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Ask HN: How do I explain a resume gap after taking a sabbatical?

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Re: Ask HN: How do I explain a resume gap after taking a sabbatical?

#81

Post by exodust »

jenscow wrote: post #60
exodust wrote: post #38

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Just out of interest, why is an unexplained gap a "red flag"? A red flag for what exactly? The chances that someone working for 10 years non-stop needs a break and might be burnt out, is higher than someone who worked for 10 years, had a break, and is now looking for work again.

To me, a gap isn't a bad thing. I said "unexplained gap". It's just one of many signals, not a show-stopper. I'll ask about it, and if I'm told "I did nothing" then that's not a good signal. I've also been unemployed for about year (wife was ill), but I used that time productively and took it as an opportunity to retrain. I look for someone who's self-motivated.

Having a 'break' shouldn't need to involve working in the area you are having a break from in order not to look bad.

I would be more suspicious of someone who doesn't know how to have a break. That would be my red flag... "so you spent your year off in front of a computer?"..."um, yeh, I am self-motivated". Red Flag blows in wind.

Re: Ask HN: How do I explain a resume gap after taking a sabbatical?

#83

Post by jonballant »

I just went through a similar experience after a 2 year gap traveling Asia and Australia. Are you looking for work in the USA?

My experience in interviews in Europe is that employers were genuinely interested in my time abroad and wanted to learn about my experiences. I am applying for jobs in Europe where a gap year is much more common. If recruiters are telling you the sabbatical is a problem they are not connecting you with the right employers. Every person I've talked to entering the job market after a year traveling did not have difficulties with the sabbatical as long as you can sell it that you were not partying the whole time. Good luck!

Re: Ask HN: How do I explain a resume gap after taking a sabbatical?

#84

Post by optimusrex »

Nashooo wrote: post #46
k__ wrote: post #33

Is this a US thing? Did this and found a remote job no problem here in Germany.

Where did you look for European remote work ?

I also found work in Germany for a Startup (originally I am from the USA). I used Stepstone.de. In my interview we talked specifically about my sabbatical and I think it helped get me the job.

Re: Ask HN: How do I explain a resume gap after taking a sabbatical?

#85

Post by optimusrex »

k__ wrote: post #49
Nashooo wrote: post #46

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Where did you look for European remote work ?

I found my job 2015 at a startup in Frankfurt via AngelList. (I'm living in Stuttgart)

I found my job in Cologne. The language of my office is English. Did you have to know German for your job?
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