Sometimes it’s hard to explain away those glaring gaps in your resume, but with these tips you can lessen their impact and give employers a reason to overlook them and hire you anyways!
1. Add volunteer work to your resume
Ok, you may be thinking, but what if I didn’t work for free for a non-profit while I was unemployed? I was dealing with life and job seeking!
“Volunteer” work can be anything from being a caregiver for your family to working in your local food pantry. If you were busy doing something, you should emphasize that by adding those experiences to the Volunteer section of your resume, complete with dates and responsibilities. Just like any other job!
Employers who see that you have been busy while unemployed will be more likely to see you as a self-motivated hard-worker!
2. Focus on soft skills
Reserve a separate area of your resume for your skills, from the most objective like “MS Word” to the more subjective, like “time management” and “conflict resolution.”
These are all key skills, and if you can back them up in an interview with instances where you’ve effectively used them, employers will be seriously impressed!
3. Add a personal touch with traits
I’m going to assume you know yourself pretty well by now. You know if you’re good-humored or serious, cautious or bold etc… Well, add that to your resume! Choose a few key phrases that both accurately describe you and would make you a valuable employee for your field.
Employers want to know who you are as well as what work you’ve done. A bad culture fit can be just as damaging (if not more) than an unqualified hire, so employers are now paying very close attention to soft skills and emotional intelligence.
Still struggling to fill in those resume gaps? The Jobcase Resume includes all of these suggested sections and more! Click here to edit your profile and view your new resume. When you’re done, let us know below if we helped!
We can’t wait to bring more new and improved tools to you. Stay tuned for more about Jobcase’s Resume or click #JobcaseInsider to see all of the posts in this series in one spot!
My name is Jermaine Jackson and I've been "disabled " for almost 10 years, well it will be 10 years December 11, 2018l. I'm ready, willing, and very able to get back in the workforce. I don't know where to begin. If anyone has any suggestions, please chat with me.
Here are a few things that effective job seekers make sure to do!
• They figure out what they have to offer Decide what you have that NO one else does and work this into your [elevator pitch] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/04560555-5bd7-5994-b7f6-047ef9d4c183)! Think of ways that you can help the company solve specific issues, and drive them forward. Essentially ask yourself, what do I bring to the table? The goal is to leave the employer feeling that it would be a huge loss if they don’t hire you.
• They don’t let the job hunt get them down It’s important during this time to certainly search for jobs, but equally important to make sure you take care of yourself both mentally and physically. It’s easy to become so focused on finding a job that you simply neglect yourself. Help motivate yourself by setting small goals, rewarding yourself when you achieve them, and making sure to surround yourself with positive people who care about you. Check out some other great tips in Anthony Harrington 's post [here] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/8fe940b7-2617-59d8-b409-2b0b43c890c0). Remember that staying positive during your job search will give you hope and push you that much closer to your final goal.
• They fill in those resume gaps Resume gaps can make an employer question what you have been up to and can even scare them off. It's important to fill in these gaps in the best ways possible. One way to do this is by noting if you had a side gig, did some freelance work, mentioning if you took a few courses to expand your knowledge base, or mention if you volunteered at a local shelter or organization. If you can show personal growth you are on the right track! For more tips and tricks on how to tackle those resume gaps check out [this post] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/46cb1229-eedd-5a42-831d-5d5d3429387c). If you have resume gaps because you spent some time caring for a sick relative please check out some help [here] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/91c922da-4c59-537e-a792-96b3975693b5).
• They watch their social media presence Many recruiters and hiring managers here on Jobcase have revealed that they DO in fact check the applicant's social media sites. So before sending out that Tweet or posting that picture, make sure to ask yourself, “Would I want my next boss to see this?” Use social media as a tool to help you connect and show who you are. Be professional, interact, engage, and sell yourself, but remember to always be honest. You can even use social media to share that you’re currently looking for work!
• They are mindful of the ATS If a company uses what’s called an applicant tracking system your resume could be slipping through the cracks! The ATS is a program that companies use to sort through sometimes 1,000’s of resumes to find the best possible ones. If it doesn’t recognize what it needs, your resume will be cast aside. Find out how to make your resume ATS ready [here] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/26a3b2ad-871a-5281-a384-66c35e69f190) or watch Lenin Pina 's video on [how to beat the ATS] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l61IGZLXRkY)!
• They follow up after an interview If you have had an interview, the most important thing to do after it's over is to follow up and send a simple thank you. Following up is a critical aspect of the job seeking process. It does a few things. It lets the employer know you are serious, reminds them of who you are and your qualifications, and keeps the hiring process moving along. Find out how to [follow up here] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/01d183e9-bbb2-51f8-8eb1-9e39062049a5).
What are some things that YOU do during your job search?
I have a situation that I have not found a way to deal with successfully. I was an xray tech for 36 years, a job I loved and was very good at, but in 2008 a health related incident occurred for which I was fired which ended my career. For the past 10 years I have made hundreds and hundreds of applications, both for positions in my profession and all kinds of different employment. No one wanted to hire me, I believe because of my termination since every application asks the question"have you been asked to leave or been terminated?". Since I am ineligible for rehire, I felt I must answer the question honestly with yes. I am currently 66 years old, another strike against me, and I have no other experience other than my profession. After 5 years of no success, I was forced to drop my RT credentials, so that profession is no longer available. I have tried other ways to make money, like internet affiliate marketing, but failed miserably and ended up in $13000 of debt for my attempt. To say my financial situation is desperate is an understatement. Does anyone have any encouraging words to me how to deal with my employment situation honestly?
Dose anyone know how to explain a 20 year gap in employment? And, anyone know who's hiring someone in situation?
I'm 65 years old. I spent 18 years at home taking care of a son with a major medical disorder. I have a master's degree and a large gap in my resume. I want to work and I need to work but I will starve before I do fast food again. I want a part time job that doesn't make me sick thinking about going to work.
Hi! This is my first post so bear with me if I stumble.
I am newly disabled. I was struck with a debilitating condition and had to stop working (luckily, I had a disability benefit with my employer for a bit). During my leave, I had an experimental surgery that improved my condition by about 50-60%, enough to have me contemplate a return to work.
So my question: not wanting to lead with my disability, how do I account for the 4 year gap on my resume? My most recent position ended 4 years ago, so this gap is at the very top of my resume and therefore is easily noticed.
Do I lie? That’s kind of how I’m handling it now - I say I have been freelancing. Is that bad?
Any insight would be really appreciated.
Diane
As stated I've not worked that long. Getting back into the work force I'm finding out is difficult (looking for part-time) I've many skills and feel I can be of help some where's. I'm honest and reliable and trustworthy. Looking for work in Citrus Heights-Roseville area. Wishing those that are looking for work the best of luck. S Thyden
I have been a stay at home mother for 6 years now. I am ready to start making money and meeting new people but no one ever calls me for an interview because I have not worked in so many years. Please help me. I really need to make a good resume. ( you moms know that we work harder at home taking care of children than any 9 to 5 job )
Don't stress about how to explain why there is a gap in your employment history. Be positive and share the lessons you're learned from the experience and positive changes you've made. Check out my latest blog post at https://nnamtique.com/five-ways-to-explain-an-employment-gap/. HR by Nnamtique (www.nnamtique.com)