Doing so may make the employer think you have a
large gap in your work history because the first date he or she sees on your resume will be an older date.
Functional Resume — Unlike the first format, a functional resume is used to hide multiple
gaps in work history by focusing on your skills.
Having a
big gap in work history should not negatively impact your chances of finding a job if you can make the gap look like it was not time wasted.
It shows you how to handle common issues such
as gaps in your work history, incomplete education, and making a career change in a way that makes a great impression on employers.
The economic downturn of a few years ago resulted in many unemployed people who, after a couple of years of not working, have to deal
with gaps in their work history.
But Robyn Feldberg, president of the National Resume Writers» Association, contends that many do - it - yourselfers don't tie their job responsibilities to results, for example, while others have trouble
explaining gaps in their work history.
As a candidate you have to be aware that recruiters are going to be looking
for gaps in your work history and if your CV has lots, this will put you behind your competition.
To de-emphasize
glaring gaps in your work history, consider using a Functional resume, which focuses on your skills and accomplishments rather than a Chronological format, which emphasizes the progression of your experience.
Date: August 29, 2008 — Posted: Career Change, Career Search Strategies, resume writing, Unemployment — Comments: Comments Off on SKILLFULLY
HANDLING GAPS IN WORK HISTORY --
If you are opting for this format to
obscure gaps in your work history, consider creating a resume that is mostly in a functional resume format but with a brief Work Experience section.
This approach works best for career changers with little or no direct experience in the field they are targeting or for individuals who have
multiple gaps in their work history.
Signing up with a staffing agency that specializes in your field can result in interim jobs that
prevent gaps in your work history, help you keep your skills honed, expose you to invaluable new experiences and boost your professional network.
Address any
obvious gaps in your work history by writing a brief explanation where appropriate (perhaps you were travelling overseas, had a child or went back to university).