Gaps on your resume?
You may have a gap on your resume for a variety of reasons. Was it to fulfil your traveling dreams, a sabbatical MBA year or for family reasons? Was it unfortunately due to poor health or perhaps you were made redundant?
Candidates who have noticeable periods of time without work tend to get overlooked by employers. However, if you find yourself in front of an interview panel, it is important that you answer to questions on any gaps in your resume confidently and in as positive a light as possible. Sincerity is highly recommended from the onset. Bluffing your way through is not recommended as most good hiring managers can see straight through this.
So, how would you explain the gap on your resume?
First of all, do your homework. Demonstrate that you are very much still in touch with what is happening in the market place relevant to your niche sector and also the company you’re hoping to land a job with.
New approach – think outside of the box. This is especially useful if you are struggling to get through to the interview stage because of the gaps on your resume. Mention your short stint of voluntary work or short courses you’ve recently taken up. This will not only give you something recent to put on your resume but it also shows that you are pro-active and ambitious.
Make your new skills count. Talk about your recently acquired skills whilst you were out of the corporate world. Did you have a career switch or move into a different sector? If so, share what you’ve learnt there and how those skills are transferrable in the new role you are applying for.
These days, as candidates, you do need to work quite a bit harder to stand out and be noticed. Having gaps in your resume may seem like a hindrance to some but if you keep positive, pro-active and sincere, there is every reason you’ll succeed in landing your ideal job.
Should you require assistance with preparing your resume due gaps in your career or guidance on interviewing skills, feel free to get in touch for your one-on-one support.
