Why Career Gaps Are No Longer Deal-Breakers

In today’s job market, career gaps on resumes are becoming less of a concern for recruiters and hiring managers. With millions of workers taking time off during the pandemic for various reasons—whether due to layoffs, caregiving responsibilities, remote learning, or even a desire for a career change—the stigma around these gaps has significantly decreased.

Shanika Puckett, a graphic designer with nearly two decades of experience, has taken multiple breaks in her career. Some were brief, such as when she had her daughter, while others were more extended, like when she had to recover from a serious illness. Currently, Puckett is on the lookout for full-time work, but she’s noticed that questions about the gaps in her resume are almost inevitable during job interviews.

“Life happens, and there are events that you need to deal with,” Puckett, who lives in Atlanta, shares. “As my career progresses, I find it frustrating that I still have to explain these gaps repeatedly. I have experience, a portfolio, recommendations, and references. Why are we focusing on these small details?”

Shifting Perspectives on Resume Gaps

Historically, career gaps were seen as red flags by some hiring managers. The concern was that time away from work might leave candidates behind in terms of technological advancements or make it harder for them to readjust to their roles. There was also a fear that candidates with gaps might not be fully committed to returning to the workforce, according to Carol Fishman Cohen, CEO and co-founder of iRelaunch, an organization that supports individuals returning to work after a break.

Jeramy Kaiman, head of LHH Recruitment Solutions, West at the Adecco Group, explains that while there was some justified concern about career gaps in the past, much of it was rooted in unconscious bias. However, the pandemic has played a crucial role in reshaping these perceptions.

“The pandemic has undoubtedly reduced the stigma around taking career breaks,” says Fishman Cohen. “With so many people having taken time off, recruiters and hiring managers are becoming more accustomed to seeing these gaps on resumes.”

As Kaiman notes, many who paused their careers during the pandemic are now re-entering the workforce. Given the large number of people who chose to stay home for various reasons and the current tight labor market, employers are more willing to overlook what were once considered red flags.

Embracing Career Breaks

Recognizing this shift, LinkedIn recently introduced a feature that allows users to add "career breaks" to their profiles. This feature enables job seekers to openly acknowledge the time they took away from work and explain how those experiences are relevant to their careers.

“By giving people the option to showcase their career breaks, we are helping to normalize them,” says Camilla Han-He, Senior Product Manager at LinkedIn. “This feature allows users to highlight how their life experiences during these breaks are applicable to potential jobs.”

Despite the changing attitudes, Kaiman notes that while employers are becoming more accepting of career gaps, candidates with frequent job changes in addition to these gaps might still face some scrutiny.

Addressing Career Gaps in Interviews

When faced with questions about career breaks during interviews, it’s essential to focus on why you’re the right fit for the job rather than dwelling on the time away. Fishman Cohen suggests using examples from previous work or volunteer experiences to demonstrate your skills.

“The key is to emphasize your experience, not the timing of it,” she explains. Instead of framing your past experience as something that happened long ago, present it as relevant and recent: “When I was working at company X, we dealt with a similar challenge. Here’s how we approached it.”

For those who have been job hunting for a while, Kaiman advises highlighting any skills or experiences gained during the gap. It’s also important to convey that you’ve been selective in your job search rather than unable to find a job. “Discussing your search for the right job, rather than your difficulty in finding one, portrays you as more confident and deliberate in your career choices,” he says.

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Reference: https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/02/success/resume-gap-career-break/index.html