As an H.R Manager I do not care about your employment gaps. I ask myself these questions; Is the candidate suitable and qualified for the position that I seek? Would they fit in with the culture of the organization by our conversation? We need to stop going by a "method" and talk more candidly to candidates and get a feel of what they are like. Life happens, and I am no different, even if I am on the opposite side having this conversation. Too many good candidates are lost because we think something must be wrong with them.
Why do employers expect us to have worked every single day for our lives without taking half year or even a year break? This is very unrealistic, bad things, unlucky things happen to people all the time. We're not the cookie cutter person, in fact, nobody is, why set unrealistic expectations for all potential employees? Most companies treat you as if you're a criminal and didn't pass a background check just because you have an employment gap.
What you have written is apt and it is appreciable. I saw a video of Capt. Raghu Raman, (th-cam.com/video/XRQuZfvAHPw/w-d-xo.html) at 10.19 time stamp he says many a times, we do not choose occupations, occupation chooses us.
On your resume put "Leave of Absence" and the date range. In your cover letter explain a bit more by saying that you were away from the workforce for health and family reasons. That's all they need to know.
For a very long time, I was anxious how to spin a story around my long employment gap (5 yrs), In my opinion, I have been doing some serious studies which requires dedication. This video has come in handly, post seeing this video and taking down my notes, I am less anxious and more positive. Thank you for the fantastic video. Can you please help me with drafting a brief summary for the long employment gap? Kindly let me know.
You're welcome! I'm glad to see that the video helped you. I can help you with your employment gap summary. Post it here in the comments, or send it to me, and I will give you feedback.
@@kissscareercoaching Thank you for coming forward to help me. I am in the process of going through most of your videos. Once I have drafted it myself, I will then email you. Thank you and Good luck.
I like this format much better than trying to come up with a functional resume! I am 58 and have been unemployed due to a layoff because of the coronavirus pandemic. What do you recommend as the reason for the gap due to being laid off (as no fault of my own). I have questions on how far back to go on my resume because my most impressive work and accomplishments were with a position I had for 4 years 22 years ago and I resigned due to a move to another state. I have always held positions for 10+ years until I was laid off in 2018 due to my position being eliminated after my boss died (unemployed for 12 months) then I started a new job in 2019 and then laid off 18 months later due to my position being eliminated because of the pandemic. I did take some courses during this time as I am wanting a career change but I am afraid that it might look like I can't keep a job for long because if 2 layoffs happing in 3 years not to mention the ageism I am facing. Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Stay away from functional resumes. Recruiters don't like them. Answers to your questions: - Instead of writing 'laid off', write 'company downsized' - Usually you don't want to go back more than 15 years on your resume - If you have impressive accomplishments going further back, list some of them under a section entitled 'Career Highlights' before your 'Work Experience' section, without listing company names or dates If you like, I'd be happy to help you rewrite your resume to minimize the gaps and lead with your strength. You can contact me directly and I will provide you with a quote bartzych.com/contact/
what is a transferable skill and how do you know which one to mention on your resume? For example, if i spend time during my gap years to work on creative writing but i am now looking for a job as a paralegal or as a finance worker, is it recommended to write down my creative endeavors?
More on transferable skills here: th-cam.com/video/AOC5kt9mtTg/w-d-xo.html Developing writing skills is definitely a transferable skill, and if it is important to your job as a paralegal I would include it in your resume.
I explained and they looked at me like I was crazy. My gap has been 10 years. I am 50 and this whole interview and resume thing is nothing more than a mind game. Honestly is not what they want.
No way you should write any info about health issues or mental health. Just opens door wide open to discrimination, not to mention it's none of their business. Once you list that there is no way won't be discriminated and singled out. It's human nature to do so then no job for you. It's probably some ACLU violation as well.
As an H.R Manager I do not care about your employment gaps. I ask myself these questions; Is the candidate suitable and qualified for the position that I seek? Would they fit in with the culture of the organization by our conversation? We need to stop going by a "method" and talk more candidly to candidates and get a feel of what they are like. Life happens, and I am no different, even if I am on the opposite side having this conversation. Too many good candidates are lost because we think something must be wrong with them.
Thank your for sharing your approach. I agree with you completely, and hope other recruiters and HR managers start thinking like you.
Why do employers expect us to have worked every single day for our lives without taking half year or even a year break? This is very unrealistic, bad things, unlucky things happen to people all the time. We're not the cookie cutter person, in fact, nobody is, why set unrealistic expectations for all potential employees? Most companies treat you as if you're a criminal and didn't pass a background check just because you have an employment gap.
THANKS YOU FOR THIS INSPIRATION WORDS 👍👍👍👍
What you have written is apt and it is appreciable.
I saw a video of Capt. Raghu Raman, (th-cam.com/video/XRQuZfvAHPw/w-d-xo.html) at 10.19 time stamp he says many a times, we do not choose occupations, occupation chooses us.
Marilyn you are a rare HR Manager. I hope to find someone like you soon because my life is going down the tubes.
Thank you. I've had a 12 year gap for medical reasons and then being a stay at home parent.
Valid reasons!
But difficult to explain on my resume as legally they do not need to know I beat cancer.
On your resume put "Leave of Absence" and the date range. In your cover letter explain a bit more by saying that you were away from the workforce for health and family reasons. That's all they need to know.
@@kissscareercoaching thank you!
For a very long time, I was anxious how to spin a story around my long employment gap (5 yrs), In my opinion, I have been doing some serious studies which requires dedication.
This video has come in handly, post seeing this video and taking down my notes, I am less anxious and more positive.
Thank you for the fantastic video.
Can you please help me with drafting a brief summary for the long employment gap?
Kindly let me know.
You're welcome! I'm glad to see that the video helped you. I can help you with your employment gap summary. Post it here in the comments, or send it to me, and I will give you feedback.
@@kissscareercoaching Thank you for coming forward to help me. I am in the process of going through most of your videos. Once I have drafted it myself, I will then email you. Thank you and Good luck.
Hi, Do you have sample resume format for our reference
There are many different resume formats. The best one depends on your specific situation. I usually use customized hybrid or chronological formats.
I like this format much better than trying to come up with a functional resume!
I am 58 and have been unemployed due to a layoff because of the coronavirus pandemic. What do you recommend as the reason for the gap due to being laid off (as no fault of my own). I have questions on how far back to go on my resume because my most impressive work and accomplishments were with a position I had for 4 years 22 years ago and I resigned due to a move to another state. I have always held positions for 10+ years until I was laid off in 2018 due to my position being eliminated after my boss died (unemployed for 12 months) then I started a new job in 2019 and then laid off 18 months later due to my position being eliminated because of the pandemic. I did take some courses during this time as I am wanting a career change but I am afraid that it might look like I can't keep a job for long because if 2 layoffs happing in 3 years not to mention the ageism I am facing. Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Stay away from functional resumes. Recruiters don't like them. Answers to your questions:
- Instead of writing 'laid off', write 'company downsized'
- Usually you don't want to go back more than 15 years on your resume
- If you have impressive accomplishments going further back, list some of them under a section entitled 'Career Highlights' before your 'Work Experience' section, without listing company names or dates
If you like, I'd be happy to help you rewrite your resume to minimize the gaps and lead with your strength. You can contact me directly and I will provide you with a quote bartzych.com/contact/
what is a transferable skill and how do you know which one to mention on your resume?
For example, if i spend time during my gap years to work on creative writing but i am now looking for a job as a paralegal or as a finance worker, is it recommended to write down my creative endeavors?
More on transferable skills here: th-cam.com/video/AOC5kt9mtTg/w-d-xo.html
Developing writing skills is definitely a transferable skill, and if it is important to your job as a paralegal I would include it in your resume.
@@kissscareercoaching thank you
I explained and they looked at me like I was crazy. My gap has been 10 years. I am 50 and this whole interview and resume thing is nothing more than a mind game. Honestly is not what they want.
You are right, it is a game. Hopefully my videos help people to win more often.
Hi! Do the transferable skills need to relate to the job or career path for which one is applying?
Yes, that’s why they’re called ‘transferable’ skills, because you can transfer them from one job or career to another.
No way you should write any info about health issues or mental health. Just opens door wide open to discrimination, not to mention it's none of their business. Once you list that there is no way won't be discriminated and singled out. It's human nature to do so then no job for you. It's probably some ACLU violation as well.
So what do you do when you’re out for mental health reasons but still want a shot?
You can say it was for ‘personal’ reasons.