As one of Tempe’s leading employment agencies, PrideStaff knows that gaps on your resume are akin to little red flags for employers. They might not seem like a big deal to you. But hiring managers, without any more detail to go on, will always assume the worst.
That’s why, if you do have gaps in your work history, it’s important to explain them so that those reviewing your resume don’t automatically assume you’re hiding something. Here are some tips to help you along the way:
Talk about it on your cover letter.
Your resume is the place for nitty gritty facts. Your cover letter, on the other hand, is a better place to tell your story. So whether you were unemployed for longer than expected or took time out of the workforce to care for small kids or aging relatives, this is the place to talk about it.
You don’t need to go into any great detail; simply provide enough information so that hiring managers understand your unique situation and won’t rule you out simply because you have a gap in your work history.
Be honest.
Sometimes, it might be tempting to embellish the facts when talking about your career gap. But don’t do it. Also, don’t try to rework your employment dates or be vague about them in an effort to cover up your gap. There’s a good chance that the hiring manager can simply do some digging and easily find out the truth. And when they do, you’ll not only be out of the running for this job, but also any future opportunities with that same company. It simply doesn’t pay to lie.
Demonstrate your value.
Ok, so you have a gap in your resume. It’s not the end of the world. But, when compared to a candidate without a career gap, it does put you at a slight disadvantage. How do you overcome it?
By talking about the value you offer. It’s up to you to explain how your background, skills, abilities and track record of accomplishments prove that you’re a great fit for this job and can be a huge asset to the team. So don’t spend too much time on your career gap; instead, focus on all the positive attributes you have to offer.
Career gaps happen to lots of excellent candidates. Hiring managers certainly understand that. However, the ball falls into your court to explain yours in such a way that it doesn’t become a liability to your job search efforts. To do that, simply follow the tips above.
Need more help with your job search?
Call the experts at PrideStaff. As one of Tempe’s leading employment agencies, we have ample opportunities in which you can put your skills to work. Contact PrideStaff today to learn more.
