Resume gaps

I was on long term disability for two years and have just about finished a series of transition programs(former army); about 4 years of not working. I have started to apply for jobs and stated exactly what I have done these last few years as I have no other way to explain such a long gap on my resume. I am scared that no one will want to hire me. Thoughts of being repeatedly rejected keep coming up and they hurt like hell.

8 Comments

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All the best with it!

Oct 11, 2020 at 8:48am

Not everyone will judge harshly, especially if you've been on long term disability. Right off, if you get an interview under this circumstance, someone is willing to give you a chance. In any case, expect a lot of rejection as par for the course. Don't take these too seriously, just brush off the dust off and carry on.
If you *feel* rejected and dejected, that will show through, but if you If you feel hopeful and a little more confident, that will. Be friendly, interested, polite and curious. Respond to questions slowly with forethought. No need to apologize for your life. Put a positive spin on your down time, what you've learned and all. You are moving ahead.

21 3Rating: +18

Counter point

Oct 11, 2020 at 8:57am

This is literally the best time to re-enter the work force. It is volatile and uncertain for everything we have ever been taught. If you have belief in yourself and your work ethic, then don't worry as much about rejection. That's no different than getting a job and finding you don't fit in. The most important thing about any disaster is that opportunity comes out of it. the entry into the job market right now is a boon of resources and support. good luck my friend.

16 5Rating: +11

In sorry you’re going through that.

Oct 11, 2020 at 9:33am

Best of luck to you and I wish you well, I can imagine that applying for jobs right now is scary but you have a lot of skills that you have learned in the Army that your future employers will really value. You have a lot to offer so stay focused on that, best of luck for your future!

11 6Rating: +5

CDP-Career Development Practitioner

Oct 11, 2020 at 9:50am

First thing - Congratulations on recognizing a non-ideal situation for yourself and working your butt off to improve it!!! That takes guts and grit. Second - your job search approach - What else were you doing during that time? ie: also looking after an aging parent?, kids? renovations? did the transition programs include (re-) training/ (re) learning skills, learning new skills or academics? In short, look beyond the negative main focus of that time, give yourself credit for anything else positive you were doing concurrently, and reframe your answers. Example: "I was fortunate enough to have resources that allowed me to... be the family member that took the lead on caring for my ill parent... prepare for a new career path after my (honourable -if it is so) discharge...etc. Focusing on the positive aspects takes the attention away from any risk you may present as a potential employee and places it on the benefits you bring. As far as the rejection...remember the magic is in the numbers... for every success there were approximately 10 attempts. The no's are not personal. Check out any community resources that may be available to you such as Work BC. If at first you don't appear to be eligible for service, go deeper, just like you will for explaining the gap in your resume, as there is likely something in your circumstance that fits eligibility criteria. When I did this work (another province) we did not turn people away, and usually secured funding somehow. Good Luck! :)

12 4Rating: +8

Stay Up

Oct 11, 2020 at 10:25am

Don’t get down about what hasn’t happened in reality. I’ve also had gaps in my resume. If you’re fit to work then you will be given the chance by someone. The thing is, people get so worked up about not getting the job they want when a lot of times in reality you can fudge your way through an interview because the company is so desperate for someone that they’ll hire just about anybody. Maybe you’re even the only person who applied! You never know what’s going on behind the scenes so don’t sweat it. The right job will come. Stay positive and remain calm.

12 5Rating: +7

I have a lot gaps in mine

Oct 11, 2020 at 1:29pm

and I just say I was travelling.
Sometimes I was.

15 4Rating: +11

Lie

Oct 11, 2020 at 1:45pm

Just lie and say you've been doing your own landscaping business, but you're looking for something easier for you back because you haven't been sleeping well.

10 4Rating: +6

MarieGee

Oct 11, 2020 at 2:05pm

I understand where you are coming from. I had an over ten year gap in my resume due to health and family matters. I have now been employed for the last five months. There is hope! Personally, I found the help available at WorkBC to be invaluable. They helped me adapt my resume to highlight my skills and experience and minimize the considerable gap in employment. Hope this helps. Wishing you all the best!!

16 5Rating: +11

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