Employment Gap

What is an Employment Gap?

There are many reasons that someone may consider taking time off from work for an extended period of time. This break taken by an employee can be defined as an employment gap. The reason could be many or just a simple one. Some of the examples include:

• Take time off to care for relatives, elderly parents, children, or siblings.
• They leave one job without having another lined up.
• For long-term travel or to study.
• It could just be for a mental health break. 

Recruiters and hiring managers are human and they need to understand that people have valid reasons for taking time away from work. However, not all recruiters want to hire someone that they are sure will stay in the position for the long haul.

Employment gaps can reflect poorly on the applicant’s CV. To a recruiter, this employment gap may suggest that the individual doesn’t stay in a job for a long time and simply quits without reason. Moreover, gaps may also indicate that someone has been let go from their position abruptly. It can also indicate that a person is not satisfied with their career path and may soon look for a new change. No matter what the reason for your employment gap is, it is important that you be prepared to address it and own it with confidence. This may put your potential employer at ease.

Also, See: Employment History