Mastering The Dreaded Resume Gap Question

Transform challenges into career triumphs

In the dynamic world of job interviews, there is one question that often sends a chill down the spine of job seekers - "What were you doing during this gap in your resume?" This seemingly innocent question can trigger fear, doubt, and discomfort in the minds of job seekers.

For some job seekers, this question seems invasive, irrelevant to their qualifications, and disregards personal boundaries.
 

Resume gaps are far more common than you might think. Yet, the truth is that the activities during these gaps belong to your personal life and are none of the interviewer's business. You might have taken a well-deserved break, prioritized your health, and family commitments, or embarked on a job search that aligns with your true aspirations. You could even be navigating challenging economic climates like the high unemployment rate in South Africa.
 
In a survey conducted in March 2022 of 23,000 global employees, 62% of respondents said they had taken a break from work at some point.
 
Whatever the reason, your resume reflects your professional journey, not a measure of your worth.
 
Let's delve deeper into why this question persists and how you can regain your power when faced with it.

The Real Reason Behind the Question

The true reason why interviewers are asking about resume gaps is due to fear and the need for reassurance.
 
Interviewers are often haunted by making a wrong hiring decision, leading to an atmosphere that can feel more like an interrogation than a genuine conversation with the potential candidate. This fear-driven approach may compel interviewers to focus on resume gaps, despite their limited relevance to a candidate's true potential and qualifications.

Embracing Resume Gaps as Growth Accelerators

Instead of perceiving gaps as barriers, we can celebrate them as opportunities for personal growth and exploration.
 
A resume gap might signify a moment when you dared to step off the conventional path, allowing for new insights, skill development, and self-discovery. Embracing this perspective empowers job seekers to seek out organizations that value individual growth and diverse experiences.
 
Understanding the distinction between fear-based and trust-led organizations is paramount. Fear-based environments stifle growth, creativity, and overall job satisfaction, whereas trust-led cultures empower individuals to make informed decisions, creating an environment where employees can thrive.
 
Recognizing this contrast can significantly influence your career choices and lead you toward opportunities that prioritize your personal and professional development.

How to Respond with Confidence

Job seekers must reclaim their narrative when faced with the infamous resume gap question.  Here are 5 tips to keep in mind when faced with this question:

1. Own your story: Embrace your resume gaps as opportunities for growth, development and self-discovery. Acknowledge the valuable experiences gained during these periods and the skills you have developed. Remember, you are not defined by the time gaps on your resume, but by the unique path you have walked.


2. Be prepared with a response: Anticipate the resume gap question during interviews and prepare a well-crafted, positive response. Explain concisely the reasons behind your gap and how it contributed to your personal and professional development.


3. Focus on impact: Shift the focus of the conversation from the resume gap itself to the impact it had on your personal and professional development. Discuss how the experiences during that time have equipped you with valuable skills, adaptability, and resilience. For example, if you took a break to be a full-time mom and then returned to the working world, highlight how this experience honed your multitasking, planning, and organizational skills. Additionally, you can mention how it inspired your creativity as you assisted your child with entrepreneurship projects and how it elevated your budgeting skills.


4. Stay calm and confident: When asked about your resume gap, maintain a calm and composed demeanor. Confidence in your response will convey your self-assurance and show that you are not defined by past challenges but inspired by them.


5. Shift perspectives: Instead of dreading the resume gap question, view it as an opportunity to showcase your growth mindset and ability to learn from life experiences. Reframe the question in your mind as a chance to demonstrate your adaptability and determination. Also consider how your confident and poised response may inspire a shift in the interviewer's perspective, realizing the true value of a diverse and evolving professional journey.

Our resume gaps are not weaknesses to be hidden but badges of honor that exemplify your courage and resilience. Each gap represents a unique chapter in your journey of self-discovery and growth. Life is a journey filled with twists and turns, and you should embrace your diverse experiences with pride.
 
In a post-pandemic world, as we redefine success and navigate the job market, we must celebrate our resume gaps as essential components of our career narrative.
 
Remember, you are not defined by a few months or years on your resume, but by your empowered and multi-faceted journey – which a forward-thinking company will be happy to acknowledge and make a space for you in their team.
 
It's time to reclaim your power and embrace resume gaps as valuable stepping stones on your career journey.

Author Bio

As an international, highly sought-after coach, speaker, trainer, and published author, Anja van Beek has more than 20 years of experience enhancing the performance of individual executives, teams, and organizations. She is a Talent Strategist, Leadership & HR Expert, and Executive Coach. Anja was one of the first to be authorized as an Agile People professional and facilitator. She partners with leaders and HR teams on all people-related aspects with a specific focus on integrating agile principles and practices. She is a leadership coach and an expert in supporting teams to remain relevant and thrive in the future of work. She also works for various companies as a facilitator focusing on leadership development, mentoring, and change management.  She's obsessed, aiming to help organizations to be more human-centric and to prioritize adaptive leadership in the new world of work. Visit www.anjavanbeek.co.za