Resolving gaps in a resume post-military is a contentious topic that often stumps many veterans when seeking civilian employment. The need arises, especially when the time has been spent travelling or attending to personal issues such as taking care of ailing parents after surgery. While these gaps are traditionally viewed as red flags by employers, there appears to be a shift in perception since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Changes are emerging in how employers and career experts view breaks in one’s professional continuity. The global health crisis has resulted in workforce reductions due to financial strains, initiated a surge towards meaningful work, and catastrophically increased unemployment rates. This has caused many employers to adopt a more empathetic attitude towards career hiatuses, understanding that life does, indeed, often disrupt career progression.
Research indicates a paradigm shift in employers’ attitudes towards gaps in resumes. Events like the pandemic and the rise in skills-based hiring demands appear to be key drivers behind this change. There also seems to be a growing acceptance of the life-work balance prioritized by the emerging Generation Z workforce that may lead to predictable breaks in their professional timelines.
However, despite this marked shift in mindset, a significant percentage of managers still view gaps in resumes negatively. Reliability emerges as the chief concern, followed by motivation, retention risk, and fear of skill atrophy. As stated, over half of the managers viewed resume gaps as a negative sign. This accentuated scrutiny stresses the importance of preparing to justify any gaps convincingly and confidently.
Preparing to field questions about gaps in your resume is crucial. Potential employers frequently ask about the reasons behind the gap, what the individual was engaged in during the hiatus, and what was learned during that period. For instance, if the break was spent travelling or engaged in additional learning or skill acquisition, detailing ways in which this added value could be beneficial.
Personal or sensitive issues may also be behind these gaps. It’s crucial to address such factors, sharing whatever part of the story you are comfortable with and that you deem appropriate. The guiding principle here is honestly acknowledging the hiatus without divulging more than what is deemed necessary.
For gaps created due to family responsibilities or child-rearing, honesty is key. It’s acceptable to explain that the hiatus was due to prioritizing family needs. However, if during this time, you managed to stay abreast of industry trends, it’s best to communicate this to potential employers.
Explaining a gap due to a struggle in finding work can be more challenging. It’s essential to convey enthusiasm about potential job opportunities, instead of showing desperation. Be ready to explain extenuating circumstances that may have contributed to the unemployment. Highlight any efforts put towards improving skills, knowledge, and relevance in your industry during this period.
In a rapidly evolving world, life, health, and work challenges are leading to noticeable career breaks for many individuals, necessitating an updated strategy for tackling the issue of resume gaps. To remain prepared, it is crucial to anticipate the question regarding these gaps and plan your response accordingly. The changing tides in favor of compassion and understanding in the workplace should also work in favor of individuals trying to jump back into their careers after facing significant obstacles.
