Career Gaps Aren't the Reason of Rejection —This Is...

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Let’s address a major misconception prevalent among professionals with Career Gaps.

"Recruiters are rejecting our CVs because of Career breaks"

The truth, however is very different.

90% of Professionals with Career Gaps Are Rejected Because of One Common Mistake.

For many professionals returning to the workforce after a career break, the immediate instinct is to start applying for jobs right away.

This often leads to rejection, and the blame falls on the "career gap."

However, the real issue might not be the gap itself but rather the recruiter's perception of your deployability.

The Real Issue: Recruiter Perception

After speaking with over 100 recruiters, I've learned that none of them inherently object to career breaks.

Instead, their concern lies with resumes that include gaps, as these might indicate potential challenges in quickly adapting to a new role.

As a result, candidates with career gaps are often filtered out during the initial stages of recruitment.

How can you tackle this?

1. Don't Apply Immediately After a Career Gap Take the time to strategically plan your return to the workforce. Jumping straight into applications without preparation can lead to unnecessary setbacks.
2. Set Clear Career Goals Define your target job role, domain, and industry. This clarity will guide your upskilling and job search efforts.
3. Research Job Descriptions Analyze job descriptions for your desired roles and list the specific skills required. Understanding employer expectations is crucial.
4. Upskill and Gain Experience Use online platforms like Coursera and The Forage to acquire new skills and complete relevant projects. This not only enhances your resume but also demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning.
5. Rebuild Your Resume Highlight your new skills and projects on your resume. Show recruiters that you're not just returning but returning with enhanced capabilities.
6. Customize Your Resume for Each Application Tailor your resume to fit the specific job you're applying for. Personalized applications have a higher chance of catching a recruiter's attention.

By addressing these key areas, you'll transform your career gap from a potential obstacle into a compelling narrative of growth and adaptability.

Follow these steps, and you might be amazed at the positive response rate from potential employers.

Stay tuned for more actionable tips on Career Growth in the weeks to come.

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