Addressing Resume Gaps

Jumping Back In.  For a variety of reasons, people need to step away from their professional careers for an extended period of time.  When they are ready to jumpstart their work again, sometimes the fear of the questions about the gaps in the resumes may prevent them from applying for roles that are “stretch” opportunities.  Consider including in job descriptions a statement about being open to those with gaps in their professional timeline and consider including questions in screening forms or initial interviews that include, “What is something you learned in your time away from the workplace that will help you in your career?” or “Share a vignette from your time away that demonstrates skills you could bring to this role.”   (Note:  I write this after starting to jump back into my career after 3 years away for family medical leave in which I gained many new skills.)