Few things are much more stressed in a job interview than handling some of the more challenging questions. Having a lengthy gap or break in job history can make an already tense experience worse. Try and envision hearing this job interivew question - "Can you explain the gaps in your work history?" It's one of the more worrisome second interview questions a job candidate can get asked if not ready, but the stress can just as easily be relieved with 1 or 2 straightforward steps.
Job history gaps might be the result of any number of potential causes. They might be due to a layoff, health issues for you or a family member, or any possible number of other causes. What the business wants to realise is why the breaks exist and assess the candidate's employability by taking into consideration the answers offered. At best the employer will learn if the individual faced challenges outside their control in a number of cases, while in others they will learn a person simply is unemployable. With the price tag to hire for an open position averaging 2 times or sometimes more of the yearly salary being offered for the job, it becomes clear companies seek to make efficient hiring choices.
As you're probably coming to realise, not having a good reply to this question could be the real difference between having employment gaps be a non-issue and sinking your probabilities at landing a new hiring paying job. Dealing with work disparities and questions about them is relatively simple. The key is preparation. Review your work history identifying any extended employment discrepencies of more than a month. Note the reason behind the discrepency to bring it completely into memory. After, sum up the explanation into a 1 or 2 sentence response if asked about that interruption. For instance, if an individual with an extensive history as a contract employee experienced 1 or 2 months of unemployment in their work history they might answer when asked questions about it with "The position was cut due to downsizing, and it took me one or two months to secure a new opportunity." If it were due to layoffs it may read as "The period being asked about was due to company headcount layoffs. As much as I enjoyed the position it was included with other cuts." The main thing to recall is keep the answer short volunteering nothing more nor less than what is needed to answer the question and frame the answer in a positive way. Never bash a previous employer regardless of how deeply the ill feeling you might or may have for the company.
Of the same importance as the answer itself is what you are doing with your time if an employment disruption was extended for a longer period like six months or even more. It's vital that you demonstrate your job related skills did not become rusty, outmoded, or that you spent your time on the lounger. Did you volunteer with a local organization, attended job retraining, take courses at a local community school or college, or something like this to best use your time? If that is so this demonstrates intense desire with the possible employer you have stayed important and current with the heartbeat of the labor pool. If you have failed to do this keep this information in mind should you find yourself facing a future situation with time between roles.
What really should be taken away is second interview questions can offer a large number of challenges to the unready. By contrast, preparations aren't tricky to undertake but if neglected can result in enduring a stress filled interview. Knowing this, invest the required time to get ready for a number of questions you will certainly face. After all , the interview experience you have will be determined by your level of preparedness and that's something each us has full control over if we opt to exercise it.
Job history gaps might be the result of any number of potential causes. They might be due to a layoff, health issues for you or a family member, or any possible number of other causes. What the business wants to realise is why the breaks exist and assess the candidate's employability by taking into consideration the answers offered. At best the employer will learn if the individual faced challenges outside their control in a number of cases, while in others they will learn a person simply is unemployable. With the price tag to hire for an open position averaging 2 times or sometimes more of the yearly salary being offered for the job, it becomes clear companies seek to make efficient hiring choices.
As you're probably coming to realise, not having a good reply to this question could be the real difference between having employment gaps be a non-issue and sinking your probabilities at landing a new hiring paying job. Dealing with work disparities and questions about them is relatively simple. The key is preparation. Review your work history identifying any extended employment discrepencies of more than a month. Note the reason behind the discrepency to bring it completely into memory. After, sum up the explanation into a 1 or 2 sentence response if asked about that interruption. For instance, if an individual with an extensive history as a contract employee experienced 1 or 2 months of unemployment in their work history they might answer when asked questions about it with "The position was cut due to downsizing, and it took me one or two months to secure a new opportunity." If it were due to layoffs it may read as "The period being asked about was due to company headcount layoffs. As much as I enjoyed the position it was included with other cuts." The main thing to recall is keep the answer short volunteering nothing more nor less than what is needed to answer the question and frame the answer in a positive way. Never bash a previous employer regardless of how deeply the ill feeling you might or may have for the company.
Of the same importance as the answer itself is what you are doing with your time if an employment disruption was extended for a longer period like six months or even more. It's vital that you demonstrate your job related skills did not become rusty, outmoded, or that you spent your time on the lounger. Did you volunteer with a local organization, attended job retraining, take courses at a local community school or college, or something like this to best use your time? If that is so this demonstrates intense desire with the possible employer you have stayed important and current with the heartbeat of the labor pool. If you have failed to do this keep this information in mind should you find yourself facing a future situation with time between roles.
What really should be taken away is second interview questions can offer a large number of challenges to the unready. By contrast, preparations aren't tricky to undertake but if neglected can result in enduring a stress filled interview. Knowing this, invest the required time to get ready for a number of questions you will certainly face. After all , the interview experience you have will be determined by your level of preparedness and that's something each us has full control over if we opt to exercise it.
About the Author:
Chris Everett is a hiring manager giving help to those wanting to understand how to successfully answer second interview questions. Confidently respond to second interview questions with his help and advice.
No comments:
Post a Comment