All you need to know about career gaps

Did you know that you don't have to explain every single career gap on your resume?

Today's #newsletter will let you into career gaps, what it means, and why career gaps happen.?

Let's delve in.

Many hiring managers and recruiters have a different way of perceiving career gaps. Say for example you have almost 30+ years of experience. However, after your internship, it took you 2 years to get a job. That is a career gap. But, you do not have to explain this career gap. In my opinion a career gap from 20 years ago needs little to no explanation.

Also, I cannot ignore the fact that the pandemic happened. Lots of jobs hang on a thin thread. Some didn't sustain. Let's say your job ended as soon as the pandemic hit. And, you've been out of the corporate scene for 2 years.?

Honesty is required. Be as honest as possible. An employer might think that something led to your dismissal. In their mind, a worst-case scenario may be running through their mind. Don't let the potential employer figure out the "something" that led to your out of your job.?

Here are a few examples you might find useful;

Example 1

As soon as the pandemic hit, leading to the shut down of our previous company, I ventured into a small cake business where I supplied cakes at events. As the pandemic hit the peak, I was unable to keep the business running due to the cost of production. I'm currently looking for opportunities in Human Resource since that's where I would like to leverage my 6 year expertise.?

Example 2

My job came to an end two months into the pandemic. I took that opportunity to up-skill. I enrolled into a course that took 7 months. After that, I volunteered at an Auditing firm to further hone my skills. I'm currently looking for an opportunity where I can use the acquired skills in Accounting and Auditing to bring clarity in numbers.?

Example 3

I took a medical leave for 9 months to seek treatment abroad. During this time, I gathered valuable lessons on patient-doctor relations. I met sick people and their relatives. I interrogated them on what their thoughts are on seeking medical attention abroad. I came up with a proposal on how to cut the costs and get affordable accommodation and air tickets while seeking treatment abroad. I'm looking for an opportunity to partner with your company, Yezi* Tours and Travel to....... (You can go on and on)

Example 4

I went on maternity leave and took two years to raise my twins. During this time, I opened a small business where I sold women's dresses and shoes online. Here, I picked lessons on time management, budgeting, and multitasking. Now that I have enrolled my twins to pre-school, I would like to get back into Supply Chain where I would use the acquired skills to augment service quality and cut on costs.

You see, after all, not all career gaps are bad. You need to be clear while listing them during the #interview. From my little corner, I'm rooting for you. You deserve the best. You are not defined by your career gaps.?

Let me know in the comment section if you found value from this post. Thank you for coming this far.

See you on the next one.?