Normally people who have been on a career break find it difficult to land a mainstream job after a career gap. The gap could be a due to a sabbatical or a planned or unplanned career break.
We have tried to generate some possible justification on the case from an employers and a hiring managers mindset. We are sure, there could be more such reasons, or some of these mentioned may not actually be applicable. Have a look, and come back to us with your thoughts , reasons etc.
An employers and recruiters perspective
Why employers are not getting excited seeing your resume, if you have been on a long sabbatical or a long career break.
- Your skills would have got eroded during the gap period, specially if the gap period extends to 2 – 3 years. You would be “out of touch” with the desired know how, skills.
- Your priorities on career front might have changed. If you could proceed on a career break at some point, there may be a possibility that the career focus is missing, and in such a case there is no surety that you would actually want to continue with the job in future. Why put an effort considering your candidature ?
- It may also be perceived that the desired level of commitment and dedication may be missing at this stage. Possibly you are just gunning for a “job” and not a “career”.
- You may not be able to adjust in the working environment – the pressure & the deadlines. If you have been out for 2 – 3 years or more, there’s a good possibility that you will find it difficult to get back to the grind. Getting back from a relaxed life to a tied up – 9 to 6 job may actually be a real challenge. Not many companies, would be keen on allowing a newly joined employee (experienced) a “get comfortable” – period of 2 – 3 months to get back to acclimatise to the concept of working , specially when the job on offer may need some one who can get on his / her feet at the earliest.
- The reasons offered by you during an interview to justify the gap period may not be judged as good enough or true. A number of job seekers hide some unpleasant and short work experiences & employment under the pretence of career gaps. Even if you are the one giving a true snapshot of your career and reasons for the gap, there may be a lot more people who have misrepresented their career experience, and career breaks, thus making every story doubtful.
- Career gaps if visible in the resumes specially of the selected / shortlisted candidates – creates more work for the hiring guys. This presents another need to seek justification, have a dialogue and discussion with the job seeker and spend more time and effort to identify fitment, compensation etc. Why take the extra effort ? It makes sense to weed out the resumes at prelim stage itself.
Write to us, with your experiences if you can relate to the thoughts or even if you differ in part or completely with our thoughts presented in this article.
If you have experienced a career break followed by a come back – do write to us with your stories.
Praveen is the Founder & Principal Consultant of KHEdge, a boutique HR & Business Process Advisory firm. Over last 15 years he has advised & worked with promoters, founders, business leaders, HR leaders in areas of - Business Strategy, HR Strategy, Organisation Design etc.