How to deal with a gap in your resume?

Looking for a job is not an easy thing to do, especially if you have gaps in your resume. Whether educational or professional, a gap can create certain discrepancies when it comes to looking for a job. Though with a resume that is carefully drafted you can minimize the employers’ attention on the gap.

 

The most common question that job seekers have when they return to job search after a gap is how to explain the hole in the resume. Most of the job seekers feel benefited from the gap they have taken, but explaining it to the potential employer is a little difficult.

The first thing to do about a gap year is not be shy. In fact confidently embrace it. Resume gaps are not very uncommon. Recruiters see them now and then and what makes them different is how as a job seeker you handle it.

 

Before you go on talking about the gaps, understand the employer.

 

Understanding the employer

As a job seeker, you might think that good academic grades are something that the employer is looking for. The first thing to understand here is that employers are not looking only for grades. It is just a small part of the whole part they look for.

 

So the next thing striking your mind would be, if not grades what is that the employer wants? While employers have their own list of qualities, all of them can be broadly considered into two categories; traits and skills.

 

The difference between traits and skills

It is possible that the examples you use to demonstrate traits and skills are same, there is a fundamental difference between the two.

 

Defining applicable skills

In layman language, skills are about what one can do. It is a learned ability that enables to carry out a task in a certain time, with certain energy or using both. Ability to do calculus or the ability to talk in different languages will fall into skills.

 

Defining applicable traits

Traits can be defined as more of what you are, how you respond to situations or what is your approach towards life?

 

For a successful job search you have to display a combination of skills and traits together.

 

Use your gap year to display traits

Many job candidates overlook the traits. Do not be one of them. There will be a number of applicable traits that you acquire during your gap year that you can write in your resume or come up with in an interview. Remember when you are talking or listing your traits your gap year should be the gold mine taking you a step closer to the job.

 

Position the gap year perfectly and you are closer to the dream job.

 

What can you do during your gap year?

If you are just taking a break from the corporate life, there are somethings you can do that can enhance your resume once you are back looking for a job. Some of them are:

• Camping
• Studying Abroad
• Teaching Language
• Blogging

Or, pursue any of your hobby. You are sure to add some traits that the employers look for.

 

Preparing for interview

Now that you know that a gap year can add numerous benefits to your employment chances, you should be asking yourself some questions and find their answers before you go and meet the employer.

A few questions that you should ask yourself before you go to that interview and talk about your gaps.

• What traits are required in a person to fill in the position?

• Which other traits are likely to be valued in this business?
• What is the competition?
• How should I be demonstrating skills and traits for this position effectively?
• How can I use my gap year to validate more interesting examples of appropriate traits?
• What can I include from my gap year which is likely to make me more in demand?

 

It is very important to maintain a positive attitude when looking for a job. And, you will be able to effectively use your gap year to land to your dream job.

 

Author Bio

Akansha Arora is a professional writer and blogger who loves to pen down her views on a number of topics that interest a reader. She writes keeping in mind the current scenarios and wishes to keep her readers well informed.