The average person has between 10 to 15 different jobs in their lifetime. Sometimes we go straight from one job to the next, but there are times when you might experience a gap in employment. Maybe you lost your job unexpectedly, took an extended period off for personal reasons (like caring for children or a sick parent), or simply needed a break from burnout. Whatever the reason, a period of unemployment can raise concerns for potential employers. This is what we call the “gap trap”: even with legitimate reasons for your hiatus, you might be unfairly judged, ironically trapping you in a longer period of unemployment.
Fortunately, by managing this time effectively, maintaining a positive mindset, and addressing the gap strategically with employers, you can turn this potential negative into a positive. Here’s some practical advice on what to do if you find yourself in this situation:
1. Experiment
Often, our career aspirations don’t align with reality. We may have an idealized vision of a job, only to find it’s not what we expected.
For example, my nephew moved to California to become a sound engineer. He returned to Iowa and landed a good job with a local TV network, but after a year, he realized it wasn’t fulfilling. He went back to school for education and now loves his work as a middle school principal.
The point? An employment gap is a perfect time to experiment with new career paths. Start with research and informational interviews. Talk to people in your fields of interest, ask about their experiences, and shadow them if possible. This helps you make informed decisions about your next career move.
2. Learn New Skills
There’s always something new to learn! Use your time to acquire skills that will make you more valuable to employers.
Consider:
Formal Courses: Community college classes (e.g., advanced Excel), online courses (e.g., Udemy for accounting), or library resources (e.g., learning HTML).
Personal Development: Join Toastmasters to improve communication or take a Dale Carnegie course.
Independent Learning: Teach yourself a new language with Rosetta Stone, or improve your writing by starting a blog.
Think about skills that are valuable now and those that will be in demand in the future. The more you can do, the more marketable you become.
3. Become an Expert
Employers are impressed by knowledgeable candidates. Deepen your expertise in your chosen field by:
Immersing Yourself: Read extensively, follow industry leaders, and understand industry-specific language.
Staying Current: Use RSS feeds, Google Alerts, and social media groups to stay updated on industry trends.
Subscribing to Publications: Read relevant magazines and journals.
Demonstrating expertise positions you as an authority and gives you a persuasive edge in networking and interviews.
4. Fill the Gap
Avoid a glaring employment gap on your resume by:
Consulting: Offer your skills to businesses or individuals. Small businesses often need help with tasks they can outsource.
Volunteering: Nonprofits offer opportunities to learn new skills, network, and contribute to a cause.
Temporary Jobs: Temping can lead to permanent positions and allows you to “try out” different work environments.
Gig Economy: Explore freelance opportunities to earn income and stay productive.
These activities demonstrate initiative and provide valuable experience.
5. Give Yourself Time to Play
Job searching can be stressful. Make time for activities you enjoy – walking, running, hobbies, socializing. Taking breaks improves mental clarity and helps you return to your job search refreshed.
6. Stay Positive
Rejection and financial worries can impact your confidence. Focus on the positives:
Time for Reflection: Reassess your career goals and explore new possibilities.
Skill Development: Acquire new skills and knowledge.
New Experiences: Explore different work environments and expand your network.
A positive outlook makes you more confident and appealing to employers. Remember, negativity is contagious! Projecting confidence and optimism will make a better impression.
7. Be Excited to Talk About It
Don’t be ashamed of your unemployment gap. Frame it positively by highlighting how you used the time to grow and develop. Your employment gap could be a turning point, leading to a more fulfilling career.