Gaps in CV

MysticalSoul

Not sure if this is the best section or not. I was made redundant there on Friday, with two weeks notice. I am being realistic and don't expect to be able to find alternate employment anytime soon, am currently working on updating my cv, and also intend on registering with recruitment agencies, despite the fact they've never helped me in the past. Anyway, what I was wondering, in the current climate do gaps in cv's look bad? I currently don't have any, but am wondering if there ends up being a long gap or anything by the time I do find alternate work. I am considering applying for some voluntary work to help with this, but would welcome what people's opinions were with how gaps in cv's in the current market are interpreted as.

allybhoy

Well it depends on the sector you are in but I would say as you have no serious gaps to date than I dont think any future employers would give this a second thought considering the current economic climate, esp if you have decent references and track record than any reasonable employer surely must be sympathetic. In years gone by when we had a very high employment rate than maybe a gap of say a year or so would have been worrying as it might indicate a lack of motivation but unfortunately times have changed.

From my personal experience I would suggest is that aswell as voluntary work, if you dont feel you are going to get any meaningful employment in the immediate future than try and enroll in some kind of back to work training scheme such as FAS, FIT etc. Anything that might even remotely add to your skillset would show a good work ethic on your behalf.

Good Luck!

Ickle Magoo

Moved from PI, hope you get better advice here, OP.

dan_d

OP, gaps aren't too bad, once you have an explanation for them. If you can talk someone all the way through your CV, from year to year, with as much detail as possible.

I don't think you need to worry too much yet if you've no gaps,but try and fill your time as much as possible with stuff, don't sit around doing nothing.

eire2009

dan_d wrote: »

OP, gaps aren't too bad, once you have an explanation for them. If you can talk someone all the way through your CV, from year to year, with as much detail as possible.

I don't think you need to worry too much yet if you've no gaps,but try and fill your time as much as possible with stuff, don't sit around doing nothing.

Just tell them you were doing time.. Legally they cant discriminate, but will they

Tuisceanach

I haven't worked since 2007 and only recently started looking for work again. I managed to be called 4 two interviews. Given the length of my gap I preempt the question by providing an explanation in the personal profile section of my CV. It's not the only gap on my CV in a 20 year chequered career in IT but in general as long as you have the skills that the market demands and are able to explain away your gaps in a satisfactory manner then it isn't going to be the obstacle you may imagine. Obviously some companies are going to be more particular than others.

Cat Melodeon

I don't think employers are too bothered by it once you can prove that your skills and knowledge haven't become outdated and that you are eager to work. Sign up for some sort of a course to update or improve your skills set, even if it's only once a week or online. Voluntary work is good too.

I've been doing the odd weekend course and have attended seminars in my career area - great not just for learning something new, but also for making contacts and accessing opportunities. If there is any kind of an industry association in your field, you could offer them some help - they are always crying out for people to help update websites, put stuff together for newsletters etc, and again it's a great way for you to get in contact with employers and hear about upcoming opportunities.

narddog

Was in the same position as the OP. I was told by people in the recruitment business that the trick is to turn what might be perceived as a weakness in a CV, an employment gap, into a strength, by filling up your gap with volunteer work, training where possible (and affordable!!), and showing a willingness to deal with the adversity of not having a job. If you stick at it, you'll be fine. Good luck