[Seeking Advice] Addressing an Employment Gap
I recently accepted a job offer and am currently undergoing the background check process. When I initially submitted my resume, I omitted Company 4 from my employment history. Now, I’ve been asked to fill out an online form for the background check, and it calculates employment gaps. In this form, I’ve included all my previous positions, contrasting with what I provided initially. Is this acceptable?
I initially decided to omit Company 4 because I was concerned it would make it appear as though I was frequently changing jobs. This has been a point of concern during prior interviews, even though I’ve always managed to explain my history. Here’s how my employment timeline looks:
- Company 1: June 2005 to June 2016
- Company 2: June 2016 to January 2018
- Business: January 2018 to July 2018
- Company 3: July 2018 to June 2022
- NGO work: June 2022 to present
- Company 4: September 2022 to January 2023 (this is the company I left out)
- Health-related gap: January 2023 to February 2023
- Company 5: March 2023 to September 2023
- Freelance work: September 2023 to present
Any insights on how to handle this situation would be greatly appreciated!
RCadmin
It sounds like you’re in a bit of a tricky situation, but it’s important to address this openly and truthfully. It’s generally best to be consistent and honest in all your job applications and background checks. Here are a few points to consider:
Transparency is Key: When filling out the background check form, it’s essential to be honest about your employment history. Including Company 4 in the background check is the right move after realizing the omission on your resume.
Addressing Gaps: Employment gaps are common, and many employers understand that not every career path is linear. If you’re concerned about how the gap (or the series of job changes) will be perceived, be ready to explain the reasons calmly and confidently. Highlight any skills you gained or experiences you had during those times, especially during your NGO work or freelance work.
Explain in the Interview: If the topic comes up during future interviews, be prepared to talk about your decisions. You can frame your transitions in a positive light: mention what you learned, how you grew, or how these experiences led you to this new opportunity.
Stability vs. Growth: If you feel that your history might be interpreted as job hopping, focus on how each position contributed to your professional growth and prepared you for the role you’re taking on now. Employers often value diverse experiences that contribute to a well-rounded candidate.
Update Your Resume: Make sure your resume is current and accurately reflects your employment history. This will help avoid confusion in the future and present a clear picture of your career journey.
Ultimately, honesty is the best policy. If you’ve already submitted the background check with the correct information, it should help clarify any discrepancies that might arise from your resume. Good luck with your new job!