Frequent job changes, short stints and layoffs — Career Gaps, Job Changes & Salary Negotiation

2. Frequent job changes, short stints and layoffs

Basic★ Must knowLesson 2 of 11

Short stints: give the reason briefly and show a pattern of growth, not escape. "My first company was acquired and the project shut down after 8 months; at my second job I've been 3 years and led two releases."
Contract roles: label them clearly ("Contract — 6 months") so they don't look like quitting.
Many changes: emphasise what each move added (skills, scope) and why you now want stability — and mean it.
Layoffs: say it plainly — it's common and not a performance judgement. Offer references.
Terminated for performance: be honest if asked directly, take responsibility without excessive detail, show what you learned and changed.