
If your resume has gaps this could be for a couple of reasons. Perhaps you were ill and needed to step away from working for a bit, or you simply could have been caring for a loved one or raising your child. Whatever the reason, your resume shows what you've done and having long gaps in your work history can give employers the wrong impression.
Here are some things you can do to minimize those gaps!
Use dates
When listing dates on your resume you don't need to list the month/year if you were in a position for over a year or if your position spans multiple years. For example, you could say 2014 - 2016 (rather than May, 2014 - February, 2016) which would give you some room to cover the gaps:
• Customer service rep, DFH Company 2014 – 2016
• Sales Associate, ABC Store 2012 – 2014
Remove what doesn’t matter
Omit any jobs that aren’t relevant to your job search and the companies you are applying to. There is no rule that says you must include all the jobs you ever had on your resume. In fact, less is best, and remember that YOU decide what goes in there!
Include other experience gained during the gap
What did you do while you weren't employed? Did you freelance or consult at all? How about volunteering? All those experiences count as work and can be included on your resume. List them as you would list your other jobs - with a job title, company name, job description, and dates of employment.
Tell the truth
It goes without saying, but make sure, to be honest! Employers will verify your work history and if you put incorrect information on your resume and they happen to verify it, that will be the end of that potential job.
Wow them with your cover letter
Write a great cover letter that will stand out (to outweigh the resume). The cover letter must indicate your knowledge of the company you are applying for as well as how you are going to add value to your prospective new company. Tailor it to the job you want and avoid using a generic template. Show them you are invested in the company and why you want the position!
What do you think are the best ways to address resume gaps?

Is anyone doing anything fun in Rhode Island this long weekend?
Tomorrow is going to be in the 70's!!!

Enrollment is now underway for a 15-week basic carpentry career training program for participants who demonstrate intermediate English Knowledge.
With emphasis on contextualized English as a Second Language Training, participants learn Construction Terminology, Construction Math, Hands-On Basic Carpentry Training, Jobsite Safety and upon successful completion participants earn their OSHA 10 Construction Card.
Classes begin October 26 and are held Mondays through Thursdays from 5:30pm to 8pm.

Infosys is looking for hundreds of Rhode Islanders to join its Digital Innovation and Design Center in Providence.
Don’t have experience in tech? No problem! Infosys will train you with the skills necessary to be successful and compete in this digital world.
Join the growing team in Rhode Island-- Apply today!

Everyone hates those awkward first moments when you are sitting in an interview. Whether it’s a video call or in-person those few seconds of total silence is enough to make your palms sweat.
The key to forging a connection during an #interview is doing two things:
1 - Finding something in common with the interviewer
2 - Answering questions in a way that tells YOUR story
Ice breakers are a fantastic way to get the conversation rolling! You could begin by saying...
"It's a pleasure to meet you. How was your weekend and/or week been so far?"
This demonstrates to the interviewer that you're confident, proactive, caring, and friendly. Avoid talking about cliche things like the weather. Mention something interesting that you did that weekend after they discuss theirs. Be sure to listen attentively and respond!
"I read something really interesting yesterday."
Discuss it a little and if the interviewer seems interested continue, if not move on. Just be sure not to take over the conversation and allow the interviewer to engage as well!
"Have you been working on anything interesting lately?"
Interviewers will love the chance to reflect and respond to what it is they’ve worked on or are currently working on. This will also provide further insight into what they are doing now in the company as well as give them a chance to talk about their own accomplishments. And who doesn't want to do that?
Find something in common
Consider taking a quick glance at the interviewer's social accounts and discover some common interests. Perhaps he/she is really into bowling and you started your own league two years ago. Or perhaps they love dogs and you do too. Whatever the case, when they ask the inevitable "How are you?" you can reply casually mentioning your common interest(s). For example: "I am doing great thanks, just had a bowling tournament last week and we took third place!" OR "The weather has been great so I've been walking my black lab a lot. Do you have any pets?" This will allow you to forge that connection and make things more comfortable.
Looking for more tips?
Read the rest of the article here!

Electric Boat in North Kingstown is now hiring entry-level and experienced welders, shipfitters, and pipefitters. Join a company that has set the standard of excellence in the design, construction and lifecycle support of submarines for the U.S. Navy!
Virtual interviews are taking place tomorrow 10/6 10am-12pm and 2-4pm.

Interested in a free training program for jobs in the mental healthcare space? Looking for a meaningful job working with children and adolescents?
The Behavioral Health Specialist Training Program might be the opportunity for you!
Offered by Bradley Hospital in collaboration with Lifespan and Rhode Island College, this opportunity provides training, valuable nationally recognized certifications, internships, and ultimately jobs to qualified and committed individuals.
The next training session is set to begin October 23 and recruitment is happening now! The program is particularly interested in recruiting individuals who have a desire to work with children and adolescents and have been displaced from their jobs by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sign up NOW for a Zoom information session to learn about this program!
Make sure to comment below with any questions!

Hello Rhode Islanders!!
Does anyone need help finding work?
Please comment below and tell me what you are looking for so I can assist you! : )

Wondering how to ace your next interview?
Check out a few quick tips in this article for how to dress, what to say and do whether the interview is virtual or in person!

Kohl’s is looking to hire hundreds of new workers in Rhode Island right over the phone. Kohl's National Hiring Day is this Friday, October 3, from 10a - 3p, (local time).
Application Tip - Use Kohl’s seasonal job board to find jobs near you or text APPLY to 24508. After you fill out the application, you can schedule a phone call between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. the day of the event!
Seasonal Employment Opportunities Include:
- In-Store Retail Sales & Service Associates
- Warehouse/Distribution Associates
- Security & Loss Prevention
Want a seasonal job at Kohl’s this year? Phone it in.
Apply online today at https://careers.kohls.com or text APPLY to 24508.
#hiringnews #Kohls #retail #warehouse #customerservice #RhodeIsland