Good day everyone. I have a question for people who hold positions in recruiting; however, I am open to hearing from anyone on this topic.

49 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 22,2025 at 2:45PM UTC

   I'm not sure of your question. Are you asking how long one should wait to hear from a recruiter? Are you asking how long one is unemployed, see your "the gap in time is starting to concern me.". In this market, it is not uncommon people have been unemployed for 3 months or more. When a candidate applies for a position, the recruiter's view depends. Is the candidate qualified? How did the candidate apply, via an ATS system? Or do you have a direct contact you can follow up? I would be concerned if you are facing 1 year to 1.5 years of unemployment. But 3 months, spend every hour of your work day, and seeking work is work, finding a job. But do your best to find connections to network. That is one of the BEST ways of finding work. It's networking with those within LinkedIn that are in your industry of experience. I'm a former recruiter. It's not unusual to be unemployed, it is a red flag if you haven't had any interviews or you are interviewing and not getting an offer. Then you drill down and find out what you're doing wrong. It's a self awareness exercise that no one wants to face, but you will be fine, keep on applying.

2. Kimberly BonkApril 22,2025 at 3:09PM UTC

   No I'm not asking how long one should wait for a recruiter to response. I'm asking about the gap that will show up in a resume. As far as not getting interviews, I have had some; however, there are times where there are no interviews, because there are in one example been told there 4 other candidates that are being considered and your skills are not a good match to the job which I have experience in. I've have been told that directly. So not having an initial interview these days is not the same as years ago. I'm not sure what they are looking for. Are employers being very picky and selective? From my perspective, they are and they do have that right. There are many very qualified people who are also looking and applying. I've been contracting on an off since 2011 and have significant exposure to working with recruiters. This time around, if feels different than in previous experiences. I am doing all the things you reference. Many people are doing the same and are facing the same. If 3 months isn't a problem, then I won't worry. I track all the job applications and interviews. I'm very self-aware and am always working to improve my resume and myself. Again, the landscape today is different. Candidates do need to work harder and may not even receive a response, hence ghosting. I have experienced ghosting several times. It's very exhausting to keep doing the same thing over and over and expect different results. I actually took a break in looking as it caused anxiety and depression. I'm not sure when you were working as a recruiter, but I'm sure things have changed form when you were doing that work. I'd be interested in learning more about what your processes were with working with candidates. Thank you for responding to my question. I tried to be clear on what I was asking.

3. AnonymousApril 22,2025 at 7:49PM UTC

   Recruiting hasn't changed. I've worked directly and indirectly putting people to work for over 27 years. Currently, I work with hiring professionals who seek to hire our students (so I work with HR Directors/all levels and talent acquisition folks also called recruiters depending on the company). I've worked during market crashes and can tell you, the best get the attention, the runners up, not so much. It's a candy store right now. As the federal workers are flooding our market, that ups your competition. So with that being said, keep doing what you're doing as far as tracking your work. Yes, being unemployed is awful. I've been in those shoes during a market crash and lost 2 jobs in one year. Talk about feeling kind of useless. I would suggest you look in other places where your skills can be used and you can learn new skills. Sometimes, we have to take jobs just to pay the bills. Stick around for a bit, then when the market calms somewhat you can get back out there. No, 3 months out isn't a big deal, but folks with 1-3 year or more gaps aren't as enticing to a company. But they can get work for sure, it just may be something they were not looking to do. What type of work do you do?

4. Kimberly BonkMay 13,2025 at 8:16PM UTC

   Thank you. Appreciate the insight. Unfortunately, I've looked at other type of positions and the same applies; many applicants. I will keep trying and in the interim, I'm taking some training that I needed.

5. Tina MorenoApril 22,2025 at 7:46PM UTC

   Totally get where you’re coming from—these days, a 3-month (or even longer) gap isn’t the red flag it once was. Every recruiter is different, but most of us know the market is tough right now, and strong candidates are still taking time to land roles. I always recommend addressing the gap briefly in a cover letter—just a quick line to show you're actively searching and ready to jump back in. It doesn’t need to be a big deal, just something that frames the gap in a positive light. The key is being upfront and focusing on what you bring to the table now.

6. Kimberly BonkMay 13,2025 at 8:13PM UTC

   Thank you.

7. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 23,2025 at 2:50AM UTC

   Recruiters know more than most about getting laid off - in many companies, we're the first to go. Talent Acquisition has been decimated by the lay offs the last two years.

   Regarding the gap, I don't want to discourage you, but these days 3 months isn't that long to be liad off.

   Most recruiters don't care about gaps - we care if you're qualified - but we have to ask about them because hiring managers will ask us.

   Make sure if you were laid off or a contract was completed, that's clearly indicated on your resume:

   ABC COMPANY

   Senior Project Manager

   June, 2021 to January, 2025 - Company wide RIF (or lay off, your choice of verbiage)

   XYZ COMPANY

   Project Manager

   January 2020 to June, 2021 - Contract completed

   Your gap is your gap and there's not much you can do about it, so I wouldn't waste bandwidth worrying about it. Please don't consider lying about it because getting caught lying on a background check is the quickest way to have an offer rescinded.

   I cannot stress this enough, I care about do you have the experience I need for this hiring manager.

8. Kimberly BonkMay 13,2025 at 8:13PM UTC

   Thank you. Great insight.

9. AnonymousApril 23,2025 at 2:25PM UTC

   Late last year I hired someone who hadn't worked in 5 years. She lost her job during covid and then decided to stay home raising her daughter after that. But she was highly skilled and a great fit for our team. She's been a fantastic addition so far. So I agree with those who say it's about skills/experience, not gaps.

10. Kimberly BonkMay 13,2025 at 8:11PM UTC

    Thank you, good to know. Gives some hope. I'm glad it worked out for both of you.

11. AnonymousApril 23,2025 at 2:48PM UTC

    Think about it this way: Why does it matter? As others have said, it is more about the skills than the gaps. My last extended unemployment was 11 months, and that was only to find an interim job that I hated. I had to work for two years before finding another one that matched my skill set and career path. If you're struggling with your career path and are getting desperate, you can widen your search to include a "side hustle" job. This can give you some income while you continue to look for a career job.

12. Rosa GoesApril 26,2025 at 6:30PM UTC

    I agree. Side hustles are great. Think outside the box. No hustle is too good for you.

13. Kimberly BonkMay 13,2025 at 8:11PM UTC

    Thank you. I already volunteer and even started my own business providing acupressure therapy for small animals and equines. Been doing that as a volunteer. I'm also taking some training that was needed.

14. LauraApril 23,2025 at 5:22PM UTC

    I work specifically with women who have career gaps to help them return to the paid workforce. We tend to put so much on how the "gap" will be perceived but in reality the company just wants to find the best fit for the position they are hiring for rather not drill you about your employment gap. Just because you have an unpaid gap doesn't mean you don't have valuable skills in fact a lot of people acquire new skills when they are on a career gap. It's all about how you frame your situation, the confidence you have in addressing it and things you do while you are out of the paid workforce to build your skillset. I actually just did a video talking about how to address it in an interview if you'd like to take a look (no pressure!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRAwij4N6lk

15. AnonymousApril 24,2025 at 2:27PM UTC

    Hi, do you work with fresh graduates, who have a 2 year unpaid employment gap due to a mix of legal and job hunt unluckiest?

16. LauraApril 25,2025 at 1:11AM UTC

    I mainly work with people who took a step back from their career and are looking to return to the paid workforce. Good luck in your job search!!

17. Kimberly BonkMay 13,2025 at 8:08PM UTC

    Thank you. Make sense what you say. I think I'm old school when it comes to searching for a position. I will check out the link.

18. AnonymousApril 24,2025 at 3:55PM UTC

    It's not a bad thing to have a gap. However, you should fill that gap with things that will help you get to that next role. Try doing some volunteer work or mentoring in your field or blogging or writing, take classes etc. Also most job searches these days are taking 6-9 months and in some fields even longer. Definitely breathe as that is what the current market has to bear. If you seek something remote or something where there is a lot of competition for few roles it could take longer. Don't just apply, work your network follow up extensively and do things outside of your comfort zone to work your connections for leads and referrals. Good luck.

19. Kimberly BonkMay 13,2025 at 8:07PM UTC

    Thank you and yes I've been doing all that you mention. I already volunteer and even started my own business providing acupressure therapy for small animals and equines. Been doing that as a volunteer. I'm also taking some training that was needed.

20. Lilye Stallworth ChaffinApril 24,2025 at 4:21PM UTC

    You can also use the time learning tools that can be self-improvement, self-development. You are researching the market, time well spent. Then you can explain what the gap was for, not just taking anything but waiting for the best possible opportunity. Make them feel like you’ve been waiting for them!

21. Kimberly BonkMay 13,2025 at 8:05PM UTC

    Thank you and yes I am doing some training on skills that are very relevant in today's market but I've not been able to acquire while working.

22. AnonymousApril 25,2025 at 2:23AM UTC

    In addition to the many good insights below, have you considered applying for contract work? I have found that often companies are in urgent need of someone qualified for their job opening and it can also be a good way to "test the waters" for both the employee and the employer, often leading to a "full time" offer. Even if that is not the final outcome, often there is an opportunity to develop new skills which will make you even more marketable after the contract ends.

    I have found that posting my resume on specialty-related job boards as well as several of the general ones has been successful. Do be sure that your resume contains relevant statistics to the employer (think numbers) and leads with how you will help their bottom line.

    As for gaps, I was hired at the age of 72 with a twenty-year gap filled with a couple of long-term volunteer positions after having been a caregiver for an ailing parent. It does happen. So hang in there, and continue what you have been doing, while adding this contract position application process. Also, as many will tell you - Think of who you know. Perhaps you can set up a mutually-beneficial relationship and secure a position that way.

    We all are cheering for you!

23. Kimberly BonkMay 13,2025 at 8:04PM UTC

    Thank you and yes I've been doing contract work off and on since 2011. I've been through this process many times and have tried to do different things. Things are changing with the recruiting process without a doubt; less personal for the candidate.

24. AnonymousApril 25,2025 at 8:48AM UTC

    I understand the urgency.

    I don't what recruiters think)? There is the potential that you may get dissapointed. Recruiters are intermediates. What have you learned in those three months? Is it going to help you to know what recruiters think. They are helpful people you can ask them, like a recruitment agency. Or at recruitment fairs. They may check your CV out aswell.

25. Kimberly BonkMay 13,2025 at 8:02PM UTC

    Thank you. Good questions. I would say it helps to understand the market place and how a gap is perceived with all the competition for positions. Of course I would explain the gap and what I've done in the interim.

26. AnonymousApril 26,2025 at 12:21PM UTC

    I think that’s crazy personally if a gap is perceived negatively. Even in a good market it takes 3-6 months to get a new gig started. As a former recruiter I didn’t find this problematic, but others did which I don’t get.

27. Kimberly BonkMay 13,2025 at 7:58PM UTC

    Thank you.

28. AnonymousApril 26,2025 at 12:27PM UTC

    Here's the thing, jobsearching is a competition, which means yiou're competing against candidates who don't have employment gaps.

    If you were a recruiter, would you choose a candidate with an employment gap or one with a steady employment record?

    THINK FROM THE RECRUITER/EMPLOYER'S POV!

29. Leigh Ann NicholsonApril 26,2025 at 11:14PM UTC

    That is not a good outlook for a recruiter to have. There are a lot of people who have been laid off, beginning near end of last year and into the end of the fiscal year, and this is through no fault of their own. So why would you not see their value just because some corporation decided they were expendable? Just because someone is employed does not make them more valuable than someone who is unemployed.

30. Kimberly BonkMay 13,2025 at 7:57PM UTC

    Thank you. I agree.

31. Kimberly BonkMay 13,2025 at 7:56PM UTC

    Thank you and I do try to consider all perspectives. Having said that, things happen in life that are not always in our control. All we can do is speak to the reason with honesty and transparency.

32. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netApril 26,2025 at 12:33PM UTC

    If I understand the gap, I am not concerned if the background and the person is what I am looking for.

33. Kimberly BonkMay 13,2025 at 7:55PM UTC

    Thank you.

34. AyianApril 26,2025 at 1:02PM UTC

    To eliminate questions and possible misinterpretations of the gap, you can include below the header of your last role why it came to an end. This way, if someone were concerned, you answered their question before they ever had to hum or haw about it.

35. Kimberly BonkMay 13,2025 at 7:54PM UTC

    Great suggestion, thank you.

36. AnonymousApril 26,2025 at 2:56PM UTC

    What are you doing during that gap is what matters .. you could be temping , depending on the industry that you are on if you simply are unemployed then be prepared to answer why.

37. Jen FrischenApril 28,2025 at 1:41PM UTC

    I agree. What you do in that gap time matters. My former employer retired. I ended up using my gap time to help transition former clients to new providers for their needs. I worked in a law firm and some of our clients couldn't wrap up their matters before he retired.

    Several years ago, I was involved in a patient resource advocacy group that went dormant when it's main moderator passed away. I was very interested in getting the group moving again because it was very helpful to me in my time of need. I worked closely with the new site administrators to identify needs of the site and to identify members who had participated frequently. There were several of us who kept in touch and wanted to bring the site back to life. We all worked closely to get the community sharing again once the new site administrators got things working properly.

    I spent some time volunteering for a couple of non-profits. I had a couple of interviews where people wanted more Excel training. It wasn't a strong suit of mine, so I learned more about Excel.

38. Kimberly BonkMay 13,2025 at 7:54PM UTC

    Thank you, glad you were able to get the group moving again. I already volunteer and have started my business to provide Acupressure therapy for small animals and equine as my sister and I recently became certified in the state of CO.. Having said that, I still need to work for a few years longer.

39. Kimberly BonkMay 13,2025 at 7:51PM UTC

    Thank you and yes I agree.

40. Stephanie F, MSHRMApril 26,2025 at 7:18PM UTC

    I don’t see it negatively. Most people have always been able to articulate the reason for the gap. To me it’s understood that companies have layoffs, other circumstances that may have led to unemployment, etc.

    That’s why there are interviews. This can be addressed in it.
    For industries I’ve worked for, it’s nice to have a qualified person who may also be willing to start right away…

41. Kimberly BonkMay 13,2025 at 7:51PM UTC

    Thank you!

42. AnonymousApril 28,2025 at 12:03PM UTC

    I had a 5month gap, went for an interview they didn't ask at all. I was so worried seemingly for nothing. This could be as I put it on the application previously.

43. Kimberly BonkMay 13,2025 at 7:50PM UTC

    Thank you!

44. OLIVIA JOHNSONApril 30,2025 at 2:09PM UTC

    Hi there!

    Good question. This is actually a part of many of the conversations being had by HR/Recruiting professionals since the times of the pandemic. Do we want to ask questions surrounding gaps in work history? For the most part, the answer has been...No. In my recent experiences with my coaching clients this line of questioning has diminished as a part of the interview interaction.

    Due to the times, we all know the conditions and situations that are occurring out there.

    My only recommendation here is to not attempt to cover it up on your resume. Especially to the point where it could do more harm than good. Focus on highlighting the skills that are relevant to the roles you are pursuing. If that means adding a "Core Competencies" section before your experience, or using a nonconventional resume style like a functional resume, etc.

    Own it and be able to speak to it positively in your interview.

    Hope this helps!

    Coach Olivia

45. Kimberly BonkMay 13,2025 at 7:49PM UTC

    Thank you!

46. Kimberly BonkMay 13,2025 at 7:50PM UTC

    Thank you and I am very sorry for your loss and family member being ill.

47. Kimberly BonkMay 13,2025 at 7:57PM UTC

    Thank you.

48. Kimberly BonkMay 13,2025 at 7:58PM UTC

    Thank you.

49. Kimberly BonkMay 13,2025 at 8:09PM UTC

    Thank you, This is good insight.