No matter why a worker takes time away from holding a job, the blank space on their resume is going to stand out like a sore thumb. In the aftermath of the global COVID-19 pandemic, however, there are going to be a lot of people out there with gaps in employment.
So this should not intimidate anyone who's looking for that great new opportunity. Every sector of the U.S. economy was affected by the pandemic and scores went without work for a long time. The employment website Joblist conducted a survey, asking people who had employment gaps before the pandemic how they handled it.
What the survey found is enough to make anyone comfortable returning to the job market, no matter what took them away before.
Why People Leave the Workforce
Even when times are good, people come and go. The two biggest reasons for leaving the workforce for any extended period is because of job losses or career changes. For some, the career shift means being a full-time parent, which is the third-most common reason for leaving.
Other common reasons include being unhappy in a chosen profession and learning new skills. Some people reported leaving a job just because they wanted to go see what's out there, what they might like to do -- a process they called "self-discovery."
The average time someone takes away from employment for any reason is around six months. Older workers and women often spend a disproportionate amount of time away from their employment. The one thing they most likely have in common, according to the survey findings, is that they come back because they need the income.
Reentering the Workforce
Getting back to work takes effort, and the list of to-do items people cited by those preparing to reenter the workforce reads like a top-10 list that is worthy of repeating, even for those new to the job market.
The top three items people mention are all things every wannabe employee should be doing in preparation for starting a new search, including:
- Preparing a new resume
- Reaching out to a professional network
- Practice interviews
Other preparation activities for these new returnees aren't as universal, but they're good practice for anyone who's been away for a while and might need a transition period to adjust to the lifestyle. Some respondents reported getting a part-time job. This prepares them for working in general, along with all the necessary activities that come with it, such as working a schedule, commuting and balancing work and home life.
For some, a return to work means a start in freelancing or consulting, working their own schedule while performing a job function in which they are an expert. This allows employees to refresh their expertise, dip their toes in to see what their career specialty is like after such a long time away and maybe even see whether they can make a living on their own.
Explaining Gaps in Employment
Resumes, cover letters and job interviews are just a few of the essential elements that make up your personal story. If you think of your narrative as the one truly applying for a job, then answering tough questions about employment history becomes so much easier.
While it's always of prime importance to be honest while explaining gaps in employment, these kinds of gaps are common (for the most part) and easily discussed. There's no shame in stepping back from the workforce, so when you reenter, just weave your reasoning into that narrative and you're just as strong an employee as you ever were.
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