Whether it was for layoffs or personal reasons, here’s how to declare an employment gap and get hired

Address the elephant in the room

“A lot of people have gaps on their resumes because their employer went broke or they had health issues themselves, and it’s really important to make that statement clear,” said Mark Franklin, president of CareerCycles, a Toronto-based careers consultancy.

When discussing an employment gap, Franklin suggests the “sandwich approach,” where you acknowledge it and then set a positive example of what you learned from the experience.

The advantage of this approach is that you can address the gap and turn it positive at the same time. The focus is then on what has been learned.

Talk about the chores you did in your free time, such as Taking part in an online course, for example, can be important topics of conversation and show that you have used your time effectively. If you demonstrate a desire to continually improve, you’re a great investment for any employer, says Ince.

Those who have taken time off to care for the family can demonstrate important values ​​such as empathy and caring. These qualities are valued by many employers and can set you apart from other candidates, says Franklin.

“Don’t miss out on the personal learning you did in your free time,” says Franklin.

Though addressing the job gap is important, Franklin suggests not spending too much time on the subject if you can. Instead, discuss your current skills and qualifications. That way the conversation is more focused on what you’ve accomplished.

The gap can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be detrimental to your career or mental health. Finding a career coach or other professionals can be a valuable tool and experience in order to organize your future.

“Personally, I’d rather hire someone who has the strength of character and confidence to do that,” says Ince.

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This is how you can get back into working life

When working with people looking to re-enter the workforce, Ince begins with an introductory session, which typically lasts two hours. She uses the session to assess her clients’ strengths and understand their career aspirations.

People may have all the information they need about their previous job titles, but sometimes they don’t sell well enough. It’s crucial to represent yourself honestly, but people don’t always give themselves enough credit, says Ince.

“With resumes, I see the flaw almost exclusively in not having enough specific data to demonstrate their impact on the company,” says Ince, adding that a resume should address how you impacted the role, and not just what you did.

Just declaring job responsibilities may not be enough to get the employer’s attention. Discussing the value you’ve brought to your business is a more engaging way to get a good match. Instead of saying you edited videos, say you edited videos that got X views on YouTube. Whenever possible, use quantifiable results to sell yourself to an employer.

While it is important to market yourself effectively, you must also avoid dishonesty as it can put you in a role where you will not succeed.

“Let people see who you are and what you have to offer, and whether or not it suits you is up to them, but I think you have to trust that process,” says Ince.

The importance of networking

Another area to examine is your social network, says Franklin.

One of the best ways to find a job is through another employee. In some cases, companies can use an employee referral program, where they encourage employees to recommend new talent for joining, says Franklin. As soon as the position is filled, the employee receives a reward for the recommendation.

Employee referral programs are among the most efficient ways to get a job as they are not open to the public. Most of the time, these positions are not advertised publicly and applicants are only made aware of them if they have been informed by a current employee.

The secrecy can be an advantage in its own right as there is less competition compared to a job posting. Recommended employees are often preferred to other applicants, depending on who recommends them.

“You have to spend time building connections and relationships with others,” says Franklin. “We need to spend just as much time building connections and submitting our resumes.”

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Source: moneywise.ca