Conventional wisdom holds that resume gaps are a big red flag that disqualifies a candidate almost instantly. But is there any truth to this common piece of managerial advice? Keep reading to learn more.
Are Resume Gaps Actually Bad?
The first thing to keep in mind is that the job market has changed radically over the last 15 years.
Many things that were considered insightful in the past is not so useful as a guideline anymore, and that includes resume gaps.
We are living in the so-called “gig economy.” Changing jobs often or going through relatively long jobless spells is becoming increasingly commonplace.
With this background in mind, resume gaps are not the huge red flag some people make them to be. What really matters is the reason behind the gap and how the prospective employee deals with it.
What Really Matters About Resume Gaps
As explained earlier, a resume gap shouldn’t be in itself a reason to disqualify a candidate. Lying to explain away a gap, on the other hand, is almost always inexcusable.
Hiring a candidate who lies about their resume gap is usually a big no-no, and with good reason. Conversely, being truthful and honest about the reason behind the gap, is a positive sign.
Inquire about the gap in your prospective employee’s resume and when possible, double-check the accuracy of their answers.
This information, plus other factors such as qualifications and experience, will help you decide whether to move forward with the candidate or not. Don’t let an outdated idea prevent you from hiring a good candidate who can help you grow your organization.
More Tips and Ideas
At the ONE Inland Empire Chamber of Commerce we are always looking for ideas that help foster the growth of your business. Here are some previous posts you may find interesting:
- 3 Simple ways to protect yourself against identity theft
- Common grammar mistakes to avoid in your business emails
- The key to becoming a better leader
- How to keep your remote team engage
Interested in learning more about the ONE Inland Empire Chamber of Commerce? Contact us today by email (info@oneinlandempire.com), telephone (951-280-3902), or social media. We look forward to hearing from you!
