If you’ve ever worried that switching jobs too often might hurt your chances of getting hired—you’re not wrong. While the stigma around short stints has softened over the years, there’s still a line… and too many candidates are crossing it.
Here’s the reality: according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median job tenure in the U.S. is 3.9 years. That’s across all industries and age groups. Even in the private sector, the average holds steady around 3.5 years.
But at Hire Up Staffing, we’re seeing a different trend… Over 75% of the resumes we review show job histories with roles that last less than 2 years—often under 1 year.
That’s a problem.
Short Tenure Is Becoming the Norm—But It’s Not the Standard
There’s no doubt the workforce has changed. People move between jobs faster than ever. Twenty years ago, employers expected at least 5 years at each job. Anything less was a red flag.
Today, employers are more flexible—but they still notice patterns. If your resume shows frequent short stints, it sparks questions:
- Can you commit?
- Do you leave when things get hard?
- Will you stay long enough to contribute?
As recruiters, we fight for our candidates—but it gets tougher when the resume reflects instability, not growth.
A Tip to Strengthen Your Resume
If you have jobs that lasted less than one year, and they don’t add value or relevant experience, consider leaving them off your resume. You can address any gaps in your interview—and use that opportunity to provide context that doesn’t come through on paper.
Hiring managers are more forgiving of gaps than they are of constant job changes with no clear direction.
Here’s What You Can Do
If you’ve had several short-term roles, it doesn’t mean you’re doomed—but it does mean you need to be intentional in how you present your experience.
Here’s how:
- Show progression, not just movement
- Explain the why behind each change
- Highlight impact, even over a short time
- Commit to staying longer in your next role (and mean it)
Even better—think hard before you make your next move. Ask yourself: Is this a stepping stone or just a temporary fix? OR are the problems I’m running away from at the previous job really that bad or can I stick it out another day?
Ask yourself this daily and if each day you can stick it out another day, you may end up hitting the 3-5 year range that is ideal for every career progression.
Before Saying “Yes” to a new job
Before accepting any job offer, take time to evaluate whether it’s truly the right fit for both your current needs and long-term goals. Don’t just say yes because it’s a job and you need a paycheck.
Ask yourself:
- Will this role challenge me in a good way?
- Does the location and schedule align with my life?
- Is there room to grow professionally?
- Does the compensation match what I’m worth?
- Is this company and role stable enough for the future I envision?
At Hire Up we coach and interview candidates to understand their CLAMS, asking each person to rank each item 1-5; if the scores skew low, we think twice about suggesting that they accept the job.
C – Challenge | Will the work stretch your skills and keep you engaged?
L – Location | Does the commute (or remote setup) support work-life balance?
A – Advancement | Are there clear paths to grow or learn beyond year one?
M – Money | Does total compensation match your market value and goals long term?
S – Stability | Is the company healthy, with low turnover and solid leadership?
Plan to commit at least 3-5 years if most boxes have high scores and don’t accept the job if it doesn’t. That mindset helps you build depth, not just mileage.
Before You Make a Change: Ask Yourself These Questions
Changing jobs can come with a bigger paycheck—but there’s more to consider. According to NerdWallet, tenure has been declining steadily for over a decade. Still, shorter job spans can hurt more than help, especially when it comes to benefits, financial planning, and career momentum.
Here are a few things to think about before handing in your notice:
- Could staying longer lead to a promotion, raise, or better internal opportunity?
- Are you walking away from PTO accrual, training programs, or job security?
- Are you fully vested in your 401(k)? If not, could you lose employer contributions?
- Have you scheduled any needed medical care? A switch could reset your deductible.
- Do you have a financial cushion in case the new role doesn’t work out?
- Are you leaving on good terms with a clear reference secured?
Sometimes, staying—even temporarily—can give you more leverage to negotiate better pay, a title change, or internal mobility.
What We’re Proud of at Hire Up
At Hire Up, we believe in building careers—not just filling jobs. That philosophy doesn’t just apply to the candidates and clients we serve; it starts with our own team. According to LinkedIn’s company insights, our median employee tenure is 3.3 years—which is not only above the national average for private-sector roles, but also rare in the fast-paced world of staffing and recruiting.
So why are people staying longer with us?
We’ve created an environment where growth is encouraged, wins are celebrated, and voices are heard. From day one, our team members are given the tools and support to succeed—and they know their work directly impacts lives and businesses. We promote from within whenever possible, we invest in training and development, and we reward those who consistently go above and beyond.
But beyond the structure, it’s also about culture. We’ve built something special: a workplace where people feel respected, appreciated, and proud to represent our brand. There’s a deep sense of ownership and camaraderie across our offices, and that kind of loyalty doesn’t happen by accident—it’s intentional.
And while the staffing world can be high-pressure and fast-moving, we’ve worked hard to make sure it also feels human. That’s what sets us apart—and that’s what keeps our people with us.
Final Thoughts for Job Seekers
Short tenure might be common—but it’s still not ideal. If you want to stand out, show that you’re not just looking for a job… you’re looking for the right one. And once you find it, commit to growing with it.
Be strategic. Be intentional. And when necessary, refresh your resume to reflect your best story—not just every stop along the way.