Don't Fret the Employment Gap (Too Much)
Thanks to the current COVID-19 pandemic, more people than ever have been out of work for longer periods of time. There are many reasons for this, including having a compromised immune system and being unable to work in a traditional setting, being laid off due to COVID-19 cuts, or needing to stay home with children when schools shut down. Now that there is a vaccine, things are slowly starting to get back to normal, and people who have had a gap in employment are looking for employment.
In the past, it was hard to find a job after having a gap in employment, but that is less of a problem now. Here is what you need to consider if you have an employment gap.
Why Employers Were Less Likely to Hire Those With an Employment Gap in the Past
In the past, there was a stigma attached to someone who had been out of work for several months or longer. Employers wondered why the person wasn't able to find employment, and worried that the individual may have lost some of their skills while they were unemployed. Many employers were also weary of the unemployed, thinking it would be challenging for someone out of work for some time to transition back into the workforce. While not every employer shuns those with employment gaps, studies have consistently found it is harder for those who have been out of work for over six months to secure employment.
Why You Should Not Worry Too Much About Your Employment Gap Now
There are many reasons why employers are now willing to overlook the gap in your resume. First off, COVID-19 has forced many people out of work for a number of reasons. As such, employers are more sympathetic to those who have been out of work. Additionally, there is currently a labor shortage. Employers are having a hard time filling positions, and that means that they are willing to look more carefully at a person's resume, even if it has an employment gap on it.
Tips to Help You Secure Employment Now
If you are looking for a job after having an employment gap, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. Working with employment agencies or staffing agencies can be beneficial. They can help you tailor your resume to specific jobs, as well as recommend you for certain positions based on your skills, education and background. These agencies work with companies looking to hire. This means that they can help you find the right position for you in less time than it may take you to find employment on your own.
PRT Staffing, specializing in matching skilled workers in the construction, industrial and energy, manufacturing, hospitality and events, and disaster recovery sectors with short and long term employment opportunities, would love to help you find your next position. Reach out to us today to learn about the current opportunities we have available that match your skills.
