5 Things That Can Help to Overcome Gaps in Work History

Professionals switching jobs is not a novel phenomenon. Given the opportunities that are available today, people are willing to hop jobs or wait until they land a job that offers them the right  opportunities and job satisfaction. However, the quest for an 'ideal job' may not be easy, and the person might end-up losing time thereby creating gaps in his/her work profile.

 Overcome Gaps in Work History

Functional resume:

Graduates entering the workforce for the first time may find it difficult to land a job. The job search may take weeks or even months for entry-level jobs. In that case, the time that has elapsed during the search can be an impediment in your future endeavors as you would have a tough time mentioning it on a resume. Similarly, holding a number of different jobs during a short period of time can have a negative impression on the minds of the recruiters as you might be  labeled as a job-hopper, thereby ebbing your chances of fetching an interview. However, you can overcome all the shortcomings using a functional resume. Functional resumes typically rely on grouping skills into specific categories to demonstrate a candidate's qualifications and expertise for a particular job. They provide a skill-based focus on your profile, which can be used to conceal  the shortcomings that persist. This type of resume can also be helpful for people who were forced to quit their job in unavoidable circumstances such as death of a love one or treatment of an ill family member.

Mention years instead of months on your resume:

People who are in the process of moving from one job to the other are said to be fictionally unemployed. The period for unemployment can last for several months. While applying for a new job, providing details regarding your job history is critical. If the time period between quitting your previous job and applying for a new one exceeds over a several months or quarters, mentioning it on a resume will not serve in your best interest. It can raise a lot of questions in the mind of recruiters as you might appear lethargic and sedate in terms of your approach. You will certainly go through the ordeal of fending-off questions relative to it during  the interview. Therefore, it is advisable to mention the year in which you left your previous job without mentioning the month.

Mention extracurricular activities and skills that you acquired during that period:

Even an entry-level job these days requires professionals with additional skills. In that case, a college degree won't suffice, thus the candidates are required to have additional certifications and skills that justify their credence for the job profile. However, in order to re-skill themselves, they have to undergo training and skill development programs that involve classroom training. The people who are out of work and are mandated to undergo additional training for securing a job are said to be structurally unemployed. The time involved in the training can be several months and can extend to a year. Therefore, it is advisable to mention the same in the skills section of the resume as it can enhance your chances in the interview and mitigate the adverse effects of being structurally unemployed.  No matter what profession you are trying to pursue or already in, check resume samples and know how to highlight your skills.

Cover letter:

A cover letter is a document sent along with your resume. It is used as a tool to provide detailed information on why you are qualified for the job. However, it can be used as a bargaining chip by a candidate in case of gap in his/her employment. Providing a genuine reason in the cover letter along with a strong resume can be a good sales pitch.

Reference letter:

A reference letter and a strong recommendation from your previous employer can be a silver lining if you are applying for a job after a long interval of time. A strong recommendation endorsing your skills and work ethic can be a boon. Therefore, getting a reference letter can tilt the odds in your favor.

Having a gap in your work history can put you in jeopardy. However, recruiters these days are aware of the situations that lead to such circumstances. Therefore, in genuine cases they do provide a leeway. Thus deploying the aforementioned means can help you meet the ends.