| Topic Name: |
Taking time out |
| Message Name: |
Taking time out |
| Date Posted: |
01/16/2000 |
| In Reply To: |
I'm wondering how hiring managers view a time gap in the resume, ie taking time off from the career track for a year or two, or sometimes even 5 years to dedicate oneself to raising children or re-training in a new field. Do recruiters just look at the resume and notice the gap and determine that the person's been out of the industry for awhile, therefore not qualified or up-to-date with current practices, technologies, or business networks?? I recently took time off to raise my son, who is less than 1 year old. I am committed to staying home for 1-2 years, but then I heard a recruiter tell me recently that she would discard a resume if she sees a gap of 1-2 years from the workforce. Is this common practice? |
| Message: |
Yes, some recruiters (and employers) feel any gap is unacceptable. These folks are not the sharpest tools in the shed. Real people with lives sometimes have gaps in work history. I can think of no better reason for a gap than caring for another human being. If you feel strongly you need a recruiter at all, stick with a retainer recruiter rather than a contingency recruiter. Also, don't abandon going directly to employers.
There are some places where re-entry is trickier than others, but if, for example, as a purchasing guru you were able to establish vendor relationships the first time (or as a PR wizard, you were able to establish media relationships the first time), you obviously have the skills to do it again. In terms of continuing ed, there are cases where it is fair to expect you're reading your trade journals (during your baby's naps, perhaps?) or taking a continuing ed course (especially if it a break is as long as five years) so you're not without the tools you need to take care of business when you return.
Hug your kid and fire your recruiter. Good luck! -Scott Bennett,
click4careercounseling.com
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