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What Are Career Gaps?
Career gaps are often seen as negative aspects on a resume. Many individuals believe that these gaps can be a red flag for potential employers and may lead them to pass over certain applications. This can make job seekers feel self-conscious about their work history and question the layout of their resume.
However, it is important to note that career gaps are not always detrimental. Recruiters and hiring managers are becoming more aware of the prevalence of career breaks in today’s workforce. With the right approach, you can still land a great job even with a gap in your work history. In fact, taking a professional hiatus can sometimes be beneficial.
If you feel like you are the only one with a career gap, think again. A poll conducted by LinkedIn found that nearly 62% of over 23,000 workers surveyed had taken a professional hiatus at some point in their lives. Additionally, 35% of respondents expressed interest in taking a break from their careers in the coming years.
Before diving into how to navigate career gaps, it is important to understand what they entail and the various types you may encounter.
What Are Career Gaps?
A career gap refers to the period of time in your work history when you were not engaged in paid employment or education. This gap could be due to circumstances beyond your control or it may have been a choice you made to take a break from work.
It is essential to recognize that career breaks are a common occurrence and that everyone’s professional journey is unique. Working without any breaks in your career is not always feasible, and it is important to make peace with any gaps in your work history instead of feeling embarrassed or frustrated by them.
In fact, there can be advantages to taking a career hiatus. It may give you the opportunity to focus on aspects of your personal life, reassess your goals, and explore new ways to achieve them. Approaching your career gap with a positive attitude and perspective can help you secure your next job successfully.
Taking control of your career path requires careful planning and deliberate action. Whether you are looking to enhance your skills, explore new opportunities, or make a significant career change, having a clear strategy in place is crucial. Working with a coach can help you gain clarity, confidence, and direction as you navigate your professional journey.
Exploring Different Types of Career Gaps
Career gaps can occur for a variety of reasons, and it is essential to understand the different types of gaps that you may encounter. Here are seven common types of career gaps to familiarize yourself with:
1. Taking a break from parenting
2. Experiencing layoffs or termination in volatile job markets
3. Going on hiatus for personal reasons
4. Transitioning to a new career
5. Obtaining additional certifications or skills development
6. Dealing with personal medical issues
7. Caring for family members
Each type of career gap presents unique challenges and opportunities for personal growth and career development. Working with a coach can help you navigate these challenges and create a plan to enhance your well-being, advance your career, and sharpen your leadership skills.
How to Explain a Career Gap
Explaining career gaps can be tricky, but it is essential to address them in a way that does not hinder your job search. Here are four strategies to help you prepare to discuss your career gap with potential employers:
1. Be prepared to talk about your story.
2. Stay positive and highlight any valuable experiences or skills gained during your career gap.
3. Customize your explanation to fit the job you are applying for.
4. Be honest and confident when discussing your career gap.
By following these strategies, you can effectively address any career gaps on your resume and present yourself as a strong candidate for the job. Remember to focus on the transferable skills and experiences you gained during your career gap, and be transparent about your professional journey. With the right approach, you can turn your career gap into a valuable asset and showcase your resilience, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills to potential employers.
