There is a Time Gap on my CV, Why do Organizations Care About it?
By: Lara Yeku
I have met a lot of job seekers who ask me why they do not get the roles they apply for even when they are suitable; just because there is a time gap on their CV that they could not account for!
I usually smile and tell them ‘it is because you are the “CEO” of your career!’ Of course, employers expect you to do something meaningful with your life, even outside a paid job.
A lot of times when out of job, we sit and wait endlessly for the next job and gradually days turn into weeks, weeks into months and months into years……The most recent that I met was a lady who got laid off from a bank after 10years and had stayed at home for over 2 years. She recently got called for a head of customer care role and when asked what she’s been doing in the last 2 years…….she went mute and realized she couldn’t account for her 2 -year time gap!
The truth is, you are the “CEO of your CAREER”. Every employer expects you to take responsibility for your career regardless of whatever situation you are in……either out of job or in a job!
Career is not all about working 8 - 5! Take ownership of your career, you should make it your life purpose! Think creatively about what you love, find your talent, build skills around what value you have and identify a problem it can solve and get paid for doing what you love to do!
A Chinese statement states “Do what you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life”.
Are you in that gap time of your career, waiting for that dream job, promotion or seeking to switch career to something you love?
So, wake up!
Time to get more serious about your career!
Time to start creating a purposeful career!
Time to start creating a plan for your career!
Time to gain confidence in yourself and give yourself the permission to take the driver’s seat of your career “vehicle”!
Time to speak boldly about your talents & skills!
Time to turn that “GAP TIME” to “CREATIVE TIME”!
Time to get creative about how you spend your “wait time” and turn it into an opportunity to turn your talents, skills etc into a valuable venture.
Give yourself the PERMISSION to get smart. Take that bold step today towards creating the desired career you want.
Lara is a seasoned Human Resources senior executive with local and global best practices spanning across various industries. She is a certified coach with expertise cutting across HR Transformation, Talent & Career Management, HR Strategy, HR Metrics & Data Analytics, Organizational Development, Training, Performance Management, Talent Acquisition & Retention, Workforce planning, HR Coaching, Succession Planning, etc.
You can reach her on LinkedIn here.
