Let’s face it, many Australian bankers, especially the younger ones, think getting to the top means frequently changing employers. But in the wake of the GFC, banks are now taking a tougher line on those they consider to be serial job hoppers.

So if you have a history of quitting your positions after a year or two, either stay put, or (if you really must go), make sure your CV is up to scratch.

Begin your resume with a synopsis of your skills and accomplishments and how they relate to the role applied for, advises Jane McNeill, senior regional director, Hays Banking. “By opening with a summary of your best selling points, you are focusing an employer’s attention on your potential, enabling them to form a positive opinion of you,” she adds.

Of course there’s no avoiding listing your employment history in chronological order after that. Frequent moves always stand out, so it’s a good idea to explain each one with specific details, says Beth Williams, Manpower client relationship manager. “But be succinct,” she warns.

McNeill adds that CV-based explanations for moving roles should “focus on the opportunity to grow your career and the skills and experience you gained which are relevant for the role you are now applying for.”

Take cover

And make sure your cover letter supports your CV. “If you have a legitimate reason for taking a number of short-term positions, such as using the approach to gain broader experience, explain it in your cover letter,” says Kevin Jarvis, NSW director of Robert Half.

But what if you’ve been contracting? Many banks view long periods of consistent temporary work as comparable to permanent employment. You can list temporary positions in reverse chronological order, just as you would permanent jobs, comments Jarvis.

“If you worked with a recruitment firm, state the name of the firm you worked through as your employer, grouping all of your jobs from that company together. Also, make sure you indicate that the jobs were temporary, so potential employers are clear about the nature of your positions,” he adds.

Watch out next week for our article on how to deal with job-hopping questions during interviews.

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