How long should one stay at an entry-level tech job before moving on?

[suihcteg]

The area in which I live is over-saturated with IT, and a lot of the jobs that are calling back are very entry-level part-time, and I have skills on paper beyond the scope of a lot of the jobs. But a job like this will get my foot in the door and will give me some experience in the work force, and will look good when applying for new jobs. As a new tech, how long should I stay at a low-paying job before moving on? Some people say to always be on the lookout for something better, and don't hesitate to quit for a higher paying job (and that might demonstrate ambition and drive). But I've also heard people say if one quits jobs too quickly it might make potential employers nervous.

 

[Barty1884]

If you're over-qualified, would be more in demand with a current job &/or some time spent actually doing the job and just need a 'foot in the door', then you can stay as long or as short as you want.

Not quite sure what you mean by 'on paper'......I assume you have the qualification,s but would appear more attractive if you'd actually performed the role?

A short-time at a job won't be viewed as a negative in all situations - least of all if you're truly over-qualified, I just wouldn't make a habit of short-term stays if you can avoid it (one or two in a short space of time shows you just trying to find the best 'fit', whereas frequently jumping over a longer period of time and multiples jobs would imply it's going to be tough for an employer to keep you long-term).

You have a bit of a unique situation, with a region being over-saturated in your field vs being in demand. That can work to your advantage initially though, with enough people available to fill any 'void' you leave behind - leaving your prior employer won't be leaving them high & dry.

 

[weberdarren97]

I'd stay for at least a year. Leaving before a year can make it look like you abandoned your job and may make some employers think that you can't hold down a job.

 

[gasaraki]

I'm an Network Administrator now and I started out at help desk. I would get your feet in the door and work 1 - 2 years and see if you can move up internally. If this is your first work experience I wouldn't quit within these 2 years so you can get more experience and not look like you are not stable. No company wants to hire someone and train them and have them leave after a year. If you never worked at another company before I would even stay for 3 years if you like it there. If after 3 years and you know there's no movement within this company, I would find something else.

When looking for a job, ask them if there is a chance to move up in the company. If not, I wouldn't even start working there.

 

[boosted1g]

If you constantly change jobs quickly that looks bad but if you started one job and left quickly for a better one no one is going to question it.
If you got a better job offer then that employee is hiring you so you are not worried about other employeers at that moment. As long as you then stick around at that job for a reasonal amount of time then there is nothing to worry about.

As far as putting a time frame on things that is impossible to do over internet.
Your skills, market avaliability in your area, and what is avalaible in your company make very very big factors to this.
If there is advancement oppertunities at that company then after 6-12 months you may have to make a lateral move (no increased pay/title) to a different company that will provide bettery advancement oppertunities

 

[Barty1884]

I'd wouldn't necessarily agree with the 1+ year(s) comments, at least as a general rule - as in, there is no general rule, and each situation is unique.

If this would be your first job, then a 1 year minimum is probably a good idea - UNLESS, you're approached about a better opportunity (better being a more senior position, not just $$). I would spend that first year working hard, learning the ropes etc - and wouldn't worry about looking for another opportunity. IF it comes to you though, and is a good opportunity - I'd explore it.

In my experience, employers want you long-term, but if you're viewing it as a temporary situation until a better offer comes along, they usually prefer it happens sooner rather than later in the employers eyes - anywhere from 2 weeks, to 2 years. You're not 'business critical' at that point (unless you're highly skilled).

The balancing act is finding when you're not too valued an employee that the company don't 'care' so much if you leave (IMO <2 years), but when it wouldn't show as a negative on your resume - it might prompt a question during an interview, but shouldn't be an outright 'bad' mark against you............. I'd say that's a minimum 6 months, unless you have a d*mn good reason (ie harassment or similar).

 

[gillhooley]

I have bounced Jobs every 18-24 months for the past 6 years, It should look bad, but so long as you have a narrative of leaving for better opportunities, more money, and and increasing role, I don't think there is a set number of years. Don't stay 3 years if you can get a better job, but a lateral move for no reason will not help your career.

 

[suihcteg]

Some of the companies that are reaching out are really small (less than 20 employees), so I'd learn a lot and be a pretty important part of the company, but the pay isn't that good, barely better than minimum wage. I'd have to check on the internal advancement possibilities though.

 

[Barty1884]

That'll play a huge part - some companies have a good rate of advancement, and a defined outline for how this is/can be achieved..... other, larger companies don't necessarily have that.

Being part of a smaller company should allow you lots of opportunity to gain experience in more areas than you would with a larger company, although that's no guarantee.

<20 employee companies, you can become valuable.... fast. And being valuable = more responsibilities.... in turn , that'll make you more attractive to a future employer.

I'd be more inclined to give some extra time to a smaller company treating me well vs jumping to a larger company for a marginal 'promotion' or minor raise, but everyone will have a different situation & opinion on that.

If you're trying to narrow down between a couple of smaller companies, look fro a true track record in promotion and advancement opposed to just getting lip service ie: we look internally, lots of room to grow etc. Check out employees on Linkedin if you can, see if there's promotions over time etc. Do people show a move from PT to FT coinciding with completing school, were any managers former 'frontline' staff, or were they brought in externally etc. There's lots of info out there for most companies, but not all.

If you can find a company that actually have a track record, I'd suggest you opt for them. The potential is there, and it's up to you to warrant it.

 

[SgtScream]

What I've learned over the past 9 years working in information technology is its important to enjoy what you are doing for a living. There are many different jobs out there in information technology and in general for that matter. Sure you can stay and gain experience, but is it the right experience for you? Will this acquired experience serve it's purpose in obtaining a set of skills you'll want to readily use for the rest of your career? If you don't enjoy what you do for a living, your not going to want to excel at it enough to benefit you or the company you work for. I do agree with many posts above, so give this job a shot if you're interested. However if it's been a couple of years and you're not happy where you are, move on because life is too short.

 

[mjslakeridge]

Do the best possible job you can with any task assigned. If part of your responsibilities is to sweep the floor, be the best floor sweeper they ever saw. After you get your feet wet with a company and can handle all assigned tasks, ask for more responsibilities, special projects, etc. But don't let your regular tasks slip. If you demonstrate your expertise and loyalty, many companies will reward that (Some won't, they have in their mind that Job X is only going to be paid $X). You should know after a year or so whether you have a future at any company. If you do receive another offer that pays slightly more, ask your current company to counter the offer. Again, some will, some won't. At any rate, if you do leave, do everything you can to help the old company transition to a replacement. In most industries, people (management) know each other and your reputation (good or bad) will be known to others within the industry.