Executive Job Search: How Do I Deal With Employment Gaps?

Unemployment is hovering at around 10% and an executive job search these days can take upwards of 10 months.

Are you one of the many executive job seekers trying to figure out how to deal with prolonged employment gaps on their resumes and other career marketing communications?

Is there any way to deal with these gaps without sending up red flags that can sabotage your search?

Obviously, lying and making up jobs to fill in gaps is not an option. And you can’t legitimately extend the length of employment for jobs on either side of gaps — that’s lying too.

A new study by Recruiting Trends offers hope. The May 2010 survey of 111 national recruiters revealed that they’re thinking differently about screening and engaging talent:

• 81% of recruiters will lend leniency to time gaps on the resume
• 89% of recruiters will look favorably at volunteering as an alternative to career employment to fill in the gap
• 93% of recruiters were positive on temporary and consultative engagements as a bridge between positions
• 48% of recruiters would look toward individuals looking to make a significant career change

Your takeaway

Perhaps recruiters and hiring authorities aren’t as concerned as they used to be about employment gaps. But play it safe. Avoid gaps altogether with a consulting gig or by volunteering. Both options provide a wealth of benefits and can, in themselves, lead to long-term job opportunities.

More about the benefits of volunteer in my post, Volunteering Powers Up Your Personal Brand, Network, and C-Level Executive Job Search.

Other related posts:

The Inside Story on Working With Executive Recruiters

How to Write An Irresistible C-level Executive Brand Resume

16 Deadly Executive Job Search Mistakes

How To Tap Into Hidden C-level Executive Jobs