Handling the gap in employment
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As you look out for a new job, there is a possibility that you are
unemployed at the moment. If this holds true for your candidature, be cautious
in drafting your CV. First of all, ensure that you do not send out your age old
CV. Take time to draft a new CV and start your job hunt with this new, updated
document.
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The reasons for a gap in your employment can be numerous, like:
• Being away for higher studies
• Female candidates having little baby at home
• Being ill
• Being made redundant etc.
While the first two reasons are easy to handle, the last two still give HR
people a reason to raise an eye brow on your candidature. So, what can you do
about it? Here are some tips to handle gap in your employment.
Draft CV around skills
Go through the job requirements well and draft your CV in such a way that the
prospective employer gets to see your skills and strengths first. This can be
done by keeping your skill sets on the first page.
Focus on achievements
Your achievements during the last jobs can find a place below your skill set.
Do not discuss about bad health
If there is a gap in your employment owing to some illness, do
not mention it in the CV. Leave it to be discussed during the interview. You
can give an illusion of good health by mentioning about some sports that you
have been participating in.
Last jobs on last pages
Mention about the specific jobs and year when you did them on the back pages,
towards the right hand side.
Being made redundant is no crime
Do not take the onus of being made redundant on your self. Companies do face
problems and it could have happened with your company too. Just put it across
in the right words during the interview.
Motherhood requires a break
The job market still respects motherhood. May be, you will not get a start from
where you left your career but getting a job should not be a problem. You can
explain this to the prospective employer during the interview.
The bottom line is, draft your CV in such a way that the prospective employer
is impressed with your skills and achievements. Inspite of having a gap in
your employment, she should be willing to see you. Note that you
should not lie in your CV or during the interview but you definitely have the
right to remain silent. Once you are there for a face-to-face discussion, it is
up to you to convince the interviewer.
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