Job-hopping for pay may offer a short-term gain, but it can be detrimental to your career in the long term and even have a negative impact on your personal brand in the jobs market.

The job-for-life culture is long gone, but it seems that some candidates have gone one step too far with a rapid succession of jobs.

Money is the motivating factor, but this is a short-term gain. Employers are now starting to pass over candidates who have held three or four permanent jobs over the past six years. They want to hire a stable and loyal candidate, rather than take a risk with someone who is likely to resign after only a short time.

Candidates are advised to focus on their long-term career. Think about your goals and look for opportunities that will develop your career in the direction you wish to pursue. In this way, you will expand your skills and expertise and ultimately achieve your long-term career goals.

This will also ensure that your personal brand remains positive since you will gain a reputation of loyalty. As a result of your expanding expertise, your salary will also naturally rise over time.

To plan for a long-term career, we will learn how to create a career map next week.

Marc Burrage, regional director, Hays in Hong Kong