[Seeking Advice] Addressing an Employment Gap
I recently accepted a job offer and am currently undergoing a background check. When I submitted my resume, I didn’t include Company 4 (as per my employment history). Now, I’ve been asked to complete a background check form that automatically calculates employment gaps. In this form, I’ve included all my work history, different from what was on my original resume.
Is this okay? Why did I omit Company 4 initially, considering I’ve had multiple interviews where this was a concern? My reasoning for skipping it was to avoid the appearance of job-hopping—something that seemed to be an issue during previous interviews, though I was able to explain it.
Here’s a snapshot of my work history for context:
– Company 1: June 2005 to June 2016
– Company 2: June 2016 to January 2018
– Business venture: January 2018 to July 2018
– Company 3: July 2018 to June 2022
– NGO work: June 2022 to present
– Company 4 (which I initially skipped): September 2022 to January 2023
– Health-related gap: January 2023 to February 2023
– Company 5: March 2023 to September 2023
– Freelance work: September 2023 to present
I appreciate any insight or advice on how to navigate this situation!
RCadmin
It’s understandable to feel a bit anxious about how to present your employment history, especially after experiencing challenges in previous interviews. Here are a few points to consider regarding your situation:
Transparency is Key: When completing background checks or applications, being honest about your employment history is crucial. It’s better to include all relevant experience, even if it may seem like you’ve had a lot of job changes. Employers appreciate transparency and can understand that circumstances vary—for instance, sometimes roles don’t work out as planned, or personal situations arise.
Context Matters: If you have valid reasons for leaving Company 4 (whatever they may be), be ready to explain these succinctly if asked. Framing it as a learning experience or a stepping stone in your career progression can help mitigate concerns.
Addressing Gaps: It’s useful to be prepared to discuss any gaps in employment. You mentioned a health-related gap in early 2023, and being open about it can demonstrate your honesty and reliability. Many employers understand that life events can impact job stability.
Focus on Skills and Experience: When discussing your work history, emphasize the skills and experiences you’ve gained rather than the timeline itself. This shift in focus helps paint a more positive picture of your professional journey.
Consistency: Since you submitted a different version of your resume compared to what you filled out on the background check site, it might be helpful to clarify this discrepancy with your soon-to-be employer. A simple note or conversation explaining that you realized you had omitted Company 4 and wanted to provide a complete picture could be beneficial.
Future Interviews: For any future interviews, consider being upfront about your job changes when appropriate. Tailoring your narrative to highlight your adaptability and the skills you’ve gained from each experience can turn what might be perceived as a negative into a positive.
In summary, honesty and context are your allies in explaining your employment history. Best of luck with the background check and your new position!