How to Explain Gaps in Your Employment
We often say too much or too little when explaining an employment gap; here’s how to provide just the right amount of information.
You’re not alone if you’ve ever found yourself unemployed. It isn’t a desirable outcome, but it does occur. You may have been laid off as a result of COVID-19, or you may have been fired from your job. Whatever the reason, it will almost certainly come up in an interview. Even if it doesn’t, you can always bring the air up yourself to clear it.
Prepare yourself
When it comes to addressing unemployment or gaps in your job experience, don’t be surprised. Whatever the cause, always try to keep it optimistic when describing them.
Don’t share too much information
If you’re not prepared, a panic attack could lead to you giving out much too many details. Would someone who has sat at a desk for the past ten years want to know every aspect of your six-month journey through Asia? Is it necessary for him or her to know how you were able to afford it? Or that it was caused by a traumatic breakup? Most likely not.
If you’ve faced difficulties and had to take a break from work due to disaster or difficulty, be cautious here as well. When it comes to grief, people, particularly strangers, don’t always know what to say, so be kind. And the last thing you want to do is cry during your interview.
Describe any skills You learned
Assume you took some time off to raise your son. You didn’t gain any systematic professional development during that period. However, you may have honed organizational and multitasking skills like no one else! Perhaps you had a tough time finding your next job but volunteered during your time off. You gained a better understanding of another culture if you traveled. Time away from work is never lost, so make the most of it.
Explain why now is the best time
Explain why you’ve decided to re-enter the workforce now rather than a year from now if you left your job without a clear timetable.
Again, be succinct, and don’t feel obligated to explain your choice. Simply inform the hiring manager that you’ve completed the tasks you wanted to do during your time off and are now ready to return to work.
Move On
Don’t spend too much time on this aspect of the discussion. Simply speak about what you’ve planned to say before shifting the conversation to a new subject.
Be honest and confident
As the story goes, the best strategy is always to be honest. Plus, even though you want to stop discussing job disparities, a prospective employer can find out about them. So always be truthful! It may be as easy as a downsizing-related layoff. If you were fired, simply explain what happened, making sure to include what you learned as a result of the incident and how you changed your work ethic. Never point the finger at or criticize a former boss or boss. If you left to care for a family member, raise children, travel, or for other reasons, be honest about your job gap.
Conclusion
Emonics LLC is a great company to work with. One of our dedicated recruiters will assist you in determining any qualifications you may need to re-enter the workforce, as well as assist you in finding a career that is a good match for you. To learn more about our current job openings, click here.
