It’s possible to be totally confident about your resume and still worry that something in your background will give a prospective employer pause. One such potential hiccup is a gap in your work history. But it doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. If one of the following scenarios applies to you, your employment gap could not only be acceptable but also make you an even more attractive candidate.
You Took Time Off for Personal Development
In an ideal world, we could work and learn simultaneously. While it’s true that internships, apprenticeships, and similar opportunities make it possible for some to help you “earn while you learn,” it’s also true that many current jobseekers have, at some point, taken time off from active employment to dedicate themselves to personal growth. If you took time to finish a degree, do post-graduate work, or develop specific skills you need in your chosen profession, you have reason to be encouraged.
Why it’s not a deal breaker: Knowledge is power, and having devoted time to education could make you a particularly valuable employee. In addition, having the commitment and follow-through to complete a course of study can show that you’re reliable as well.
You Were Attending to Health Issues
The law protects job candidates from having to divulge personal details about their health. However, if an employer learns you took some time off to deal with a personal health issue, whether it was a cancer fight or a mental health reset, they should understand, particularly if you’ve resolved the issue.
Why it’s not a deal breaker: A jobseeker who has taken time to focus all their energy on healing shows a commitment to well-being. This speaks to your reliability and self-awareness – two desirable traits.
You Were Supporting a Family Member
Work-life balance has emerged as an urgent concern in today’s workforce. While many employees have become adept at staying engaged at work and present at home, some family matters are so serious that they require a worker to put their career on pause so they can take the steps necessary to keep their household together. This could involve solving a family problem or starting a family altogether.
Why it’s not a deal breaker: If you consciously decided to stop working and invest time in your family, it shows you have experience in prioritizing and making tough decisions. And the fact you’ve again made an intentioned decision – this time to relaunch a career – signals you are committed to being a valuable employee.
Arrow Staffing Is Here to Meet Your Needs
If you’re ready to take the next step in your search for a job, contact Arrow. We help candidates throughout the Grand Rapids area and the Inland Empire connect with employers. Start your search here.
