Writing a resume - how to handle a gap?

[Argamemnon]

I haven't worked for six years. I want to work again, maybe this year. How could I possibly write a good resume when I have a gap of six years? I can't tell them that I suffered from depression and social anxiety all those years.

 

[whycantibenormal]

Awesome! I am going thru this right now! I need this exact help!

 

[chris420]

Done anything noteworthy in the last 6 years, like part-time study, travel etc? If so, exaggerate it. Otherwise maybe try for a basic entry-level role where they're less likely to be bothered about the gap. You still have to come up with something at interview though I guess, since they'll probably ask about your current circumstances.

I've been out of work for nearly 6 months (with a valid reason) and I'm finding it harder to get to interview stage now compared with a few months ago even. But I have very little experience which doesn't help.

 

[worrywort]

[note: I haven't thought these respoonses through....just babbling the first things that came to mind....but....]

how about telling them you won the lottery?!......ooorrr......you have rich ancestors, or you inherited some money.......

or how about saying something about having your own business or working freelance or having lots of odd jobs......

or how about saying someone in your family was ill and you had to care for them and survive off benefits for 6 years [which is kinda true?!]....and you could say other family members supported you during it with money etc.....

although all these are lies and you could just tell the truth, but we all know how hard that can be!...but I don't think the truth could be that bad an option.....some employers may be sympathetic and want to give you a chance......but it would be a risk!

 

[Argamemnon]

Done anything noteworthy in the last 6 years, like part-time study, travel etc? If so, exaggerate it.

Basically not, I would have to lie, which I can't and it's very risky..

 

[Lexmark]

Everyone bullshits on there resume
If you have family members or friends that you could get to act as a refrence to a made up job or something like that.
Say you went back packing for a year or on a holiday would take care of some of the time. Just make it all up man, half the time they dont even check.
Just make sure u know wat ya Bullshitting about incase they interogate you at a interview.

 

[krs2snow]

Lexmark, no offense but, that's the worst advice ever!!!
Seriously! Do Not bullshit on your resume. If you get caught in an interview w/bs on your resume can u imagine how stupid you'll feel?! Plus, you'll be nervous enough about interviewing now your gonna have to worry about getting busted lying. You'll be super fuckin' nervous then! Put the truth on your resume but put it in a positive way. Tweak it to make it good instead of sucky. If u don't have anything to really put then just let there be a gap. & search online for suggestions on how to answer the dreaded "Why have u been out of work so long" question. But lying- baaad idea!

 

[Sacrament]

I 'lied' on my resumé. Well, there was two-and-a-half-year gap between finishing 12th grade and getting my first job, and before I got my first job, I did some volunteer work (with 'pay'), so I lied and said that not only had I done volunteer work that year, but also the year before, so they wouldn't think that I did absolutely nothing during that time.

It's not like that check. I mean, if you say that you worked for a major company or something, they'll probably check to see if you did, but if it's volunteer work or similar ('jobs' that don't require a contract per se and so forth), they won't bother.

 

[phoenix1]

It depends on what you are comfortable with. 'Lying' really isn't that big of a deal with resumes. I've done it, many people I know do it. Most people exaggerate to some degree. If you ever get caught, then the worst thing that really happens is that they choose someone else for the job. The interview process itself is an act. Exaggerating your resume, your talents, your life is just part of the act it takes to get the gig.

But do what you feel is most comfortable for you. If you really need to tell the truth, then maybe think about something you did in the last 6 years and turn it into something of a life journey. Maybe a type of spirtual / life awakening where you 'traveled to places' to learn about a certain aspect of life or something...A reorganization of your life and lifes priorities. Maybe a type of thoreau undertaking, where you simplified your life and focused on the internal. But now you are energized to re-enter the work force....stronger, smarter and more energetic.

 

[lonely_down_under]

Lexmark is right. I also lied on my resume and I got a great contract work starting 16th this month,

You gotta be bad, to live in the bad world.

 

[Dave_McFadden]

You're probably not the first person with social phobia to try to "reintegrate" into the working world. Since nearly every interviewer asks this question, everyone in your position has had to explain this to a potential employer. If you hunt around on the internet you can probably find "testimonials" of people who did the same thing you're doing, and maybe they talk about how they explained their "gap" to the interviewers.

Good luck!

 

[siren_0_0]

Lexmark is right. I also lied on my resume and I got a great contract work starting 16th this month,

You gotta be bad, to live in the bad world.

I'll be starting my job next week too! I'm so nervous. But good luck to us yea? To all of us that's starting new jobs! =)