Low Unemployment Forces Recruiters to Stop Fussing About Resume Gaps

Low Unemployment Forces Recruiters to Stop Fussing About Resume Gaps Low Unemployment Forces Recruiters to Stop Fussing About Resume Gaps Oh no, its the dreaded resume gap This candidate didnt work for two whole years. Resume, meet trash can. NextIn the age of technology, recruiters must sort through dozens or hundreds of resumes to find candidates they want to bring to the interview table, so its easy to find arbitrary reasons to dismiss an applicant. However, with unemployment at a steady low, qualified talent has become harder to find.I would argue that resume gaps have not become less important over the years, says Len Friedrichs, senior vice president of human resources and administrative for staffing firm Addison Group. Instead, the state of employment has simply changed. Unemployment rates are their lowest in quite some time, meaning that the economy is strong and the need for employees is high. A strong economy creates an environment that is driven by candidates, not by emp loyers. This means recruiters are forced to think more strategically, dig deeper into their networks, and consider candidates they may not have looked at in previous years before making hiring decisions.If Youre Concerned, Just AskThere are many reasonswhy a worker might leave the workforce for a few months (or a few years). Not working for a while shouldnt be considered an indication that an employee is irresponsible or unreliable, as recruiters have traditionally inferred.Its not the gap itself that looks bad on a resume, Friedrichs says. Rather, its the idea of the gap and what it represents that has the negative connotation attached to it. Unfortunately, many hiring professionals jump to conclusions or make negative assumptions when they see gaps on candidates resumes, when in reality many of these assumptions they make arent based on fact.The common reasons behind resumes gaps are hardly sinister. Friedrichs points out that in his experience, gaps are usually caused by professi onally innocuous things likeCaring for a sick family memberDealing with a death in the familyMaternity leaveA sudden layoffGoing back to schoolMany quality candidates get passedon simply because they had an emergency or other life darbietung that required them tostep outside the workforce for a period of time. Recruiters and hiring managers struggling to find candidates might do well to loosen their standards until they have more information. If an applicant is qualified and has the proper experience, dont let something as vague as a work gap on their resume ruin what could be a valuable opportunity for both parties.Framing a Resume GapOn the flip side, its crucial for candidates to properly frame their resumes so gaps dont immediately disqualify them. For example, if you have a four-year gap while you were pursuing higher education, then make sure the dates ofyour time at school are listed. Ifyou took time to care for an ill family member, you may even be able to list that experien ce toyour advantage if it applies to the roleyoure seeking.I recommend formatting your resume wisely to highlight your accomplishments, not just your day-to-day duties at each role, says Friedrichs. Also make sure that your resume is tailored to the specific industry and job description for which youre applying and interviewing. Though this may take a bit more time - especially if youre applying for several roles - its an important step that shows youre a detail-oriented hard worker, which goes a long way in the hiring process.Ultimately, how much information a candidate wants to reveal is up to them. Applicants with resume gaps simply need to ensure their resumes focus on strengths and accomplishments that will help recruiters see them as viable candidates. Gaps can be explained in an interview, but first you have to get there.Master the art of closing deals and making placements. Take our Recruiter Certification Program today. Were SHRM certified. Learn at your own pace during t his 12-week program. Access over 20 courses. Great for those who want to break into recruiting, or recruiters who want to further their career.