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Embracing Career Breaks and Navigating Employment Gaps.
The pandemic significantly altered the world of work, prompting many individuals to reassess their priorities and take extended breaks from their careers. This resulting “employment gap” in resumes is becoming increasingly common.
Despite this trend, LinkedIn research shows that one in five hiring managers still reject candidates with extended periods off work. Reducing the stigma associated with career breaks is crucial, and LinkedIn now has a Career Break feature. This tool allows professionals to highlight the skills and experiences they gained during their time off to prospective employers.
Be it for months or years, there are many reasons people have a gap in their employment history. Along with common reasons such as parental leave, long service leave, sick Leave and retrenchment/redundancy, other reasons for a career break include:
- Care giving
- Personal circumstances / family reasons
- Career sabbatical
- Travel
- A failed business
- Extended illness and recovery/recuperation
- Study
- Timing between contract work
- “Rest & Relax” – Mental health “Time Out” periods
Addressing Employment Gaps in your Resume.
When it comes to seeking employment again after a break, it can be challenging to present these “gaps” in your resume. Gaps on a resume are often seen as a ‘red flag’ to a prospective employer. Without explaining the gap, employers may assume the worst and pass over your application for someone with a more linear career history.
It’s not difficult for an employer to find out about the gap through a basic employment check, so the best approach is to explain it briefly in your resume, and not to ignore the elephant in the room!
How do you explain a gap in your resume?
Here are some strategies to effectively address employment gaps:
- Be Honest
Don’t try and hide the fact that you have had time out from work in your resume. Just own it. Whether planned or unplanned, life happens and careers can be interrupted.
- Be Prepared
If you have taken a break, more than likely it will come up in your job interview. Explain why you had a break from employment and reassure the prospective employer you don’t intend to repeat this any time soon – this may just be their biggest fear!
- Find Value
No matter the reason, find value in your gap time and provide evidence you weren’t idle. If you were a beach bum or snow bunny for three months – just say that it was a once in a lifetime experience!
Read the job offer carefully and assess what the position is seeking, then examine the gap in your resume. Did you do any volunteering? Freelancing? Gain other technical or interpersonal skills? Find achievements that prove you have qualities the position is seeking and outline them to your potential employer.
Simply needing a break – the rise of Mental Health Breaks
Did your employment gap come from needing a mental health break?
Career breaks for mental health reasons are becoming more accepted. LinkedIn found that 12% of Australians who took a career break did so due to burnout, with younger generations more likely to cite mental health as a reason. If you took a break for mental health, emphasize how this time helped you recharge and how you’re now ready to contribute with renewed motivation.
Potential employers will generally understand as long as you can prove you’re re-charged and good to go with gusto!
It’s becoming more and more acceptable to take a “rest and refresh” break. If you are looking at working in an organisation that respects work-life balance then they will appreciate your renewed motivation. Coming back after a mental health break may just make you a better employee in the long run.
The Untapped Potential of Career Breaks
For employers facing talent shortage, candidates with career breaks represent an untapped pool of talent.
The experiences gained during a break can be just as valuable as those gained in traditional employment. Articulating this effectively can make you a stronger candidate.
By embracing and valuing career breaks, both job seekers and employers can benefit.
At Harvest Talent Recruitment & People Solutions, we understand the importance of these breaks and help candidates showcase their unique journeys. If you’re looking to restart your career or find a new opportunity, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
