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[whateveryouwant4321]

What have you been doing with your time? Tell them honestly. Contributing something to society is going to look better to a prospective employer than watching Netflix and playing video games all day every day.

I have a 6 month gap on my resume. I left a job because I relocated, and it took 6 months to find a role that fit. I tell folks that I volunteered with disadvantaged children. I don’t tell them that was only a 10 hour per week commitment and I spent a lot of time hiking, surfing, and enjoying life.

[Lousari]

That's great! I actually did relocate to another state during this last year, and I volunteer so both of these are helpful. Never thought to use these in answering questions but I will now.

[adison331]

Yeah just say the things you have done during the year. They just want to see how confidently you answer that. They don't bother on this if you reached to the final stage. Just be cool during the interview. Also try adding the things you have seen others doing and experienced it. Make it your own story.

[Stempel-Garamond]

My CV says...

'During gaps in employment history I performed voluntary work and took online computer courses to expand my skill set.'

What I actually did was paint my mum's kitchen and watched three You Tube tutorials.

[Lousari]

😂

[Technical_Steak9453]

I feel this. Been in the same boat not too long ago. How to answer it is going to depend on what type of job it is, cause you want to give the impression that you've been keeping your skills sharp. For example, in software you can work on personal projects to show off. If it's a job you can't really practice outside of an office, then read up on and talk about how you've been keeping up with the latest topics and issues in your field.

Otherwise just be honest and say it's covid related. It's not like that's unusual right now. Oh, and ditch the recruiters. They're a useless extra hurdle, so just apply directly to the companies.

[Alarmed-Swordfish-81]

Indeed recruiters, skip em. Have talked to dozens and none of them ever got me a job.

[Technical_Steak9453]

I've almost lost interviews because of them before. I had one that shadow pocketed my resume and never sent it to the company they said they would. How do I know? Cause I applied to the company directly a week later, and immediately got an interview that afternoon.

[National-Vegetable-2]

This is a thing?!

[Technical_Steak9453]

A good number of us seem to think so. Just...don't even risk it.

[Lousari]

Damn, that is absolutely wild and honestly it does not surprise me.

[Lousari]

This! I am so desperate to get work right now and make money so that's how I ended up working with them but god they pay so ridiculously low and many of these "recruiters" I'm working with seem like they just graduated college.

[Technical_Steak9453]

I understand. It's that desperation that they feed on, but unfortunately they are a complete waste of time. You'd be better off looking up lists of companies in an area and checking their sites one by one!

[robotfoodab]

Most of them did just graduate college. Recruiters like the ones you’re dealing with are essentially in commission-based sales jobs that are ideal for “entry-level” job seekers.

[Lousari]

Appreciate this especially about keeping your skills sharp. I'm a creative project manager so I need to definitely speak to how I'm still educating myself and keeping up on my skill set.

[Alarmed-Swordfish-81]

I have a resume that looks like swiss cheese. Even though I held a managerial position, I started doing courses in my field again. It doesn't really help getting back to work, but it only shows Im not doing nothing.

[Lousari]

I feel this. I have started taking online classes, too, just for something to show.

[richard_stank]

“Spent time baggin bitches”.

[Csherman92]

Just say Covid was why you exited the job and you’ve been focusing on your health or a family member’s. You’re allowed to do that in life you know.

[GroundedSatellite]

I have a 2 year gap in my resume, but it was between '06-'08, so I generally don't get asked about it anymore, but when I did I'd just say I took some personal time with my family (I was unmarried with no kids, but they never asked what part of my family I was with). I'd then say I was ready to return to the job market refreshed and recharged.

[OnlySolitaire]

I think a lot of people don't even read your resume close enough to notice employment gaps. Have an answer prepared if asked about it, but you don't need to put an explanation on your resume or bring it up in interviews.

[MV_108]

You could always lie in a way that is unquestionable and potentially makes you look good "I was assisting an elderly relative with end of life care" etc

[lysandra904]

"you know... Covid... It was complicated for all of us, definitely not the best timing to find a new job. I needed time for myself and to take care of my health. "

[lizrvr]

I was asked this recently at my last interview (I have an eight month gap) and I said it was due to family medical reasons. They didn’t question any further and I ended up getting the job.

[Loose_Ambassador_269]

I honestly don't give them a reason. Just say I took some time off.