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Ask HN: How to explain job gaps on the resume?

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Ask HN: How to explain job gaps on the resume?

#1

Post by jobgaps »

I'm interviewing with several companies for SDE roles and have a gap of > 12 months since my last job. Is this a career killer and a huge red flag for any hiring manager?

The real reason for a break was medical but then got out of hand given i had enough savings to support myself and sort of slacked for a while (like 3-4 months).

Now i feel completely healthy, refreshed, passionate and ready to rock again. What is the best way to mitigate this issue when applying / interviewing?

Do you have any advices learned from previous experience or caveats i should be prepared for?

PS. My total work experience is 5+ yrs.

Re: Ask HN: How to explain job gaps on the resume?

#4

Post by rossdavidh »

The main thing would be to explain that it was medical, that it is over now and you are healthy again. The fact that it went on a few more months than necessary isn't really relevant, although saying that you took a few extra months off at the end just to refresh yourself does reassure that the health issues are, in fact, all over.

It might be worth practicing, alone in front of a mirror or something, explaining this. It may or may not get asked, but if it is you want to have your verbiage ready. But health issues are not rare, and wanting to take time off because you have the money to do so, is not something most people would have any problem understanding. I've known several people who did that, and they all got employed again later, without too much trouble.

Re: Ask HN: How to explain job gaps on the resume?

#5

Post by SamWhited »

I'd just tell the truth, I've taken off plenty of time and I generally just put it on my resume to save them having to ask: "took of some time for health related reasons and then decided to use my savings to spend some time with my passions" or whatever it is in your case. If this is a problem for a hiring manager, that's probably a red flag for you as well. I hope it doesn't end up being a problem for you; it's never been one for me, but every company is different. Best of luck!

Re: Ask HN: How to explain job gaps on the resume?

#6

Post by Techonomicon »

Just be honest. Seems fine. As someone who speaks with many candidates a week, I'm more worried about people who average 1 year at various jobs across 5 years (such as someone working 4-6 jobs in a 5 year span) than someone who has a year gap that is likely more reasonably explained.

Re: Ask HN: How to explain job gaps on the resume?

#7

Post by Techonomicon »

wcchandler wrote: post #3
toomuchtodo wrote: post #2

"I required time off to provide care for a loved one". No further explanation beyond that is owed.

And that loved one can be yourself.

Yea don't lie. That won't go well if you get hired and now you have to remember to keep some lie consistent.

Re: Ask HN: How to explain job gaps on the resume?

#8

Post by lucozade »

If it's your only significant break then it should be ok.

You should try to be reasonably up front about it i.e. make it clear on your resume that the break was for medical reasons. You shouldn't need to get into details. It's conceivable that some recruiters may have issue with it, but they are just as likely (if not more so) to have issue with an unexplained gap.

If you're asked about it just be positive: you're completely healthy now and raring to go.

Re: Ask HN: How to explain job gaps on the resume?

#10

Post by fredgrott »

I suggest a different route..find something new that you explored, if its reading up on something and compose a mini-thesis of what that subject can bring to the table as far as you applying it.

IE instead of excuse you are showing added value...much better position for you

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