One topic that seems to resonate most with our readers is how to address a gap in your resume. Almost everybody has one (or more) employment gaps, but nobody seems quite clear on what to do about it.
We tackled that issue back in March 2008 and — more than a year later — we continue to field comments and questions off that post.
So, for your viewing pleasure, we present …
'So, about This Gap in Your Resume ...'
March 19, 2008 (10:05AM) by Rick Saia, CPRW
It's happened to most of us: You weren't collecting a paycheck for awhile because, well, you weren't working, for one reason or another. And as you list your work experience in typical "reverse chronological" order on your resume, there's this time gap that a potential employer will ask you about if you're called in for an interview.
But don't go into the interview unprepared; be ready to explain the gap. Even if the interviewer is not bothered by the gap but wants to see how you answer the question, you need to answer in such a way that it will not derail your chances at landing the job, and maybe even enhance them.
There are two primary reasons why there might be a gap in your employment track record:
• You stayed out of the workforce by choice, or
• You were let go from a job and didn't get another one for awhile.
Now, how might you answer if an interviewer calls you on this gap? Click here to read the rest of the post.
Have a question or comment? Please leave it in the Comments section either here, or in the original post.
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Hello- I am lost about what type of resume I should create how to make the things I find great about my and work experience seem great to an employer. My work experience is a mix of seasonal, and permanent positions throughout the hospitality industry with 5 to 7 month gaps do to being let go, and laid off in the past 2 years. I have lots of experience just not a straight climb up any ladder and I have tried some things that were commission only that didn't work for me. I am finding I have too much or too little experience. So, I don't last beyond training sometimes. How do I make my mismosh of work experience shine?