How does my past employment look...

[Anubis]

Here is my prior work history. I'm concerned it may be an issue. I'm going to Washington next month to take a written and physical test. My concern is if i'm wasting my time or not. Up until this year, i've only worked for 2 places in the past 5 years but as you can see, I'm now at 4. :(

Saia motor freight (October 03-present) Operations Clerk

Radio shack (August 03-September 03) Sales (1 month quit)

Fortune 500 company (Feb 00-August 03) Computer Tech (quit 3.5 years)

A middle sized company (Jul 98-Feb 00) Computer Tech (quit 1.7 years)

Phone repair company (May 98- July 98) Electronics Repair Tech(3 mos quit)

POS repair Company (Sept 97-May 98) Electronics Repair (laid off after 9 mos)

Between my 1995 honorable discharge from the Army until 1997, I worked several jobs. I'm not going to list them as i'm more concerned with my recent history.

any thoughts? how bad is it?

[yahcanmicrowave]

with the state of the economy right now, it is no longer uncommon to switch jobs frequently. I would surmise that there would only be a problem if you were fired from one or more of these jobs.

[Charlie]

It would be more desireable of course if you had fewer jobs and it MAY, depending on your overall circumstances, be an issue or it may not. This will greatly depend upon the circumstances surrounding why you left each of the jobs posted. AND, I suspect it will also take into account you past military service as well.

In reference as to whether or not will it be a waste of time or not: the best person to ask this to really get a more accurate or better "feel" of your circumstances would be asking a recruiter at the PD BEFORE you apply! Hopefully, it will give you a better idea about where you'd stand concerning this issue.

Hope this helps...
--
Charlie

[rdp]

Remember this is just one part of your background......

They will look at the entire package to make a decision. Some areas are critical while others may show problems dealing with maturity, finances, responsibility and so on.

[deputydawg]

which looks better? a lot of jobs or unemployed?

[txinvestigator1]

I would say neither looks better. It is not either/or.

Anubis, the reasons you left those jobs and what kind of reference you receive is what will matter.

[Anubis]

Ok. I may be fine for the most part then. I left a couple on bad terms but I also have a couple that I left an excellent impression with. I guess I will find out soon enough.
Thanks for the replies all.

[bucknutz30]

Originally posted by deputydawg
which looks better? a lot of jobs or unemployed?

I would assume that having a lot of jobs would be better than having none. At least that way, you were bringing home a paycheck every week. Provided, of course, that you voluntarily quit your jobs and weren't fired.

[deputydawg]

thanks