DON'T... FALL INTO THE GAP!
One of the first things a prospective employer focuses on are "gaps in employment" when I present a resume!
Human Resources and hiring managers definitely want to see your title, responsibilities and dates of employment. However, explaining what does not appear is sometimes more important! Employers want to know why you left or are leaving. The explanation you provide gives great insight to what motivates, upsets and discourages you. In addition, they want to know how you spent your time while "in between" jobs. Were you actively looking? Were you temping? Were you watching Jerry Springer and eating boxes of Oreos?
Why did you leave without having another job to go to? This is the million dollar question! It points to your judgement, maturity and ability to handle difficult situations.
This explanation or as I like to call it "ACKNOWELEDGE, ADDRESS & DISMISS" could mean the difference in securing an interview or an offer! Too often, candidates that have very acceptable and understandable reasons for departing or not landing, do not explain themselves properly. Family illness, personal health , child rearing, etc. are all VERY human issues that all of us face. Disclosure of this information however, is a private matter and goes beyond what by law an "interviewer" may ask or what a candidate is compelled to offer. Unfortunately, human nature is such that we "assume the worst". We have terrific imaginations and have heard many stories in the employment arena. As a result, if an explanation is not offered, we come to our own conclusions. These types of issues or reasons are only to be offered in person with an interviewer.
The other side to "gaps" are the perfectly reasonable situations beyond your own control that lead to your move. For example, "the company failed financially and downsized three hundred people", "my department was relocated to Nigeria", "my position was eliminated due to merger". When you are a qualified candidate that has just had terrible luck; this should not prevent you from being considered for new opportunities!
I have suggested to candidates that have had 3 or 4 moves in a 6 year period to offer an explanation for departure....right on the resume! For example,
XYZ Company 5/03-12/03 (reason for leaving: department relocated)
Executive Assistant
Here you are "ACKNOWLEDGING" your short tenure, "ADDRESSING" why it occured and "DISMISSING" any thoughts that you are a job jumper!
DON'T LET PEOPLE ASSUME....IF THERE IS A SOLID EXPLANATION THAT ILLUSTRATES CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND YOUR CONTROL....TELL EMPLOYERS RIGHT ON YOUR RESUME!!!
This is not by any means an approach that will explain away all moves! However, before someone meets you and can hear your explanations...they need to feel your resume paints an accurate picture of professional growth, loyalty and scope of responsibility/skill set!
TRY NOT TO FALL VICTIM TO YOUR "GAPS"!
" I love it when you call me Big Papa!" - Notorious B I G
Human Resources and hiring managers definitely want to see your title, responsibilities and dates of employment. However, explaining what does not appear is sometimes more important! Employers want to know why you left or are leaving. The explanation you provide gives great insight to what motivates, upsets and discourages you. In addition, they want to know how you spent your time while "in between" jobs. Were you actively looking? Were you temping? Were you watching Jerry Springer and eating boxes of Oreos?
Why did you leave without having another job to go to? This is the million dollar question! It points to your judgement, maturity and ability to handle difficult situations.
This explanation or as I like to call it "ACKNOWELEDGE, ADDRESS & DISMISS" could mean the difference in securing an interview or an offer! Too often, candidates that have very acceptable and understandable reasons for departing or not landing, do not explain themselves properly. Family illness, personal health , child rearing, etc. are all VERY human issues that all of us face. Disclosure of this information however, is a private matter and goes beyond what by law an "interviewer" may ask or what a candidate is compelled to offer. Unfortunately, human nature is such that we "assume the worst". We have terrific imaginations and have heard many stories in the employment arena. As a result, if an explanation is not offered, we come to our own conclusions. These types of issues or reasons are only to be offered in person with an interviewer.
The other side to "gaps" are the perfectly reasonable situations beyond your own control that lead to your move. For example, "the company failed financially and downsized three hundred people", "my department was relocated to Nigeria", "my position was eliminated due to merger". When you are a qualified candidate that has just had terrible luck; this should not prevent you from being considered for new opportunities!
I have suggested to candidates that have had 3 or 4 moves in a 6 year period to offer an explanation for departure....right on the resume! For example,
XYZ Company 5/03-12/03 (reason for leaving: department relocated)
Executive Assistant
Here you are "ACKNOWLEDGING" your short tenure, "ADDRESSING" why it occured and "DISMISSING" any thoughts that you are a job jumper!
DON'T LET PEOPLE ASSUME....IF THERE IS A SOLID EXPLANATION THAT ILLUSTRATES CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND YOUR CONTROL....TELL EMPLOYERS RIGHT ON YOUR RESUME!!!
This is not by any means an approach that will explain away all moves! However, before someone meets you and can hear your explanations...they need to feel your resume paints an accurate picture of professional growth, loyalty and scope of responsibility/skill set!
TRY NOT TO FALL VICTIM TO YOUR "GAPS"!
" I love it when you call me Big Papa!" - Notorious B I G
