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Gap in job history during COVID
I was having a discussion with a friend and we have differing views so I wanted a wider "survey".
If a person, for whatever reasons, is not working during the COVID crisis will that be a damaging thing when they are job searching?
I say - ANY person reviewing a resume or history will move past a gap in employment during this crisis time. That person might make a note to ask why there's a gap but not necessarily toss that resume into the "trash can".
My friend says that reviewers still will toss out a resume with a gap - almost without question.
So, where do WE fall? Gap ok or Gap bad (specifically during COVID please)?
EmilieSAGlobal VP People Operations @SalesScreen
88
10/30/20 at 1:35PM UTC
I think gaps in resumes are totally fine, BUT I would maybe write the reason for the gap. Say you were laid off due to Covid, I would most definitely write that in the description of your position with that company. Same for taking a year of studies, parental leave, etc. This makes it easier for the recruiter to understand why, instead of having to ask before/during an interview. Might be different perspectives on this, but at least that's my recommendation!
Maureen
111
10/29/20 at 5:42PM UTC
I have been having a few interviews lately ( thank god) all the companies I talk to seem ok about Covid Gap. I tell them I have been doing a lot of volunteer work with Score ( business mentoring) and they all seem intrigued with the volunteer work during this time. So there are a lot of great folks with gaps this year. It does not seem to be an issue at least not for me. Just explain why, not working if asked and what you have been working on. Good luck with your job search !!
Jeralyn KabigtingRecruiter & Life Coach
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10/29/20 at 5:27PM UTC
A gap in one's resume (whether due to COVID or something else) shouldn't be a factor in further considering someone for employment. It should be up to the reviewer of the resume to dig deeper as to why there was that gap. But more importantly, what should matter most is the quality of work performed by the candidate during the time they were employed.
Angelica PatlánHuman Resources Nonconformist
37
10/29/20 at 5:25PM UTC
I think that many people will have gaps right now, and if a company does not understand the reasoning, that may not be the company for you. I would say that after your company put a brief reason such as "XYZ Company, Left/Laid off due to COVID-19". If you have been doing any personal development or education, make sure to include that on your resume. You can list it as freelance to show you have been developing throughout this time. I am on the same journey as you! You got this!
Jackie
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10/29/20 at 5:24PM UTC
I agree. A gap during COVID-19, whether it’s due to being laid off or taking a step back to help your kids with online learning, or because there are no childcare options, is going to be a theme that hiring managers are going to start seeing more and more and I don’t think it will be treated the same.
Anonymous
10/29/20 at 5:20PM UTC
I've seen A LOT of resumes from people who were let go for COVID reasons and are unemployed, and most didn't bother to update their resumes and give the impression that they are still employed. I've started asking "are you still with your most recently listed job" because 95% are not, and they haven't been since March - Sept. But to answer the question, if I see a gap during this time, I will take COVID into consideration and will not count it against them. I honestly don't know why anyone would not remember this period and/or toss a resume for a gap during any of 2020.
Melissa KaplanI am a strong woman.
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10/29/20 at 4:57PM UTC
I had an 8 year gap, I chose to stay at home with my children. I am in the human services profession, and when asked about the gap, I told that I chose to work inside the home and care for my children. I went on to state that I continued to hold and renew necessary credentials and kept up to date with information on the profession. In addition I was active in the community.I have since been with the company for over 13 years.
Ana Vujic
28
10/29/20 at 4:49PM UTC
I agree that a short Gap is ok but a 1-year gap not so much. If you can add online skills or courses, volunteering etc it would show- case that you are resilient and take action despite the obstacles.
NeerajaHR Manager in Sunny Sacramento!
126
10/29/20 at 4:42PM UTC
I agree too! A gap is ok, everyone understands during the pandemic. I think it would depend on how long the gap is for, but it's definitely something that's overlooked right now.
Anonymous
10/29/20 at 4:39PM UTC
I think in some ways this is a moot argument because if you have a gap, its the truth, so what's the alternative? I am not sure if what you're debating is writing something in like [Date of Gap] Volunteered, home-schooled, caretaking activities due to Covid.
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