The application and hiring processes are serious procedures that a job seeker must complete and pass. And in a company, the HR department and specialists handle these processes. As recruiters, encountering significant gaps in an applicant’s record is discouraging, especially those left unaddressed. But, a gap in employment doesn’t necessarily mean that the job applicant wouldn’t make a great fit for the company. Read on to learn more.
Unemployment gaps are big red flags for recruiters and companies. There are many reasons applicants mention when asked why they have an unemployment gap in their resumes. As HR managers, you need to consider and acknowledge it. As part of your job, you may encounter reasons such as:
Explaining unemployment gaps might feel overwhelming or embarrassing, but it is entirely necessary. When job applicants are able to explain the unemployment gap, they’ll have a better chance of getting the job. Here are some strategies for explaining an unemployment gap as pain-free as possible.
The hiring process isn’t a straightforward process where after submitting a resume, an applicant can easily earn an interview schedule. It doesn’t work like that. As recruiters, an HR specialist carefully reads and studies every resume sent to them to gain insight into their potential candidates.
Aside from strategies and tips for explanations, having a proper explanation is the most crucial part. Without a proper one, any employer can easily assume the worst. And this is the best explanation: honest, clear, and concise. This can be done in the application process or during the interview and through verbal communication or writing.
As the human resource team, you must be patient and understanding to hear out an applicant’s explanation. How to explain an unemployment gap? Simple. By being upfront with the reason and providing enough details that are significant and related to this reason.
For example, for reasons such as taking care of a sick family member, timid explanations won’t do. Besides, this reason is nothing to be ashamed of. An upfront explanation is enough, such as who was sick, what role you had there, and more brief yet concise details.
Like we’ve mentioned, explanations can be done in two different ways - through verbal communication or writing. Aside from an interview session, as HR specialists, you may encounter cover letters submitted together with some resumes.
Cover letters are tools that can help explain and provide more details and information that can’t be easily found in the resume. A cover letter can contain the period with a brief yet enough explanation about what caused this break in employment.
For example, in a cover letter, you can find the gap with a specific period - like unemployed for four years. And below this reason is a short explanation such as going back to school and additional details like which school or degree. It’s a brief explanation, but the purpose is achieved and present.
Gaps are always questioned during interviews. This is where most applicants explain the reasons behind their unemployment gaps - and this is the most nerve-wracking method of explaining for some job seekers. But, the main method of explaining remains the same: with a clear, honest, and concise explanation. Additional tips in explaining during an interview include:
As recruiters and interviewers, you have to deal with every applicant and review every resume sent to you. This takes a lot of time and effort but is needed to see who is qualified. There is so much more to do than question unemployment gaps - which is why using an HR platform like Lanteria can be a lifesaver. With features like candidate tracking, candidate self-service, and interview templates, Lanteria is the ultimate tool in any HR manager’s kit. Reach out today for a demo!
