Gaps in your employment history can occur for a number of different reasons. For instance, when the job market is slow, you may have a hard time finding work.
If you have large gaps in your work history, however, employers may be a little bit leery to hire you. Anytime someone doesn’t have a consistent work history, it can raise red flags, making them wonder why they went so long without a job.
When dealing with employment gaps on your resume, try using the tips below.
- Honesty Is The Best Policy
Unemployment can be caused by a number of different scenarios. For instance, if you just graduated from school, you may be continually overlooked in favor of applicants who have more real-world experience. Alternatively, you may have been laid off from a job through no fault of your own when the business you worked for decided to downsize.
Regardless of why you have a gap in your work history, it is important to be as honest as you can with potential employers. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to fill them in on every single detail – especially if those details are negative or put you in a bad light.
You should, however, let employers know as much as you can about the circumstances surrounding your employment gap. If possible, let them know that the break in your work history doesn’t have anything to do with your personal life or your job performance.
If your last job didn’t end on a good note, you should take some time to carefully think about what you want to say. Don’t put a negative spin on it. Instead, keep things neutral by saying that the job wasn’t a good match for your skills or that the duties of the job changed after you were hired. Then, move on to talk about more positive aspects of your work history.
If you are considering a big move for your next job takes a look at this guide to moving to Sydney.
- Maintain A Positive Attitude
Trying to find a job with a break in your work history can take a long time and can be quite frustrating.
Throughout it all, you should do your best to maintain a positive attitude. If you come across as being negative, your odds of getting hired are extremely slim.
When you are sitting for an interview, keep things positive and don’t get mired in negativity.
At the same time, however, you shouldn’t give off an air of desperation or act like you will accept any job that they offer you. The best option is to act professionally. You stand a far better chance of getting hired if employers think that you are truly interested in the position they have available.
As long as you can keep a positive attitude and remain professional during your interview, your odds of getting hired for the job are relatively high, even if you haven’t always had steady work in the past.
