Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
User submission
People On Twitter Share “Excuses” For Having A Gap In Their Employment History
Job interviews are some of the most stressful experiences for many of us. On the stress scale, they fit somewhere between actual work and financial problems.
So, having questions that you know might have a huge impact on whether you get the job or not makes the interview process that much more stressful.
But some questions, according to many, shouldn’t even be a thing. Like the ‘where do you see yourself in 5 years’ one. But another thought-provoking question has been making rounds on the internet lately.
More Info: Twitter
RELATED:
A job interview is stressful as it is without questions that make you feel like you have to explain yourself
Image credits: Savannah River Site
A few days ago, web designer and writer Sophie (@jil_slander) went to Twitter to ask people how they would explain the gap in their employment history.
For the most part, many responded with real answers they said or planned to say. Turns out, having a gap in your employment history is quite common, especially during the pandemic, but it’s only one of many reasons.
This Twitter user asked how people explained the gap in their employment history
Image credits: jil_slander
And Twitter delivered
Image credits: SeanBellring
Image credits: TnezRN
Image credits: ApeIsrael
Some said that they took time off to take care of their kids, sick loved ones, or even themselves. Most were actually the latter case—their previous job had drained them so much that it affected their mental health, which demanded time to recuperate.
Others were very honest about what they would say, except they couldn’t really find the words to translate an otherwise personal or even inappropriate piece of information into professional speech.
This included unfortunate situations like being spontaneously “demoted” and being paid less than half of what they were paid as a contractor or, if you’re in law, whatever you respond with will quite likely be a no in getting the job.
Reasons for gaps ranged from having to take care of kids to being screwed over to simply needing some rest
Image credits: EndlessMason
Image credits: BlackshearComic
Image credits: ofdiscontent
Image credits: Zoe10828992
Now, at face value, it looks like an ordinary and even legit question, but most people seem to not really agree with it. In some people’s experience, this is where they quite likely lose points towards getting the job, thus begging the question, what is actually a good answer to it?
We’ve asked our in house HR expert at Bored Panda HQ to elaborate on the question, and he said: “During our interview process, we ignore employment gaps, especially if the person fits or exceeds every other criterion. The question may come up if they mention it themselves.”
Image credits: legalizeNC_
Image credits: DoktorRokk
Image credits: JoelGivan__
Image credits: aridyn
Some are uncomfortable answering it, as they may have used this time to work on their physical health, which, if they disclose that during an interview, makes the interviewer feel uncomfortable for even asking.
Others were simply finding it hard to get employed because things like racism, sexism, and ageism are a thing. Even being unlucky may have an impact on this.
And all of this adds to the fear that these answers can be interpreted in a bad way, and hence they don’t land the job.
Some shared reasons that can’t be easily put into words
Image credits: supermochiiiii
Image credits: trcovell
Image credits: sanitysannex
Image credits: sarashornyacct
“Asking this question doesn’t really lead to an answer that would expose red flags or other key information about a person,” elaborated HR Panda. “A gap in a resume can mean anything: maybe they took time off to rest, or perhaps they worked something they aren’t proud of, or did something that didn’t work out. And that doesn’t change their chances of getting the job.”
“What matters, however, is that they have their priorities straight, they have a clear picture of what they want from this job, and they want to advance their careers.”
Image credits: BlackBeltJaxson
Some online begged the question why do employers even care about this gap?
Image credits: COD Newsroom
Image credits: bigbangbri
There were even people working in the industry, saying that this question shouldn’t be a thing
Image credits: Kathlee93516724
Image credits: luvmaila
We’ve asked our HR expert what questions are more important than the above in an interview process, and he had this to say: “‘What do you want?’ We think it’s very important to find out what the applicant really wants from this job, and whether they will still love working here after 6 or 12 months. Our job, as recruiters, is to identify their talents, skills, abilities, and whether their drive is real.”
On Twitter, however, many didn’t agree with the question, and even some who work with employment were arguing that such questions don’t really matter in many if not all cases, sparking a debate. Oh, and, of course there was the occasional joker who channeled their inner self in answering the question.
Image credits: elbowwater
Image credits: latenightstefon
Image credits: tenfour2
Image credits: mxmrdr
Image credits: JPollocksNo5
Lastly, we’ve asked HR Panda to share the biggest piece of advice for those who are preparing for interviews: “Be yourself. I know this sounds super cliche, but it’s true. Many come to interviews ready to fit in and be what their managers want them to be, but that’s the worst thing you can do. Nobody should hide behind masks.”
He continued: “Instead, candidates should remain open about their strengths as well as their weaknesses, so that both sides can determine whether they’ll actually like it here and whether they will be right for the job. Nobody really wins in a situation where a person lies on their resume or interview and continues to work here, having to constantly cover all of those lies.”
And because this is the internet, of course there were some jokers who gave creative answers
Image credits: ruby_danger
Image credits: _aDiLo_
Image credits: C_64
Image credits: magskinbag
Image credits: Em0nTw1tter
The tweet engaged many online, garnering nearly 300,000 likes with over 26,000 retweets in just two days. You can read the whole thread here, but before you do that, let us know your thoughts on this in the comment section below! And if you want more, we already covered a similar discussion in another article on the gap in employment history.
128Kviews
Share on Facebook
What do you think ?
Carol Emory 4 years ago
I had a 20 year gap in my employment. When asked I said "My son was diagnosed with autism and I wanted to give him the best chance of being independent. Also, it would not have been fair to employers to have to take as much time off as was required to meet all of my son's needs. Now that he's grown and I have more help, this is no longer and issue." Usually it's enough to raise an eyebrow, but I usually get an "atta girl" for being committed to raising him.
James016 4 years ago
Same for my wife, she is a full time mum, she was going to go back to work but then he was diagnosed as autistic a couple of years ago so her time is spent raising and teaching him to be independent as possible, organising his therapies. Even though he is only 6 it is best to start early as possible in our view so that knowledge is in his head.
Load More Replies...
Aliquid A 4 years ago
out of all the times I've hired, I have never even bothered to look and see if there were gaps in the first place. I don't care. When looking at a resume, I just want to see if they have relevant experience.
Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago
Same here. I don’t even look at the dates really. Who gives a shít. I don’t want to know these people, I just want to pay them to do stuff.
Load More Replies...
JadeAngel 4 years ago
The question about why someone had a gap is irrelevant from a hiring standpoint. If it was something shady a background check will turn it up. If they were fired a call to their previous job will show that. Most of the time it's going to be something like kids, illness or death in the family. I know a lot of people make up stories because they think the real reason they have a gap would be embarrassing or difficult to explain. Why should they have to explain it though? To me what matters is what they did during that time to keep their skills sharp. I care that during that time they kept up with the industry, and have practiced their skills to get them ready for the positions they are applying for. So I ask them what they did during that gap to be ready for this interview. 100% relevant without putting a person on the spot. If they want to tell their story as part of that, cool. They shouldn't have to though.
Rebecca O’Donnell 4 years ago
I think your way of handling work gaps is fabulous and spot on!
Load More Replies...
Kate Blair 4 years ago (edited)
I worked for three startups in a row. Startup #1 boss was abusive so I left and I took a startup job 2. #2 ran out of money to pay me. Moved to startup #3 they got bought out. I was told " you've jump jobs too many times." *eye roll*
Liz the Wanderer 4 years ago
My gaps are filled by "I saved enough money not to live as a slave for a year." People find that really strange.
Jackie Porter 4 years ago
There are large gaps in my employment history due to suffering from depression. I'm always honest and tell any prospective employers who ask why there is a gap. I want to work for people who see past that and see who I am now and are willing to support me if I relapse. So far I haven't.
ThePracticalSarcastic 4 years ago
People getting asked that question now: "i was scared to go back to work". LOL j/k
Samel Mel 4 years ago
It is to understand more about you as a whole person, but not in a bad way. I am actually astonished to see that a lot of my HR coworker use this as a reason not to employ someone, it is plainly stupid. I often ask this question but because I strongly believe that life make us learn important skills and lessons too that are very useful in a company environment, even if you didn't learn them on the job. You used them to finish school? Great, this means you know how important education is and you surely learnt lot of new topics. You were a caregiver for someone? Excellent, this means you are willing to sacrifice yourself for someone you care about if they need your help. You just needed some time off? Awesome, you recognized you were unhappy and acted on it accordingly. Whenever you are asked this question, use it to explain what you have learnt in that period that made you a better person. If HR turns you down just for this reason then they are the idiot, and I say this as HR.
Whitey Black 4 years ago
What's this 4 year gap in your work history? Oh, that's when I went to Yale. Wow. You went to Yale? You're hired. Thank you. I really need this yob.
Tracy Costa 4 years ago
I'm a resume writer. Gaps can be listed as "self employed" You did something during that time. You organized something. You assisted a friend. You worked at a hobby. You can list something relevant to your work history. You worked for yourself and independently contracted your labor. You're now looking for more stability so you're applying for regular work. This is the only thing that's useful in the gig economy.
Leigh C. 4 years ago
I had to explain myself at 20 years old. When I said I've been a stay-at-home mom I would get the raised eyebrows and I would quickly get turned away. Apparently they assumed I was a welfare case. I was not. I didn't absolutely need a job but I was pressured by my boyfriend and his parents.
denzoren 4 years ago
I have a two year gap. I got laid off from my job with the government training persons in Aquaculture(fish farming) and gardening. Our unit was deemed, unnecessary. Apparently people don't eat. Lol. For two years I was at home because with a Zoology major, jobs are really rare.
Jo Choto 4 years ago
I don't have a gap in my employment history, because the two years I was a full time parent, I put down that I worked as a full time parent. I also mention educational opportunities I took during that time. I think "gaps" can be filled in with facts. I took six months off for self care and reflection. I was taking care of a family member. I was unable to find suitable work during that time. I would be fine with hearing any of those responses in an interview. We can change this whole dynamic by not being ashamed of the perceived flaw of not having a standardized work history.
Ben Smith 4 years ago
"Self care and reflection" to an employer just means you're unstable and unable to handle stress. If you really want the job, don't give that answer.
Load More Replies...
JkNuss 4 years ago
I left federal employment due to an autoimmune disease and now after 2 years I'm better and ready to return to work ... I've been on over 30 zoom type interviews since November 2020 to now ... even though I am upfront with two sentences in my cover letter & in my interview tell me about yourself phase of the interview ... about medically retiring but now am recovered and can provide medical clearance still not one job offer from federal employment ... when I follow up they say they can't talk about it ... I had a friend check my former supervisors & references & they all reported to her that I was awesome, organized, highly skilled, & dedicated etc.... so it's gotta be the two years off to heal that's blocking me from getting reemployed & it's sucks to high Heaven I just want to go back to work
Risa Jackson 4 years ago
"I was traveling abroad" 1) Makes you sound sophisticated. 2) Implies you have money and that hiring you is a benefit to them. 3) It's vague. If you're gap is for 6 months, they don't know how much of that time was abroad. 4) Even if you didn't travel abroad, who are they going to confirm it with? 🤷🏻♀️ 5) When they think you've been to other countries, they assume you are familiar with the work culture of those countries and just how screwed up the American workforce can be.
Ece Cenker 4 years ago (edited)
From the tweets it seems like they better mirandise interviewees before asking this question. As in "anything you say may be used against you."
Gogubaci 4 years ago
Yeah the absurdities of recruitment. I don't think that question is often asked here in UK, but the one that really grinds my gears is what's my current salary. This finishes the discussion on the spot, if they care about that means they want to low ball me on the offer so no thanks if it's relevat to you bye, have a nice day.
Ben Smith 4 years ago
I wonder if everyone here understands that employers don't ask that question because they care about the gap...they ask to see how you answer. Do you get defensive? Are you honest? Seems like many here would fail badly at answering that question.
Dilly Millandry 4 years ago
Never been asked it and never asked it. In equal ops interviews it isn't relevant.
Load More Replies...
nathan ellis 1 year ago
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the time I spent reading your post.
Ann Abdelzaher 3 years ago
I had a 2 year gap sort of. Illinois had a budget crises and my job with a Community College was eliminated to a budget shortfall. No one wanted to hire someone with a PhD and the state job market was frozen with the budget issue. After a year I legally started my own company but you have to market yourself to make money...
Joyce Blodgett 3 years ago
Ex-husband was fired from so many jobs in during our nine year marriage, he couldn't even remember who he'd worked for when, so always had a lot of gaps when applying for a new job. I finally told him to tell the truth, that he was a lying jackass who couldn't keep his hands off women, and he was a pedophile.
Robert Thompson 4 years ago
Do you want to talk about the future where I make your company a lot of money, or the past? I can't make your company money in the past.
Steve Wilson 4 years ago (edited)
I have a deadbeat nephew who has spent more years unemployed than not. I’ve told him “any HR person can look at your resume & tell you’re a deadbeat by the gaps between jobs. You’re going to have to find places that used to exist but don’t now (bars, restaurants, retail) & say you worked there. It will be very difficult for them to track down anyone that can dispute it”.
Paul Bucknall 4 years ago (edited)
It was 16 months. I joined a cult, had surgery to extend my legs and built a functioning Lego aeroplane that I managed to fly up to 10000 feet with myself and several distinguished guests on said plane. The rest of the time I spent on the couch pondering why my potted palm seems to be dying.
Sasy 4 years ago
I am pretty sure this has come up before, and one of the best answers was Blockbuster, no one can follow it up, and you get to be anything you want to be " I was Retail Area Manager for their _______ division for 8 years, I was unfortunate to lose my pension and all holiday time that I had accrued because I was a dedicated employee who loved my job and my team equally meaning that going to work was a pleasure *insert smile* and leave it there. What are they going to come back with ?
David Beaulieu 4 years ago
What does "A job interview is stressful as it is without questions that make you feel like you have to explain yourself" mean?
Alex Luiz 4 years ago
See, 10 years ago I failed probation, which led to me being unemployed for a bit. I always feel like I should mention it,but then... Why should I? Since then I got a similar job, did it for 4 years and I was exceptionally good at it-i have references and awards to prove it. But employers are only ever going to care about the initial failure in an environment where I was not supported.
Franc Esca 4 years ago
A year? That sounds like a long time to a male workforce? Seriously life between men and women isn't fair...
Denise Peer 4 years ago
I'm currently in my "gap". If I were asked tnis question I would probably answer with " Well hire me and we can put an end to this nasty "gap".
Lizz Lor 4 years ago
If there is a gap of a few months after every job they've had then maybe ask...because that looks more like they keep getting fired and can't find a new job. I have a 2 month gap from 2 years ago while I was contracting...one contract ended unexpectedly (company pulled the project) and it was August which is a hard time to interview since many are in vacations...got an offer within a few weeks but position didn't start until late September ....lucky for me, small gaps like that are more common in the world of IT contracting and there are a lot of legitimate reasons for why a job ended besides being fired or quitting.
Obimomkenobi 4 years ago
Sign up for gig work. Staffing. Uber. Door dash. I tell them "I went back to doing door dash for 6m" They don't need to know if I made 7.00 a day or 70.00 a day.
Whitey Black 4 years ago
What's this 4 year gap in your work history? Oh, that's when I was in Yale. Wow. You went to Yale? You're hired. Thank you. I really need this yob.
All's Gravy 4 years ago
What's wrong with, "Nothing embarrassing, immoral, dishonest or illegal, or anything that I wish or need to disclose that is relevant." Or, "None of your business".
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
My employment gap: Our project was canceled b/c the incoming administration pulled our funding. "Have you kept busy?" Yes, doing volunteer work in patient advocacy and information. ... and they smile and nod and that's that.
Carol Emory 4 years ago
I can see that because I do Tax Accounting now. The code changes so much from year to year, a big gap in employment could mean you haven't a clue as to what the new regs are. Same thing for law.
Load More Replies...
Viviane 4 years ago
In the 1990s, an employer asked me about a gap. I sheepishly admitted that I had a survival job. He wanted to ensure that I had not been in jail. I said the company no longer existed, so it would be a bit of a challenge to find someone to prove my employment there. He decided to play it safe and not risk having wee little me walk off with their big-ass computers.
Viviane 4 years ago (edited)
To paraphrase Groucho Marx, I don't mind being asked about a gap, but I resent hearing it from a character whose point comes to the second worst conclusion possible. (I suspect he didn't go to the absolute worst conclusion because the computers were more precious to him than human lives.)
Load More Replies...
Brian Irby 4 years ago
I would be concerned as an employer about gaps in the resume. It would make me wonder if there were jobs left out because the person got fired over some policy that might end up having a bearing on the job they are applying for. So, there are legitimate reasons employers would notice gaps in job history.
Elisabeth Chai 4 years ago
What about people who have spend time in prison? I would like to have a choice in whether I hire a serial killer or not 😉
Tracey Hirt 4 years ago
Most employers have prospective employees sign a consent to a background check. True Story: Years ago, I ran a background check on an applicant who applied to work at licensed childcare center. It came back that he served 20 years for murder. He did not get a second interview.
Load More Replies...
Carol Emory 4 years ago
I had a 20 year gap in my employment. When asked I said "My son was diagnosed with autism and I wanted to give him the best chance of being independent. Also, it would not have been fair to employers to have to take as much time off as was required to meet all of my son's needs. Now that he's grown and I have more help, this is no longer and issue." Usually it's enough to raise an eyebrow, but I usually get an "atta girl" for being committed to raising him.
James016 4 years ago
Same for my wife, she is a full time mum, she was going to go back to work but then he was diagnosed as autistic a couple of years ago so her time is spent raising and teaching him to be independent as possible, organising his therapies. Even though he is only 6 it is best to start early as possible in our view so that knowledge is in his head.
Load More Replies... Aliquid A 4 years ago
out of all the times I've hired, I have never even bothered to look and see if there were gaps in the first place. I don't care. When looking at a resume, I just want to see if they have relevant experience.
Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago
Same here. I don’t even look at the dates really. Who gives a shít. I don’t want to know these people, I just want to pay them to do stuff.
Load More Replies... JadeAngel 4 years ago
The question about why someone had a gap is irrelevant from a hiring standpoint. If it was something shady a background check will turn it up. If they were fired a call to their previous job will show that. Most of the time it's going to be something like kids, illness or death in the family. I know a lot of people make up stories because they think the real reason they have a gap would be embarrassing or difficult to explain. Why should they have to explain it though? To me what matters is what they did during that time to keep their skills sharp. I care that during that time they kept up with the industry, and have practiced their skills to get them ready for the positions they are applying for. So I ask them what they did during that gap to be ready for this interview. 100% relevant without putting a person on the spot. If they want to tell their story as part of that, cool. They shouldn't have to though.
Rebecca O’Donnell 4 years ago
I think your way of handling work gaps is fabulous and spot on!
Load More Replies... Kate Blair 4 years ago (edited)
I worked for three startups in a row. Startup #1 boss was abusive so I left and I took a startup job 2. #2 ran out of money to pay me. Moved to startup #3 they got bought out. I was told " you've jump jobs too many times." *eye roll*
Liz the Wanderer 4 years ago
My gaps are filled by "I saved enough money not to live as a slave for a year." People find that really strange.
Jackie Porter 4 years ago
There are large gaps in my employment history due to suffering from depression. I'm always honest and tell any prospective employers who ask why there is a gap. I want to work for people who see past that and see who I am now and are willing to support me if I relapse. So far I haven't.
ThePracticalSarcastic 4 years ago
People getting asked that question now: "i was scared to go back to work". LOL j/k
Samel Mel 4 years ago
It is to understand more about you as a whole person, but not in a bad way. I am actually astonished to see that a lot of my HR coworker use this as a reason not to employ someone, it is plainly stupid. I often ask this question but because I strongly believe that life make us learn important skills and lessons too that are very useful in a company environment, even if you didn't learn them on the job. You used them to finish school? Great, this means you know how important education is and you surely learnt lot of new topics. You were a caregiver for someone? Excellent, this means you are willing to sacrifice yourself for someone you care about if they need your help. You just needed some time off? Awesome, you recognized you were unhappy and acted on it accordingly. Whenever you are asked this question, use it to explain what you have learnt in that period that made you a better person. If HR turns you down just for this reason then they are the idiot, and I say this as HR.
Whitey Black 4 years ago
What's this 4 year gap in your work history? Oh, that's when I went to Yale. Wow. You went to Yale? You're hired. Thank you. I really need this yob.
Tracy Costa 4 years ago
I'm a resume writer. Gaps can be listed as "self employed" You did something during that time. You organized something. You assisted a friend. You worked at a hobby. You can list something relevant to your work history. You worked for yourself and independently contracted your labor. You're now looking for more stability so you're applying for regular work. This is the only thing that's useful in the gig economy.
Leigh C. 4 years ago
I had to explain myself at 20 years old. When I said I've been a stay-at-home mom I would get the raised eyebrows and I would quickly get turned away. Apparently they assumed I was a welfare case. I was not. I didn't absolutely need a job but I was pressured by my boyfriend and his parents.
denzoren 4 years ago
I have a two year gap. I got laid off from my job with the government training persons in Aquaculture(fish farming) and gardening. Our unit was deemed, unnecessary. Apparently people don't eat. Lol. For two years I was at home because with a Zoology major, jobs are really rare.
Jo Choto 4 years ago
I don't have a gap in my employment history, because the two years I was a full time parent, I put down that I worked as a full time parent. I also mention educational opportunities I took during that time. I think "gaps" can be filled in with facts. I took six months off for self care and reflection. I was taking care of a family member. I was unable to find suitable work during that time. I would be fine with hearing any of those responses in an interview. We can change this whole dynamic by not being ashamed of the perceived flaw of not having a standardized work history.
Ben Smith 4 years ago
"Self care and reflection" to an employer just means you're unstable and unable to handle stress. If you really want the job, don't give that answer.
Load More Replies... JkNuss 4 years ago
I left federal employment due to an autoimmune disease and now after 2 years I'm better and ready to return to work ... I've been on over 30 zoom type interviews since November 2020 to now ... even though I am upfront with two sentences in my cover letter & in my interview tell me about yourself phase of the interview ... about medically retiring but now am recovered and can provide medical clearance still not one job offer from federal employment ... when I follow up they say they can't talk about it ... I had a friend check my former supervisors & references & they all reported to her that I was awesome, organized, highly skilled, & dedicated etc.... so it's gotta be the two years off to heal that's blocking me from getting reemployed & it's sucks to high Heaven I just want to go back to work
Risa Jackson 4 years ago
"I was traveling abroad" 1) Makes you sound sophisticated. 2) Implies you have money and that hiring you is a benefit to them. 3) It's vague. If you're gap is for 6 months, they don't know how much of that time was abroad. 4) Even if you didn't travel abroad, who are they going to confirm it with? 🤷🏻♀️ 5) When they think you've been to other countries, they assume you are familiar with the work culture of those countries and just how screwed up the American workforce can be.
Ece Cenker 4 years ago (edited)
From the tweets it seems like they better mirandise interviewees before asking this question. As in "anything you say may be used against you."
Gogubaci 4 years ago
Yeah the absurdities of recruitment. I don't think that question is often asked here in UK, but the one that really grinds my gears is what's my current salary. This finishes the discussion on the spot, if they care about that means they want to low ball me on the offer so no thanks if it's relevat to you bye, have a nice day.
Ben Smith 4 years ago
I wonder if everyone here understands that employers don't ask that question because they care about the gap...they ask to see how you answer. Do you get defensive? Are you honest? Seems like many here would fail badly at answering that question.
Dilly Millandry 4 years ago
Never been asked it and never asked it. In equal ops interviews it isn't relevant.
Load More Replies... nathan ellis 1 year ago
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the time I spent reading your post.
Ann Abdelzaher 3 years ago
I had a 2 year gap sort of. Illinois had a budget crises and my job with a Community College was eliminated to a budget shortfall. No one wanted to hire someone with a PhD and the state job market was frozen with the budget issue. After a year I legally started my own company but you have to market yourself to make money...
Joyce Blodgett 3 years ago
Ex-husband was fired from so many jobs in during our nine year marriage, he couldn't even remember who he'd worked for when, so always had a lot of gaps when applying for a new job. I finally told him to tell the truth, that he was a lying jackass who couldn't keep his hands off women, and he was a pedophile.
Robert Thompson 4 years ago
Do you want to talk about the future where I make your company a lot of money, or the past? I can't make your company money in the past.
Steve Wilson 4 years ago (edited)
I have a deadbeat nephew who has spent more years unemployed than not. I’ve told him “any HR person can look at your resume & tell you’re a deadbeat by the gaps between jobs. You’re going to have to find places that used to exist but don’t now (bars, restaurants, retail) & say you worked there. It will be very difficult for them to track down anyone that can dispute it”.
Paul Bucknall 4 years ago (edited)
It was 16 months. I joined a cult, had surgery to extend my legs and built a functioning Lego aeroplane that I managed to fly up to 10000 feet with myself and several distinguished guests on said plane. The rest of the time I spent on the couch pondering why my potted palm seems to be dying.
Sasy 4 years ago
I am pretty sure this has come up before, and one of the best answers was Blockbuster, no one can follow it up, and you get to be anything you want to be " I was Retail Area Manager for their _______ division for 8 years, I was unfortunate to lose my pension and all holiday time that I had accrued because I was a dedicated employee who loved my job and my team equally meaning that going to work was a pleasure *insert smile* and leave it there. What are they going to come back with ?
David Beaulieu 4 years ago
What does "A job interview is stressful as it is without questions that make you feel like you have to explain yourself" mean?
Alex Luiz 4 years ago
See, 10 years ago I failed probation, which led to me being unemployed for a bit. I always feel like I should mention it,but then... Why should I? Since then I got a similar job, did it for 4 years and I was exceptionally good at it-i have references and awards to prove it. But employers are only ever going to care about the initial failure in an environment where I was not supported.
Franc Esca 4 years ago
A year? That sounds like a long time to a male workforce? Seriously life between men and women isn't fair...
Denise Peer 4 years ago
I'm currently in my "gap". If I were asked tnis question I would probably answer with " Well hire me and we can put an end to this nasty "gap".
Lizz Lor 4 years ago
If there is a gap of a few months after every job they've had then maybe ask...because that looks more like they keep getting fired and can't find a new job. I have a 2 month gap from 2 years ago while I was contracting...one contract ended unexpectedly (company pulled the project) and it was August which is a hard time to interview since many are in vacations...got an offer within a few weeks but position didn't start until late September ....lucky for me, small gaps like that are more common in the world of IT contracting and there are a lot of legitimate reasons for why a job ended besides being fired or quitting.
Obimomkenobi 4 years ago
Sign up for gig work. Staffing. Uber. Door dash. I tell them "I went back to doing door dash for 6m" They don't need to know if I made 7.00 a day or 70.00 a day.
Whitey Black 4 years ago
What's this 4 year gap in your work history? Oh, that's when I was in Yale. Wow. You went to Yale? You're hired. Thank you. I really need this yob.
All's Gravy 4 years ago
What's wrong with, "Nothing embarrassing, immoral, dishonest or illegal, or anything that I wish or need to disclose that is relevant." Or, "None of your business".
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
My employment gap: Our project was canceled b/c the incoming administration pulled our funding. "Have you kept busy?" Yes, doing volunteer work in patient advocacy and information. ... and they smile and nod and that's that.
Carol Emory 4 years ago
I can see that because I do Tax Accounting now. The code changes so much from year to year, a big gap in employment could mean you haven't a clue as to what the new regs are. Same thing for law.
Load More Replies... Viviane 4 years ago
In the 1990s, an employer asked me about a gap. I sheepishly admitted that I had a survival job. He wanted to ensure that I had not been in jail. I said the company no longer existed, so it would be a bit of a challenge to find someone to prove my employment there. He decided to play it safe and not risk having wee little me walk off with their big-ass computers.
Viviane 4 years ago (edited)
To paraphrase Groucho Marx, I don't mind being asked about a gap, but I resent hearing it from a character whose point comes to the second worst conclusion possible. (I suspect he didn't go to the absolute worst conclusion because the computers were more precious to him than human lives.)
Load More Replies... Brian Irby 4 years ago
I would be concerned as an employer about gaps in the resume. It would make me wonder if there were jobs left out because the person got fired over some policy that might end up having a bearing on the job they are applying for. So, there are legitimate reasons employers would notice gaps in job history.
Elisabeth Chai 4 years ago
What about people who have spend time in prison? I would like to have a choice in whether I hire a serial killer or not 😉
Tracey Hirt 4 years ago
Most employers have prospective employees sign a consent to a background check. True Story: Years ago, I ran a background check on an applicant who applied to work at licensed childcare center. It came back that he served 20 years for murder. He did not get a second interview.
Load More Replies... You May Like 115 Funny Job Interview Questions We’re Sure Wouldn’t Mind Answering Helpful Job Interview Tips To Keep In Mind While Job Hunting Exploring Life’s What-Ifs: 174 Funny Hypothetical Questions
Justina Čiapaitė
Justina Čiapaitė
Žydrūnė Trukanavičiūtė
Related on Bored Panda
143
74