Question: I am a recruiter with a not-for-profit. Recently, I interviewed a candidate who seems to have jumped around from position to position. He has been with three organizations, doing three different roles over the past three years. He spoke well, seemed to know what he was talking about and had a great sense of humor. Was I correct in assuming that he was a non-starter?

Answer:

Most often, yes. Candidates who jump around – even in the “Gig Economy” need careful review. What makes them move so fast? Is it unrest, inability to work with others or just raw ambition that propels them? No one answer fits every situation. Frequently, candidates move out of impatience, intolerance or inability to navigate the company hierarchy. However, these are not the only scenarios. Sometimes, brilliant, sought-after, emerging leaders, move around a lot. They move because companies see their potential and engage in a “Bidding War” to get them.  

As a recruiter, you will need to figure out which kind of candidate you are interviewing. From your comments, it looks as though you were initially impressed with this up-and-comer. If this situation comes up again, satisfy your instincts. Move the candidate through the process. Reference him or her in detail. Ask references for their interpretation of the career movement and listen keenly for any clues that will reveal motivates. Also, ask the candidate directly. State that the movement has been puzzling and the candidate will probably provide you with answers very quickly. When you get a response, see if it fits the profile that has come to light. Is this candidate an expert, extraordinarily talented and ambitious? If this is the picture, then you are dealing with a real winner and hiring him or her would be to your advantage.  

The flip-side is that, if your organization wants continuity, even if brilliant, this kind of candidate may not be quite the right fit. On the other hand, having an expert “consultant” — even for a year or less – might be better than working with a more stable, less talented contributor. In the end, the choice will be yours. However, don’t make the mistake of overlooking exceptional talent. Choose what works best for your organization. Dig deeper to find out more. Sometimes, your mover is also a shaker.  

Last updated on March 9th, 2021 at 12:57 am