Embrace the Gap!

Over the trajectory of my business, I have worked with several clients who have had gaps in their career history. Always a red flag for recruiters, hiring managers, and of course, the ATS. Digging in to discover the why and the how of the situation is part of my job. Sometimes the career break was beyond the client's control, other times a decision on their end. But what is always prevalent is how constructively their time was used.

Due to COVID-19, currently, the majority of my clients have career gaps beyond their control. Can recruiters and hiring managers finally stop overlooking these candidates? And ask discovery questions that will reveal skills that you wish every employee had.

What did you learn from this time?

How did you utilize this time?

What would you do differently?

What surprised you about yourself?

Is there any advice you would give to others in your shoes?

Over the years, my clients' stories include caring for ill family members (loyalty & citizenship), adjusting to loss or trauma (resilience & empathy), pursuing a travel dream (open-minded & culturally inclusive), realizing they were not a good fit (self-evaluation), started a business (determination & stress management), skill development (ambitious & motivated), and homeschooling family members (patience & flexibility).

These are the skills that help grow organizations, build cohesive teams, and drive client satisfaction. Look beyond the resume and embrace the gap!