How to Handle Gaps in Employment

Summary

The speaker addresses common concerns about employment gaps, offering advice for those re-entering the workforce or currently in a gap. They recommend networking, training, volunteering, part-time jobs, and job sharing to stay engaged and skills sharp. The speaker advises against using a functional resume, which can signal dishonesty, and emphasizes the importance of a clear written explanation for any gap. They also stress the need to control the narrative on resumes and to be straightforward about gaps during interviews.

Takeaways

• 🔍 When facing employment gaps, consider various strategies to fill the gap, such as volunteering, consulting, or part-time work.
• 💼 For stay-at-home parents re-entering the workforce, leverage networking, training, and volunteering to enhance your profile.
• 🏆 Highlight relevant skills and experiences gained during employment gaps, such as certifications or project work, on your resume.
• 📚 If you've been out of work or changed careers, consider moving your education or certifications to the top of your resume to emphasize recent achievements.
• 💡 Networking is crucial; utilize job search boot camps, career courses, and live office hours to build professional relationships.
• 🙅‍♀️ Avoid using a functional resume as it can signal to recruiters that you're hiding something.
• 🚫 Do not put non-work activities, like volunteering, at the top of your resume unless it's directly related to your job search.
• 💬 Be prepared to provide a clear, written explanation for your employment gap in cover letters and emails.
• 🗣️ In interviews, be straightforward about your employment gap and focus on the skills and experiences you gained during that time.
• 🛠️ Tailor your resume and interview approach to control the narrative and highlight the most relevant aspects of your career.

Q & A

What are some common reasons for employment gaps?

Common reasons for employment gaps include being a stay-at-home parent, caring for elderly parents, consulting, working on projects, or simply being out of work for an extended period.

What is the speaker's advice for those currently in an employment gap?

The speaker recommends networking, training, volunteering in relevant fields, considering part-time jobs or consulting, and exploring job shares to stay engaged and gain relevant skills.

Why is networking important for those in an employment gap?

Networking is important as it can help individuals in an employment gap to make connections in their field, find job opportunities, and build professional relationships.

What does the speaker suggest about taking classes or certifications during a gap?

The speaker suggests that taking classes or obtaining certifications can be beneficial, as it shows employers that the individual is proactive in updating their skills and knowledge.

How can volunteering help someone in an employment gap?

Volunteering can help by providing relevant experience in the desired field, building connections, and demonstrating commitment and initiative to potential employers.

What is the speaker's opinion on functional resumes for those with employment gaps?

The speaker strongly advises against using functional resumes, as they can be seen as a way to hide information and are not favored by recruiters.

Why should someone avoid putting volunteer work at the top of their resume if it's not a job?

Volunteer work should not be misrepresented as a job on a resume. It should be clearly identified as volunteer work unless it is a job where the individual is not receiving payment.

What is the speaker's advice for addressing employment gaps in cover letters and emails?

The speaker advises to provide a clear and straightforward written explanation of the gap, without making it a big deal, as recruiters often understand and expect such situations.

How should employment gaps be addressed in a resume?

The speaker suggests using a career profile and highlights section to accentuate relevant skills and experiences, and possibly moving education or certifications to the top if they are recent and relevant.

What should be the approach when discussing employment gaps in an interview?

In an interview, one should simply and honestly explain the reason for the gap without making it a significant issue, as most interviewers are understanding and interested in the candidate's qualifications.

Why is it important to control the narrative when discussing employment gaps?

Controlling the narrative is important to ensure that the focus is on the individual's skills, experiences, and qualifications, rather than on the gap itself.