A gap in your employment—and in your resume—used to concern hiring managers and recruiters. Those days are long past. The pandemic has proven that the loss of a job, reduced working hours, or changes in responsibility are often totally out of an individual’s control. Therefore, they do not reflect current or future accomplishments and skills.
A single line is often sufficient to explain any gap in your employment, including one caused by the pandemic. Keep explanations brief and as positive as possible. For example, “Returned after 9 months when the office reopened after pandemic” or “Left position to prioritize childcare responsibilities during the pandemic.”
Do not try to cover a lack of work by extending dates, and certainly do not pretend you are still employed if you have been permanently laid off. Any attempt to hide a gap in your employment is considered lying and will sabotage your efforts to find a new job. Instead, concentrate on your achievements before being laid off. Consider including any anticipated results, such as “on track to double revenue.”
Your resume should indicate if you contributed to the company’s ability to pivot during the pandemic. For example, “Supported team during transition to working at home with new SOPs and changed priorities” or “Kept 100% of customer base and added 3 new customers during pandemic using virtual meetings and networking to maintain contact.”
Your resume should include any activities during the pandemic that might contribute to your value as an employee. Did you take courses, work toward a license or certification, complete continuing education credits, volunteer at an organization, or take on freelance work? By showing that you kept your mind sharp and engaged, you demonstrate your work ethic, enthusiasm, and concern for the community, attributes that are important to hiring managers and recruiters.
Finally, if your industry is no longer hiring or no longer in tune with your needs, you may need to reorganize your resume to target your new, post-pandemic career path. As a job and career transition coach, a certified master resume writer, and a master career director, I create resumes for my clients that navigate gaps in employment, stoppages, and transitions, whatever the cause.
Do you need help covering a gap in your employment after the pandemic? Contact Robin’s Resumes® today.