Employment Spot

How to Fix a Spotty Employment History

First of all, never lie when giving your employment history to a potential employer. Employers ask about employment history specifically because it provides very important information about a potential employee. There are many accurate ways to verify someone’s employment history. It is therefore unwise to lie about your employment history.

There are many common reasons for gaps in someone’s employment history. For example, some parents take time off to raise their children. Many employers expect some gaps in employment history and will accept most reasonable explanations.

There are many common reasons for gaps in someone’s employment history.  For example, some parents take time off to raise their children.  Many employers expect some gaps in employment history and will accept most reasonable explanations.

Often it is not why you took time off from working; it is how you explain this gap to a potential employer that will make the difference.  If you explain a year long hole in your employment history by stuttering and saying that you were incarcerated, you are likely to lose credibility with a potential employer. 
Read on for some common reasons for a gap in employment history and how you should explain these to potential employers.  Remember to be confident, no matter what reason you had for taking time off, and be prepared to answer more detailed questions about your reason.  Emphasize why you want to rejoin the workforce and why this particular position or company is the right place to do so.  Turn your employment history into an asset, not a hindrance.

• Children –
  One of the most common reasons for taking time off is to care for small children.  Many women take off time immediately before or after a pregnancy.  Though some companies offer generous maternal and paternal leave options, staying at home with your new baby may be your choice.  When you return to the workforce from staying at home with children, focus your employment history on your education and skills prior to the time off.  Also highlight any volunteer work, classes you took or activities you did during your time off.  Emphasize that you continued to expand your skill set during this time and that you always planned to return to work.
  
  
• Education –
  Some people worry that taking time off to attend school full-time will ruin their employment history.  Employers often appreciate someone who completely dedicates him or herself to gaining new training and education.  Be honest about your decision.  Express that you decided to take time off from work to get the most you could out of the education experience and that you returned to school in order to give yourself more employment opportunities.  Include your education on your resume with the dates.  If you were not able to complete your degree, explain why and show that you plan to finish as soon as possible.  Most employers will understand when plans are altered due to unforeseen financial constraints, for example.
  
  
• Failed Business –
  Unfortunately, a large percentage of small businesses do not continue to grow and expand and many entrepreneurs decide to return to the full-time workforce after a small business venture has failed.  Your employment history on your resume should reflect the time you spent on getting your small business off the ground.  Be honest with a potential employer about why you began a small business and why you think it failed.  Express that the experience inspired you and that you have learned a great deal from the venture that you can now apply to a new career or job. 
  
  
• Fired or Laid Off –
  In a world where job security is not always as secure as we like to hope, many employers understand when an employment history ends abruptly with a lay off.  Explain that your former company was downsizing or restructuring and that unfortunately you were unable to remain with them.  If you left voluntarily, tell that to a potential employer.  If you were fired from a previous job, be honest about the reason with a potential employer and explain that whatever resulted in your firing is something you have worked on and fixed.  For example, if you were always late to work you should emphasize to a potential employer that you have taken steps to fix this issue and that you know it will not be a problem in the future.
  
  
• Health Problems –
  Unfortunately, health problems can strike anyone without warning.  If you chose to take time off due to severe health problems, such as cancer, tell the hiring manger and express that you are now fit to return to work.  Show a potential employer that you spent the time not only recuperating but expanding your skill set or knowledge of your chosen industry or career.
  
  
• Incarceration –
  It is very possible to find a job after you are released from time in a correctional facility.  Again, be very honest about the time you served.  Explain that while you were fulfilling your debt to society you continued your education or gained additional skills in your facility.  Show that you regret whatever mistake caused you to be incarcerated.  Some time in a correctional facility will not ruin your employment history forever.  Express that you would like to start over and look forward to working hard in an entry-level position that fits your skill set.  Most employers are willing to hire and train people who have completed their time in a correctional facility and demonstrate a desire to work hard and get back on track.

  

• Marriage –
  Occasionally, people take time off for reasons such as marriage.  If you took time off to plan a wedding and get settled into a new phase of your life, you should expect some questions when you return to the workforce.  When asked about this gap in your employment history, focus on the skills you developed during this time and explain any extenuating circumstances that required that you take time off.  For example, if you moved across the country after getting married, you should tell a potential employer about your relocation and how much you look forward to establishing your career in a new place with a new company.
  
  
• Personal Issues –
  Depression, a death in the family or divorce can all be reasons why people take time off from working.  If your employment history has a gap due to a personal issue, spend some time before you begin a job search to ensure that you are ready to reenter the workforce.  When you make the decision to return to work, explain to potential employers that you took time off to resolve personal matters and then point to your previous employment history.  Some employers will want more information about your personal crisis.  Try to explain without getting too personal.  Express how excited you are to return to work and what you can contribute to a particular company or position.
  
  
• Retirement –
  Some people have a gap in their employment history because they retired.  Coming out of retirement is becoming increasingly popular as baby boomers decide that a relaxed lifestyle either is not for them or that they cannot afford it.  If you are reentering the workforce after retirement, use your employment history as an advantage.  Point out your experience, wisdom and skills as a boost.  Explain that you are willing to commit to a position long term to allay an employer’s fears that you will retire again after being hired.
  
  
• Travel –
  Many people have a lifelong dream of taking a year off to travel the world.  If you actually had the fortune to be able to do this, do not worry about this gap in your employment history.  Explain what you learned while abroad when you resume your job search.  Emphasize new skills or abilities you have, such as new languages you can speak or cultural awareness you have gained.  Employers are often willing to hire someone who will be an asset to a company.  If you can show that you pursued a dream and did so in a responsible fashion, this employment history gap is unlikely to hurt you.  You can even include a period abroad on your resume.
  
  

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