Interview Question: Why Was There a Gap in Your Employment?
If you have a gap in the employment record on your resume, be assured that the interviewer will want to know about the gap. You should not worry, for you may not be the only one with a GAP in your resume, and you may have an advantage with the gap on your resume if you have used that period wisely. It is vital that before you go for the interview, you should be prepared to answer this question adequately to increase your chances of getting the job.
Useful Tips to Answer This Question.
Knowing that you will be asked this question, we have prepared some useful tips to help you answer “Why Was There a Gap In Your Employment?” as shown below:
- Get yourself prepared for the question.
You should note that the interviewers will want to know about the gap in your employment history and what you were doing during this period. So you might as well get prepared and think of what to say about this gap in your resume. Note that this does not affect your chances of getting the job, but giving a good explanation of the gap may improve your chances of getting the job. If, during that period, you have found ways to improve yourself. Strategize on the ways you can answer the question using the gap to your advantage before the interview.
- Be truthful in explaining what you did during that gap.
Being truthful is vital because these organizations might go ahead and check out the information that you provided. Your chances of getting the job would be dented if the recruiter later finds out that you gave false information. Be truthful and state the reasons you have the gap in your resume. Based on being truthful, you can check out the format below in answering these questions.
For those that were laid off
If you were laid off from your previous employment, you should state it and the reason as shown below.
“The previous company I was working with went through restructuring and had to reduce the number of staff. Unfortunately, my department was hugely affected, and I was part of those that were dropped from the organization. It was a difficult time for me, being out of work and making myself useful. And I am sure this opportunity will bring me that desire to make myself useful and work to ensure the productivity of the organization. I was out of work for the specified period, which I spend to improve myself for any future opportunity”.
For those that were fired
If you were fired from your previous job, you must become technical in answering this question. Being fired will raise a red flag, and the interviewers will be keen to know why you were fired. It would be best if you were truthful about the circumstances but always make yourself the subject described in the format below.
“the organization and I had to end our agreement because of our difference. As the organization laid out its future plans, they did not resonate with the plans I had for myself and thus the need for us to part with the employment agreement. I will be grateful for this opportunity to work with an organization that had the same dream and vision as mine. I want to grow and improve my knowledge working in an organization like yours, where my skills and talent will be appropriately utilized”.
Taking time off for personal reasons
If, for instance, you took time off work for personal reasons, then you have to state it and why. Taking time off for personal reasons may be a pardonable reason for a gap in your resume, but you have to appear eager to return to work after addressing the reason for going off work.
“after a long time concentrating on work, I was able to take off time and focus on my personal growth. This period gave me time to replenish and develop myself so I can return back to work more capable. Now I am willing to join your organization bringing my years of experience and in-depth knowledge in the field of…”
- Fill in the gap in the employment history.
It will be wrong to answer the question that you have not been doing anything during this gap. Always provide a reason for the gap and fill it with valuable activities if possible. If you did any voluntary work or anything that was of value during those periods, clearly state it and how the activity had improved you as a person. Bearing that you may encounter this question in your next job interview, always find suitable activities anytime you are between jobs.
- Spend less time on the question
Avoid elaborating on this question for long and make it as brief as possible. Remember that this is not a question that places you at an advantage. We all know that there are different reasons people take time off work, and when you have established the reason and stated what you did during the gap, end the question by steering the conversation to your attribute. Always ensure that you personalized the answer to give you an edge with this question.
Be direct and concise with your answer and stay focused on the point. Avoid going beyond the question at this stage, and let the interviewer take it to the next stage.
With the tips above, you should be able to navigate adequately and improve your chances with the interviewer when asked this question. You may think that this question may not be that relevant, but with an interview process, where others are involved, take every step and question important and get an edge over others. Increase your chances of getting that job today by answering this question effectively.