Career Advisor

Does job gap really matter?

By Career Advisor

Question: I ask this because there are those of us who have now been out of work for a substantial period of time despite our best efforts. This includes networking, job fairs and other creative means.  I know on some recent interviews I am not even asked about the gap and how I have been spending my time.  I do disclose in my cover letter that my last position was eliminated and the company sold.  However, I can’t help but wonder if an employers mind is already made up and I am just helping some required quota for outside candidates regardless of how well I interview.

What more can someone really do to counter a long term voluntary hiatus during an interview especially when it never becomes a topic of conversation or interview question??

 

 

Answer: Even if you’re not asked about your job gap it does matter. Employers are going to be thinking about it. I recommend bringing it up even if you are not asked.

If you do not bring up the job gap in your interview, the employer is going to think the worst. They’re going to think that you were in Jail.

People can be out of work for long periods of time. Employers are not stupid they understand that. Explain what you have been doing to find a new job during that time. Show them that job hunting has been your full time job since your last position.

I sat in on an interview this afternoon. The candidate had been out of work only since August. The Hiring Manager asked him what he had been doing since August. Can you believe that?