What To Do About Gaps in Employment
“I went to school,” an old man told me defensively. “The school of hard knocks.”
Many other jobseekers have gone to that school, too. It’s not a bad place to learn, actually; it provides you with invaluable coping skills, determination, and an insight into the value of hard work. On the other hand, when a vacancy posting or advertisement asks for a two-year degree in business management, it’s hard to convince potential employers that the school of hard knocks qualifies.
So how do you get the job you want?
First off, consider taking a less prestigious job with the same company, and working your butt off. Sometimes this doesn’t pan out, as your employer may mentally put you in a box as a low-echelon worker, and miss out on the qualities that separate you from the pack. On the other hand, it is still possible in many companies to work oneself up from the mail room. When you get a foot in the door, make sure you are noticed – every day. Make sure you ride the elevator with the company brass, and talk to them about topics that showcase your knowledge of the company and its products. Do your job brilliantly – not just well, but brilliantly. And be proud of your job, and the company for which you work.
Another possible way to get a foot in the door without education is to perform some other task that would normally only be attempted by someone with a more advanced degree. Give a speech at the historical society on local landmarks. Start a non-profit foundation to raise scholarship money for minority children. Become the publicity director for a local charity or fraternal organization. Get your name in the paper as a spokesperson or coordinator. Make sure everyone knows of your accomplishments.
But what should you put on your resume?
Well, of course, if you’ve worked for five years as a counter person for a fast-food restaurant, or you clean offices at night, your resume will need to say so. That’s the truth. But don’t hide all that wonderful civic experience away in the seldom-seen “other interests” section. Being the publicity director for your local charity golf tournament is a job, regardless of whether you’re paid for it. It belongs in the employment section, and make sure to bullet every single task you’ve attempted and goal you’ve accomplished.
And when you are looking for a job, you may have better luck forgoing the job fairs and going directly to the executives you have come to know. Give them a copy of your resume, tell them of your career aspirations, remind them of your many accomplishments in this area, and ask for their help. An education is supposed to make you smart, and a direct appeal may be the smartest thing you can do...
Remember: The professional resume writers at 1-on-1-resumes EXCEL at handling gaps in employment!
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