:-[ What correct response should I give to employers looking at my resume and noting the 9 job changes in the last 17 years? All jobs were in the legal field. 3 firms did illegal practices; shut down by government or law suits, 1 moved to Mexico for cheaper labor, 2 downsized due to their financial irresponsibility. I was never laid-off due to any wrong doing on my part but it looks as if I job hopped over the years. I left one company to go to another for higher pay. My present job, I do not like. I've been here for a year and it has been hell and I just want to walk out and quit. I dread going to work every day for the last year. I took the job out of desperation because I was laid-off and out of work for 18 months. The only comfortability in the job is that it is 2 minutes from my home and I get paid every week. How would it look on my resume?

I would actually either include an addendum with your resume that explains your unusual circumstances or place a one line item that explains why you eft each organization.

Also when interviewing, you will want to emphasize your interest in a stable organization and your dissatisfaction with your prior employers due to their inability to provide you with stable employment. Do not complain about previous empoyers just state that you wished that things had been more stable. Stability should be your mantra.

One more thing. Get as many letters or recommendation fromprevious employers as possible. It will impress your interviewer if you have references from all your former jobs even though you have moved around a great deal.