Explain a Gap in Your Work History

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/job-cast-back-to-work – Get the presentation and other resources here
http://go.indeed.com/jobcast – Register for upcoming Job Casts

There are many reasons for an employment gap—continuing education, taking on a caregiving role, or job loss due to COVID-19 to name just a few. No matter the reason, you need to know how to position that experience to employers if you want to return to the workforce.

In this virtual workshop, Goodwill Director of Workforce Development and Learning Jenifer Garey talks about how to address employment gaps when you start your next job search.

We cover:
– Talking about your employment gap
– Formatting your resume around a gap
– Preparing to re-enter the workforce

Chapters:
0:00 Welcome
1:39 Talking about your employment gap
3:36 Poll – What is your reason for an employment gap?
4:27 Left to be a caregiver
4:59 Laid off by your employer
6:22 Fired from your job
6:56 Took time off for personal reasons
7:40 Laid off due to COVID-19
9:08 Where to explain employment gaps
9:49 Determine which jobs need to be on your resume
10:24 Downplay shorter gaps
11:36 Use a format that makes the gap less obvious
12:30 List the reason for longer gaps as its own job
13:32 Include the experience you gained during the gap
14:44 Explaining a gap in your cover letter
15:50 Explaining a gap in your interview
17:22 Preparing to re-enter the workforce
17:32 Fill the gap
18:28 Call on your network
19:30 Ask previous employers to be your references
20:31 Set goals and practice self care
21:07 Learn more from Goodwill
21:29 Introducing Anne-Marie Tucker
23:08 Q&A: Should I address employment gaps on my resume?
23:48 Q&A: How do you explain an employment gap due to mental illness?
24:38 Q&A: How do you explain an employment gap due to COVID-19?
25:51 Q&A: How do you know if a gap is causing you to not get an interview?
26:40 Q&A: Will resume scanning software eliminate candidates with gaps greater than one year?
28:02 Q&A: How do I mitigate an employer’s concerns of being overqualified?
29:11 Q&A: How do you explain a gap from a combination of reasons?
More information
30:04 Q&A: How do you explain a family leave gap of 5 years?
31:00 Q&A: How can I explain a gap due to chronic health issues?
32:00 Q&A: Why are employment gaps considered bad?
33:25 Q&A: How should you deal when salary is lower than expected?
34:26 Q&A: Is it better to put freelance work on your resume than a gap?
36:30 More information

Here are the links posted “in the chat” during this webinar for further learning:
– How to Explain Gaps in Employment: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/employment-gaps-on-resume
– How to Explain Employment Gaps Due to COVID-19: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/explain-covid-19-employment-gap
– Functional Resume Tips and Examples: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/functional-resume-tips-and-examples
– When to Use Each Type of Resume: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/best-resume
– How to Explain Employment Gaps in an Interview: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/how-to-explain-employment-gaps
– 7 Tips for Going Back to Work After Maternity Leave: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/returning-after-maternity-leave
– Free or Discounted Professional Training Offerings During COVID-19: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/free-discounted-professional-training
– Job Cast: Networking Online: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/job-cast-networking-online
– How to Ask Someone to Be Your Reference: Email Examples: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-ask-someone-to-be-your-reference-email

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