the unique characteristics of this career stage and not view it as a warning sign.

Professionals have a right to look for chances elsewhere if their current workplace proves toxic or is chaotic in a way that doesn't guarantee career growth.

Because of this, it is the responsibility of recruiters from Nigeria startups to first do their homework and identify the underlying factors that led to a candidate's brief employment with any given company.

If a candidate's past doesn't show a trend of frequent job changes, a brief stay at a company won't be viewed as job-hopping either. That is, it does not happen again.

When does Job-Hopping become a red flag to Nigerian startups?

Workers with at most five years of work experience should have established themselves in their chosen field. Candidates in this group should ideally already be focused on their professional aspirations. 

This is why witnessing a trend of switching jobs frequently within months, a year, or even two could cause recruiters great anxiety. Here's why:

• No employer wants to hire an applicant who is a jack of all crafts but a master of none. This is what recruiters feel will happen to anyone who leaves a company before gaining the knowledge and expertise necessary to significantly advance whatever firm they find themselves in. After all, highly qualified workers are the main engine of a successful business.
• Some recruiters link a candidate's level of devotion to how frequently they change jobs. Frequent job switching could indicate that the applicant is always prepared to quit at the first sign of trouble or downtime in any organization. This is why hiring managers won't be eager to accept an applicant whose degree of dedication is really in doubt.
• The expense of hiring is often significant, both in terms of time and money. Therefore, hiring people who would prevent them from incurring expenses again would help recruiters minimize costs as much as feasible. Job hoppers simply won't be deemed suitable for that group while being profiled.
• Low staff retention rates are one of the few issues that concern companies. It might be challenging to keep a team of highly motivated employees using a variety of tactics. Although the organization makes an attempt to retain employees, hiring a candidate that recruiters fear may easily go in a short amount of time might make the process more difficult. Due to this, recruiters may steer clear of job-hoppers like the plague.

Why is job hopping bad for employees?

• Limited Learning: It takes an employee 12 to 16 months to become completely good in their position. Whatever your position, you cannot become an expert in a few months. Regularly changing jobs will probably stop your learning.
• Lack of Knowledge: A lack of perceived expertise results from limited learning. Even if you were excellent in your former position, you might not always get the chance to demonstrate that. Employers may reject your CV before even scheduling an interview if they believe you won't be able to manage the position.
• Restricts Growth: if companies believe you lack the necessary skills; you may find it challenging to advance in your job. Your professional opportunities are limited as it gets more challenging to obtain a more senior position.
• Weakens the Resume: Employers are less likely to hire you if your resume lists more than five or six jobs in a short period. You won't just come out as inexperienced; you'll also come off as unfaithful.
• Job Security: When there are layoffs, the first person to leave will be the one who is thought to be uncommitted. Job hopping frequently results in low job stability, which is bad for your mental health.

Why Job hopping is bad for Nigerian startups and Employers

Regular job-hopping affects employers as well as employees. For developing Nigerian startups, it may be challenging to assemble a solid core team if employees are often leaving your business. Every company requires a core to fuel innovation and expansion.

The CEO is simply one member of the core team; all department heads are also members. They serve as the company's overall unifying force.

It is quite improbable that a business will be able to maintain its competitiveness for very long without a core crew. For SMEs and startups, where job hopping is more prevalent, this is particularly harmful.

Job-hopping is terrible since it costs money, which is another factor. A small firm with minimal resources may fail due to the high financial costs associated with employee turnover.

This is because you must cover the price of recruiters (if you employ outside ones), applicant hiring and training expenses, as well as recruiter fees.

It is crucial that you as a business figure out how to keep your employees. A competitive salary alone is insufficient. Some employees will be retained, but some will look for reasons to leave.

The experience of your employees is something you should pay close attention to.

How Nigerian startups can tackle Job Hopping

1. Provide flexibility at work

Younger employees place even greater value on flexible work schedules and work rules than pay, according to a study by Future Workplace.

Give your workers the freedom to change their schedules as needed if you want them to be around for more than a year.

Recognize the expectations that potential workers are making on companies now and in the future of employment. Workplace flexibility is more significant than both income and professional advancement. So ask yourself:

Do your supervisors recognize the value of workplace flexibility in attracting and retaining new employees? Do your staff leave for reasons outside job advancements?

2. Pay Attention to Your Staff

More than earlier generations, Gen Y employees want the opportunity to make a creative contribution to the firm and have their ideas acknowledged. Since professional growth is a major factor in why employees’ job hop in the first place, this encourages them to stay longer in each position. 

Pay attention to their concerns and attempt to find solutions with them. You must communicate with the business about everything, both accomplishments, and setbacks. A more transparent workplace culture can be created.

3. Explain the startups mission and values.

Employees are more and more looking for employers whose values align with their own. Make sure to convey your company's ideals during the hiring process to increase the number of your workers who succeed in that aim and therefore stay with you for the long haul. If job seekers are aware of what they are getting into, individuals who would quit due to value conflicts will naturally weed themselves out.

4. Recognize Successes

Be careful to acknowledge an employee's successes, no matter how minor they may be. Some efficient methods to do this include a certificate, social media shout-out, or giving a gift.

5. Advertise Honestly

Be as genuine as you can while describing the firm and the position in your job postings. Finding out they have to do something they didn't sign up for or aren't equipped to accomplish is the single biggest irritant for employees. It will significantly decrease job-hopping.

6. Offer employee healthcare benefits

Healthcare benefits is a way to show your employees that you care for them, which can curb job-hopping and enhance loyalty.

How to make the right Job Hopping decision

Deciding to leave your work is a big one. When determining whether to resign, you should ask yourself the following questions.

Are you using abilities productively?

If you can utilize your abilities and talents in your present workplace, that is one of the most crucial factors to take into account. You could find it more gratifying to work somewhere else if you don't feel like your potential is being used there.

Are there chances for you to advance?

You can be working in a position that is referred to as a "dead-end" if your company does not provide opportunities for progress or promotion. It might not be worthwhile to make the effort to change jobs if you are happy with your current one. You might be able to obtain a higher-level position working for another organization, though, if you look.

Are you fulfilling a need?

Many workers experience workplace dissatisfaction because they believe their efforts are going in vain. It may be good to look for a different, more satisfying employment if you believe that your work is ineffective or not fulfilling a significant purpose.

Conclusions on Job Hopping on Startups in Nigeria

Above all, though, be willing to consider candidates who frequently change jobs. This is what a lot of forward-thinking recruiting managers have done, and they now adopt a favorable perspective on job-hopping.

Therefore, hiring managers should think about the context before rejecting a disorganized CV since it may represent ambition, motivation, and a willingness to learn new skills rather than flakiness. As more employers become aware that it is the new normal, they start to see its benefits.

Readers/ Job seekers: If you fear that your CV may be filled with too many positions if you are an applicant?

HR professionals: have you ever taken on a job-hopper? Did the results of his or her prior employment foreshadow those at your business?