8 replies to this topic

[audrienne]

Hi all,

Due to covid downturn, I made redudant june last year. I have been to few job interview but no luck to date. Wondering what is employer perception to one year unemployment gap?

Also, wondering if anyone has recommendation for interview coach specialising in food industry?

Thanks all

[Evans X.]

Greetings Audrienne,

 

Starting with the "bad" news is that unfortunately some employers can't engage in a normal interview conversation for reasons...unknown...!!! So trying to explain that the one year gap is not because you are lazy but due to the general covid situation (cutting down on personnel out of fear/lack of money/reduced sales etc etc) is just a waste of time and you should walk out from the interview by yourself.

Good news however is that there are those who do understand, so your part then is to explain in simple and straightforward way the reason for this year gap and more important to show your willingness in not wasting time during this period. This means that you will have to show that despite the "time off" you continued to try to find a job (even if it meant that you worked in another sector for a while), that you stayed up-to-date (a seminar/training/new relevant skill/reading new legislation even). All-in-all to those that give you the opportunity of an interview and seem logical show them that you didn't stay idle during this year, just waiting for someone to say a "yes" to you, making them feel you are passionate and willing to always evolve.

 

There may be a few bumps, but don't get discouraged.

Regards!

[beautiophile]

 

 All-in-all to those that give you the opportunity of an interview and seem logical show them that you didn't stay idle during this year, just waiting for someone to say a "yes" to you, making them feel you are passionate and willing to always evolve.

There may be a few bumps, but don't get discouraged.

 

 

Employer: Hey, I see a 2020-2021 gap in your curriculum vitae. What did you do then?

Candidate: I acquired alcohol to wash my hands, and sometimes to rinse my throat.

[Marloes]

A one year gap isn't that bad. Especially during a pandemic. Healthy employers should understand. Employers that get hung up on it, perhaps you don't want to work for.

A lot of employer will probably like some sort of explanation. So get some sort of answer ready for yourself.
Did you do any training last year? If yes, you can use this to show that you kept your knowledge is up to date.
Did you do any voluntary work during the year? Use that to fill the gap.

You can also look for a bridge over job. Can you spend 1 or 2 days a week as a consultant or something else semi-relevant? This will add some momentum to your resumé. With the new working from home culture you can also look for jobs outside of your geographical location.

 

In my opinions most interviews are about confidence in yourself and your skills. If a (job) coach can help you present yourself confidently, than do that!

[Setanta]

I agree with what has been written above. One year could be many things and in the era of COVID, with so many industries taking a downturn, it isn't that unusual. Mention that you stayed up to date with educational opportunities.

Edited by Setanta, 28 April 2022 - 01:15 PM.

[Gelato Quality Lead]

Agreeing with all that has been said in this thread. I would also like to add that there seems to be a culture developing around encouraging gap years for people to take time for themselves, which isn't necessarily what you are doing but I think that the development of this culture allows for a more open conversation about gaps in your resume.

 

And definitely, if a hiring manager does not understand why you were unemployed during a pandemic, then I'd consider applying for a different company because that'll be the employer that likely question why you need to take a vacation every once in a while. 

[MDaleDDF]

If I were hiring you, I could care less about a year gap in employment.   I'd probably be a little jealous is all, lol.

 

Interviews are odd.   I'm honestly a terrible interviewer, but a good employee.   And I've had plenty of people who interview great, but suck on the job.  

 

I interviewed for a high level job at a mixing company some odd years back, and I was being interviewed by the entire board.   The owner pulled out a little diorama and started asking me these really odd questions like "you're walking through the woods, and you see something shiny in the dirt.  What is it?".   I thought it odd, but by question number six I stood up and said "You know what guys, this job isn't for me.   And the shiny thing in the dirt is supposed to be money, right?"   They said yeah, you sure?   And I said:   Yup, and walked out.   Was never upset I did.   I'm down to do work, but I don't need to be psychoanalyzed by some rich turd, lol.    I've heard since they've been through like 5 people in as many years in the position....

 

So stick with it.   You'll find something great.   The best part about being unemployed is there's nowhere to go but up.

[TimG]

I won't get into what their perception might be because that will vary. I will say if their perception is negative and they feel you should be slaving away every waking hour, day, week, year of your life that this is a red flag of their culture.

Every few years I take 3-6 months to myself. I spend time with my dog, I read books, I enjoy the parts of being alive that get pushed to the back burner when working. I've been asked to 'explain the gap in my resume' and I simply respond with 'I wasn't employed from x to x'. I only had a few times where they've pushed, one even went so far as to "well did you do anything productive like volunteer, etc." My response has been to smile and say 'yes'. I did and do in fact volunteer at food kitchens from time to time, but I don't do it for the employer and it's none of their business either way as far as I'm concerned.

 

Sorry, this was going to be a quick reply but I somehow turned it into a wall of text.

[audrienne]

Thank you all for your response

 

I am pretty much doing what were suggested.  Keep up to date with technical webinars, get more involved at Food Institute etc.