Billionaire CEO Todd Graves Identifies Job-Hopping as a Major Red Flag in Hiring

Todd Graves, the billionaire CEO and co-founder of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, has pinpointed a significant concern when evaluating potential hires: the prevalence of job-hopping. With over 800 locations across the U.S. and in the Middle East, Graves, 52, emphasizes that frequent job changes—typically every two to three years—raise red flags on a resume.

Job-Hopping: A Quest for Titles?

Graves expresses skepticism towards candidates who frequently change jobs, questioning their commitment to the organization. “Are you in it just for you?” he asks, highlighting the potential for candidates to appear as if they are solely on a “quest for titles.” This mentality can manifest in interview responses that feel rehearsed or inauthentic, leading to inconsistencies that Graves actively seeks to identify during the hiring process.

“When they’re more into title and control versus teamwork, it’s a huge red flag for me,” he states, underlining the importance of teamwork and genuine engagement over individual ambition.

The Importance of Passion and Motivation

In interviews, Graves prioritizes assessing a candidate’s passion for the brand. He looks for individuals who exhibit intrinsic motivation and a commitment to their colleagues and the organization as a whole. He has observed a “huge correlation to success” among employees who care about their team and the company, from cashiers to fry cooks. This mindset is crucial to fostering a cohesive work environment that thrives on collaboration.

Changing Perspectives on Job-Hopping

Despite Graves’ concerns, job-hopping has become increasingly common, particularly in recent years amid a tight labor market. Some career experts argue that the stigma against changing jobs frequently is outdated, provided the resume does not indicate a pattern of excessive short stints. However, more than a third of hiring managers surveyed by LinkedIn have expressed hesitation towards candidates with such job histories.

Drew McCaskill, a LinkedIn career expert, notes that hiring managers may worry about candidates who have previously held positions for only brief periods. They might think, “If you were only there for nine months, maybe you’ll only be here for nine months,” which can affect their hiring decisions.

Effectively Explaining Job Changes

For candidates with job-hopping histories, experts recommend careful communication during interviews. They advise against bringing up current or former roles unless prompted. Instead, candidates can utilize the summary section of their resume or the “About” section of their LinkedIn profile to clarify their career trajectory.

If asked about past job changes, candidates should be prepared to provide a concise explanation focused on their future goals and the value they can bring to the new role. Emphasizing the skills gained from previous experiences without apologizing for past decisions can help mitigate any concerns hiring managers may have.

In summary, as the job market evolves, both candidates and hiring managers must navigate the implications of job-hopping while maintaining open lines of communication regarding career motivations and goals.