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By Jason Kay
Lets imagine you are writing your resume and completing all of the typical sections of a resume without any complications. You then come to the dreaded Job History section of the document. You realize that your job history is one filled with gaping holes because of a variety of reasons. This is the point where you need to proceed with caution, in regards of handling these employment gaps.
As you probably know, the job history portion is one of the main things that potential employers look at. Resume writing experts suggest that employers weight your employment history section as 60-70% of your overall resume grade. With this being said, it is essential that you incorporate the following strategies to reduce the number of red flags that are raised with your inconsistent job history.
Be Proactive During Interviews
Gaps between jobs usually indicate that something happened to keep you from working during that time. The typical person can usually not afford to just take a 2-3 month hiatus from working. Most employers will tend to think the worse when they see gaps of this length between jobs. Did you go to jail? Did you get hurt on the last job and file for workmans compensation? Did you move back in with the parents and just become extra lazy because there were no bills to pay? All of these things will go through and potential employers head and tarnish your resume as a whole.
There is a way that you can stop most of these assumptions and premonitions about your hole-filled work history. Be bold and tell your potential employer why these holes exist before you are asked. Explains the gaps in your work history will show your employer that you realize this is not normal, but are responsible enough to bring them up and explain them.
Add Additional Information
If you do not have the opportunity to have an in-person interview there are still things you can do to handle the gaps in your work history. Think back to the time when you werent formally employed. There is something you had to be doing. Think of things to fill the gaps with like volunteering or side jobs. Did you mow your neighbors lawn for a few extra bucks? Did you get paid for a few freelance jobs you did through the local newspaper? There are a thousand things that you can fill these undesirable holes with. You can add this additional information into the job history section, but it is also wise to also address the situation in a custom cover letter. Dont only talk about your inconsistent job history, but add in a brief explanation of why it exists.
These are just a few ways that you can effectively handle and address the gap in your job history. History is a part of the past so all you can do is explain the situation and move forward. If job history gaps are addressed correctly they typically wont affect your chances of landing a job.
About the Author: Jason Kay is a
professional resume writer
and regular contributor to JobGoRound.com, which provides job search tips, interview advice, and
resume builder reviews
.
Source:
isnare.com
Permanent Link:
isnare.com/?aid=631010&ca=Career