Is it too soon to leave a job after a year?

Tom Dunne

As per the title.

My previous job was a one-year contract, my current job is a two-year contract. I am currently half-way through my two-year contract, but, tbh, the job isn't doing a whole lot for me. It's a handy number, ok money, but, after six years in college, I am fielding questions on how to insert a table into a word document, among other things.

I an conscious of my CV having two jobs in a row that are only one year in duration. Would this look bad to an prospective employer? Would I be better to wait and complete the two-year contract?

ambasite

have been doing IT contracts for past 4 years, most contracts have been 6/9 month durations, don't think it has had a negative impact on cv / getting further contracts.

py2006

tom dunne wrote:

As per the title.

My previous job was a one-year contract, my current job is a two-year contract. I am currently half-way through my two-year contract, but, tbh, the job isn't doing a whole lot for me. It's a handy number, ok money, but, after six years in college, I am fielding questions on how to insert a table into a word document, among other things.

I an conscious of my CV having two jobs in a row that are only one year in duration. Would this look bad to an prospective employer? Would I be better to wait and complete the two-year contract?

If a potential employer questions this you can simple say that rather than sit on your ass waiting for your ideal job you furthered your experience and expertise in order to improve yourself until a more suitable position arose. ie, the employer you are speaking to in interview!

Spud83

py2006 wrote:

If a potential employer questions this you can simple say that rather than sit on your ass waiting for your ideal job you furthered your experience and expertise in order to improve yourself until a more suitable position arose. ie, the employer you are speaking to in interview!

Good answer.

Only one to find out really. Stay in the job you are in while looking for other jobs. That way you will know if it is worthwhile leaving your job.

leeroybrown

You've got to be careful with that answer though. If it comes across the wrong way they'll see a mercenary who's off again in 12 months rather than someone who proactively sought to get a good job they could work at for a number of years.

Tom Dunne

alanmurphy83 wrote:

Only one to find out really. Stay in the job you are in while looking for other jobs. That way you will know if it is worthwhile leaving your job.

That's what I am up to.

I suppose I am just worried potential employers will look at me as someone who can't settle in a job, and won't be with them for the long-haul.

leeroybrown

I think it would be fine. The first job was a one year contract which you honoured so there is no issue there. You just moved on as the work was of finite duration. The second contract is two years and you want to move on as you don't want to waste another 12 months doing the work you are doing when you know there is no direct path to promotion, improvement, etc.

fret_wimp

as long as you can justify it , and its not too many jobs, it should be totally cool. if you have 4-5 jobs of a year or less, and they were not 12 month contracts then you could have a time convincing an employer you wont jump ship within the year. just have good reasons, like contract ending, moving to a new county/country, and as the last resort use "personal issues". you dont really have to justify personal issues to a potential employer, but as they are giving you their money they might just disregards you. however its better than saying " just couldnt stand the job " or something of the sort