A Recruiter’s Perspective on Career Longevity and CV Strategy

I recently headhunted a candidate who had the right skills and qualifications for a role I was working on. However, after reviewing his CV, I advised him to stay in his current position a bit longer. His career history had some short-term roles, and I knew that one more misstep could make future opportunities harder to come by.
 He asked me, "How long do you think I should stay in a role before making a move?" It got me thinking: What is the ideal length of time in a role? Here’s what I’ve learned from over two decades in recruitment:
 
Role Longevity: What’s the Sweet Spot?
 - 3 Years: A solid stint. This gives employers confidence that you've seen projects through, contributed meaningfully, and completed at least one business cycle. In sales, for example, it often takes 12-18 months for pipelines to mature—3 years shows results.
 - 5 Years: If you've been with an organization this long, make sure your CV reflects progression. Have you taken on new challenges, been promoted, or expanded your responsibilities? If not, potential employers might question why your current company hasn’t advanced you—and whether you’re ready for the next step elsewhere.
 - 10+ Years: After a decade in the same organization, people might wonder if your learning curve has plateaued and whether you’re truly open to change or stuck in a comfort zone.
 - 15+ Years: It may signal that you’re overly institutionalized. Candidates with very long tenures are often seen as more likely to accept counteroffers, which can complicate their job search.
 
Beyond Time in Role: Your CV
 
- Use Numbers: Make your impact measurable. Whether it’s growing revenue from X to Y, or reducing costs by a certain percentage, numbers give potential employers a clear picture of your contributions.
 
- Tell Your Story—Concise, Yet Impactful: Focus on outcomes: What did your initiatives lead to? Did you improve efficiency, grow the team, or increase margins? 
- Interim Roles: If you're immediately available and offered an interim role, take it. This distinguishes you from other candidates who remain on the market and adds fresh experience to your CV, boosting your attractiveness for future opportunities.
 - Be Selective with Recruiters: Your CV is a reflection of your personal brand. Don't let it be overexposed by working with multiple recruiters. Choose the ones who will represent you well and position you strategically.
 - Networking Smartly: It’s tempting to put yourself out there when looking for a job, but overselling can come across as desperation. Less is often more when it comes to maintaining a strong, sought-after profile.
 
Moving for the Right Reasons
 
Always move towards something positive, rather than away from something negative. Don't wait until you're unhappy to start exploring your next opportunity. Keep your network warm and stay open to conversations, so you’re ready when the right opportunity presents itself.