3 ms·

Can I bring up the converse question - who would actively look for job gaps? And why?

by lainga 7y ago

cbanek 7y ago
I'm sure there is probably someone who is worried about job gaps and actively looks for them, but I think in general I might notice a gap if I was trying to tally up someone's years of relevant experience on their resume.
x0x0 7y ago
I do, or at least would notice if eg your most recent job ended 12 months ago. Mostly because I'd be curious what you've been doing. Saying sabbatical and/or medical issues would be the end of the questions.
Gustomaximus 7y ago
I usually look for time patterns in CVs. Gaps could be part of that. If someone turns over many jobs quickly I don't want to pay to bring someone up to speed only to see them leave when they should hit their stride. Or a month or 2 gap after every job can indicate they are getting the boot as most people swap one job for another. But one gap for a year, not many would really care I suspect as long as there is a reasonable rationale if they do ask. If someone had many long gaps then if might flag there is something going on and you'd dig around.
- another-dave 7y ago
  > Or a month or 2 gap after every job can indicate they are getting the boot as most people swap one job for another. Or it's a chance to take a stress-free break after finishing up one job as you've already another lined up.
  - Gustomaximus 7y ago
    Possible. I try to do that myself every change but typically I find/see companies wants you ASAP (especially if you have a decent notice period already) and is flexible with a week or few, not a month or few unless executive level.
- ttttodayjunior 7y ago
  > Or a month or 2 gap after every job can indicate they are getting the boot as most people swap one job for another. That's a bad metric. I have never been fired but have a few months gap between each job. That's how long it takes to get a work visa.
zhte415 7y ago
I know some HR look for consistency and 'internal progression'. Relying on past history of consistent career progression suggests, to them, the vector the individual is on. Completely ex-post and opaque at the best. Having being called a "maverick" during past moves, this doesn't gel well with me. It's lazy. But it is common. Finding a fantastic HR person is indeed an honour. Finding a fantastic one however is not commonplace, it's often box-tickers that have little understanding or desire for understanding, just a KPI.

Can I bring up the converse question - who would actively look for job gaps? And why?

by lainga 7y ago

Can I bring up the converse question - who would actively look for job gaps? And why?

I'm sure there is probably someone who is worried about job gaps and actively looks for them, but I think in general I might notice a gap if I was trying to tally up someone's years of relevant experience on their resume.

x0x0 7y ago

I do, or at least would notice if eg your most recent job ended 12 months ago. Mostly because I'd be curious what you've been doing. Saying sabbatical and/or medical issues would be the end of the questions.

Gustomaximus 7y ago

I usually look for time patterns in CVs. Gaps could be part of that. If someone turns over many jobs quickly I don't want to pay to bring someone up to speed only to see them leave when they should hit their stride. Or a month or 2 gap after every job can indicate they are getting the boot as most people swap one job for another. But one gap for a year, not many would really care I suspect as long as there is a reasonable rationale if they do ask. If someone had many long gaps then if might flag there is something going on and you'd dig around.

another-dave 7y ago
> Or a month or 2 gap after every job can indicate they are getting the boot as most people swap one job for another. Or it's a chance to take a stress-free break after finishing up one job as you've already another lined up.
- Gustomaximus 7y ago
  Possible. I try to do that myself every change but typically I find/see companies wants you ASAP (especially if you have a decent notice period already) and is flexible with a week or few, not a month or few unless executive level.
ttttodayjunior 7y ago
> Or a month or 2 gap after every job can indicate they are getting the boot as most people swap one job for another. That's a bad metric. I have never been fired but have a few months gap between each job. That's how long it takes to get a work visa.

zhte415 7y ago

I know some HR look for consistency and 'internal progression'. Relying on past history of consistent career progression suggests, to them, the vector the individual is on. Completely ex-post and opaque at the best. Having being called a "maverick" during past moves, this doesn't gel well with me. It's lazy. But it is common. Finding a fantastic HR person is indeed an honour. Finding a fantastic one however is not commonplace, it's often box-tickers that have little understanding or desire for understanding, just a KPI.