BRIDGING EMPLOYMENT GAPS: NOT

AS DIFFICULT AS YOU THINK Laura Maish

Founder, Empowered Interviewing

lmaish@interviewing.biz

(415) 348-1252

www.interviewing.biz

Yes 60%

Maybe 35%

Probably not 5%

Would you consider interviewing a job candidate who had a recent employment gap on their

resume?

Yes. Employment gaps are not important to me.

Maybe. If their qualifications are a strong fit for my needs.

Probably not. I'm suspicious of employment gaps.

No. I would definitely not consider interviewing this candidate.

OVERCOMING CONCERNS

Having good and reasonable explanations for the

employment gaps.

Demonstrating doing something productive during

the gap.

Being honest.

If there is a sound, rational reason for the gap, it makes no difference. If it seems that the candidate is trying to cover something up, then it would make a difference.

Explain what he / she did during this gap. It won't be a big deal if the reason makes sense and that the candidate has done what was needed to be back in the game (especially if the gap was a few years).

Show me what he/she has been doing to keep his/her skills up to date. Share any activities (volunteering, consulting, courses at the university...) to continue to improve his/her knowledge.

I think demonstrating confidence and a clear direction would be the difference maker for me.

They could be very clear and honest. Such integrity will cover a multitude of sins. Even if the reason is less than desirable, such integrity will make a significant difference in whether I choose to move them to the next step in the selection process.

Be honest. Time off is ok. A bad career move is ok. Putting family before work is very ok. Just be honest.

HONESTY BUILDS TRUST

GET GOOD WITH THE TRUTH

GUILT

APOLOGY

Charity work

Laid Off

Sabbatical

Traveled

Raised kids

Education

Cared for a

loved one

Health

Steve

Jobs

Oprah

Michael

Bloomberg

J.K.

Rowling

Lee

Iaccoca Walt

Disney

Mark

Cuban

Truman

Capote Robert

Redford

Jerry

Seinfeld

Howard

Stern

Got Fired!

IT’S NOT WHAT HAPPENS TO US THAT MATTERS…

IT’S HOW WE HANDLE IT.

STICK TO WHAT’S RELEVANT

1

0

MOVE CONVERSATION

Past Present

EXAMPLES

Ex 1: My volunteer experience changed the way I observe, judge and interact with people. It’s made me a better leader – [Explain]. That’s why I’m attracted to this job. You’re looking for someone with leadership skills.

Ex 2: I was laid off and have been looking for work. The break has given me a chance to regroup and focus on where I want to put my intellectual and professional energy. [Explain]. That’s why I’m interested in talking to you. You need someone who can…

Ex 3: I’d like to get a job, but am not interested in jumping into something that’s not a good fit. I’m looking for an opportunity that will enable me to thrive and do my best work. [Explain] That’s why I’m interested in talking to you.

"Happiness is when what you think, what

you say and what you do are in harmony."

- Mahatma Gandhi

Laura Maish

(415) 348-1252

Lmaish@interviewing.biz

www.interviewing.biz

www.blog.interviewing.biz

Twitter: InterviewingBiz

Copyright 2012 Laura Maish