People usually advise you to stay at one company for as long as possible, and avoid job hopping. But it's never that simple. Here are a few tips to help you along the way.

Showing a lack of responsibility, having no endurance capacity and being far from loyal - are just some of the reasons you may heard about why you shouldn't be a job hopper. But are the effects of having a varied work history really that obvious?

Of course not.

The reality is there are many reasons why people leave their jobs. But it’s up to you to convey your reasons in a positive light and explain how a career change only added to your overall growth.

Always talk positively about your previous jobs

Talking about your experiences in a positive spin will convince your interviewer that you’re optimistic, self-aware, open minded, hardworking, and intuitive. If asked, here’s how to structure your answer:

I tried to make my previous employment work because I really loved the environment, the people and I believe in the product, but 3 months passed and they were unable to provide me with each month’s full salary. I tried to hold on as long as I could because I got great practical experience in my field and acquired some great new skills.

Read: How damaging is job hopping?

Always mention what you’ve learned from your job opportunities

If you left partly due to unsupportive colleagues, emphasise specific examples of how the experience added to your development. For example, respond like this:

I have to admit that my previous employer’s approach towards my colleagues and I became frustrating after a while. Instead of providing solutions and other advice to help us improve our systems (because I’m open to growth) he’d only scream insults. However, thanks to him I have grown a thicker skin, I’m able to compose myself in stressful situations, and I’ve adopted the ability to triple check my work efficiently.

If it’s your colleagues that you seemed to bash heads with, be careful not to come off as snobbish and difficult. People may wonder if it isn’t you that has interpersonal issues.

Read: Career advice no one tells you

Always emphasise how your skills were affected

Staying at a company that does not provide you with the necessary skills training that you initially thought it would, isn’t worth sticking around for. If you’ve tried talking to management and requested tasks that refine your skill set with still no luck, it’s time to move on. Say something like this for example:

My job didn’t allow me to use my skills or education. My tasks were not challenging and didn’t contribute to my short or long term plans. It’s a great company, but the job wasn’t the right fit for me. However, this experience has taught me a lot about myself (my likes, dislikes and strengths) and I’m grateful for that.

Always try to counter each negative reason with a positive lesson. Job hopping can be extremely advantageous for many people—but the key is to do it for the right reasons. When considering a change mere months after being hired, honesty (with tact and respect) with your previous and future employers is the best policy to ensure a smooth (and positive) cross over.

What have you learnt from job hopping? Share your stories with us and browse the latest vacancies to find the job that best suits you.