Resume Gap

14 Comments

1. AnonymousJuly 18,2023 at 7:25PM UTC

   Honestly, it could be a lot of variables as to why your resume hasn't been picked up by recruiters. I wouldn't stress too much about the resume gap as they're more common than you think. When asked about your gap, you drive what intel you feel comfortable sharing. In your case, you had a major life event happen and that should be intel enough. You're not required to disclose details.

   Since I don't know what you're in the market for or where you've been looking, that might help! There's probably opportunity to just change your approach and making sure your resume is tailored to every job/role you're looking for.

   Have you tried job fairs? How much do you network during the week? What about reaching out directly to recruiters to follow up or set up time to meet with them? Also, look at any free certifications in your field to level up your chances? Look into temp agencies too!

   Keep going! You've got this. It's a tough job market all around and a lot of folks are looking. Remain open to something outside of your initial job plans too (that's good you'll take on part time work too), you never know where that could lead too. Good luck to you!

2. KatJuly 18,2023 at 8:35PM UTC

   If you feel your lack of a degree is preventing you from getting hired, contact the uni/college you attended to find out what your options are for finishing your degree.

   Also check with the career services office as they might be able to get you some job leads and/or networking opportunities to find you a job. Some companies will pay for you to complete schooling or get certifications, so do some research to find opportunities at those places. Job fairs, networking events, and local job services/job centers (run by the state to help connect people with jobs) are also options that can help you land the type of job you're looking for. Good luck!

3. Kim SavantJuly 18,2023 at 10:10PM UTC

   If you don't have them, ask your previous employers where you did your internships to write a referral letter and include one or both with your resume. This will go a long way. As someone who has interviewed candidates I can tell you it can be the deciding factor when all else is equal.

4. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netJuly 24,2023 at 12:24PM UTC

   Many companies are forgoing the degree requirment due to a shortage of good candidates. I would advise not using the words "family emergency" as that has been so overused that it is hardly believable anymore. Instead, I would say what the emergency was and be sure on your resume that you address each gap. Maybe you can finsish your degree in the evening with on line classes but that in itself should not prevent you from getting a job.

5. AnonymousJuly 24,2023 at 1:37PM UTC

   It’s an obvious indicator that our lives are not free when we have to “explain gaps in our resume”. We are living beings…the notion that we have to continuously be an employee of a company 365 days a year for 40-50 years of our lives is preposterous.

6. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netJuly 24,2023 at 6:23PM UTC

   That is not really the case. Companies have many choices and when they have the option of calling in a candidate who has submitted a resume that is consistent amd makes sense vs. a resume with employment gaps, guess what?!! They will choose all things being equal, the one who has a steady work history. If you want to have a job, then you are going to have to make it a priority. I have heard family emergency ad nauseum and many times it just is not true. Companies want to hire people without problems but if they prove themselves to be valuable, companies will usually work with them as long as it is reasonable. They have a business to run.

7. AnonymousJuly 26,2023 at 5:55PM UTC

   Disagree with rgstaffing. If that really is the view of the company, one that clearly seems antiquated, is that really a company you want to be working for? I have met many women over the years who've taken a break for various reasons, including but not limited to child care, to return to the work force. In fact, you don't owe anyone a long winded explanation, saying something like, I took time off to focus on education is enough, and can be really positive. Don't focus on the negative, focus instead on why you want to work for that company and how your recently acquired skills are an asset. Remember that YOU have the skills, YOU have/will have the degree, and YOU are the commodity! Best of luck and forget the haters!

8. AnonymousJuly 26,2023 at 6:01PM UTC

   What a terribly cold and pessimistic view. And frankly unethical. Here's an article: "The Legal Lounge: The Dangers of Rejecting Candidates Based on Employment Gaps" https://www.ere.net/articles/legal-the-dangers-of-rejecting-candidates-based-on-employment-gaps

9. Kristin BurnsJuly 24,2023 at 2:05PM UTC

   Is it possible to finish that last class while you are working part-time? Since you are so close to graduating, it might give you an edge in your desired jobs. As for gaps, as long as it isn't over a year, you can update your resumé dates to year format. If longer, I wouldn't mention anything in the resumé but explain at a high level if asked. People have lives! Especially since the pandemic started, I think more companies understand that we all need to prioritize family and health, and that doesn't mean we don't also value our work.

10. AnonymousJuly 24,2023 at 4:24PM UTC

    take that class and graduate. this is a big milestone and you need to complete it. don't wait, let those credits get "old" and then...you're stuck repeating classes. GET ER DONE. And meanwhile, do some volunteer work or unpaid internship hours, even i only IO hours a week...anything to show who you are and your ability.

11. AnonymousJuly 24,2023 at 4:58PM UTC

    Finish the class! Then when talking to employers, speak the truth about being caretaker to a family member as the delay. Given the recent covid situation folks won't ask much more and you should not tell. As for having experience it's a tough market for those just getting out of school. 2 internships does not make you experienced. Apply for all the things you want and think you are qualified for and also entry level roles that may be ones you think beneath you. Level set to get in the door and if the company is big enough a career will grow after you get hired. Go to meetup groups for your industry, talk to others who have similar backgrounds that have gone through the kinds of things you did to get where you want to go. And have a bit of patience while looking. You could also do temp work through and agency and see what comes of that, even if it is only admin work that could help pay some bills.

12. Crystal HowellJuly 24,2023 at 10:05PM UTC

    Resume gap is now Career Break- During these dates I took a career break to further my education and have 1 class left to obtain my _________________degree, which I will take a night class.

13. AnonymousJuly 26,2023 at 5:42PM UTC

    This is where a short 2-3 sentence objective at the top of your resume can help. Similar to what others have mentioned below, saying something like - "Expecting to graduate 2023 with a degree in ___. Looking for full time entry level roles in the field with a focus on ___. Passionate about _____." It's all about story telling. If they ask you about the gap, if they even bring it up at all, having confidence in WHY you took it says a lot more than trying to hide it. I had a similar instance during the pandemic where I was out of work (6 months). I was able to finish up some classes for a certification and then started applying for jobs once I got my certification. Most companies during the interviews were happy for me and understood the need to go back to school for a career change/growth. It was probably one of my best yielding job searches because I was focused on what I wanted. Get your story straight and think positively and your gap could actually be a very positive conversation starter. Best of Luck out there!

14. AnonymousJuly 26,2023 at 5:47PM UTC

    PS This is also where you can keep your work experience, *related experience, short. It's better to have more details on your internships that are related that will spark conversation in the interview, rather than a bunch of jobs that don't really apply. If you do want to add some other jobs that might have relevance, consider adding one or two bullet points on those positions and then more content on the related jobs/internships.