Resume gaps can be an impediment to returning to work. The Today show this morning, focused on a new way to re-enter the world of work for people who have taken some time off. A returnship is an internship for adults who have been away from the traditional workforce for a while. It’s essentially a back-to-work program where people can return to their careers without having to start from the bottom of the career ladder. Most returnships last a few weeks to a few months. According to the interviews, these opportunities include pay.

It is disheartening to think that the participation of women in the work force is the lowest it has been since 1988. The women interviewed included one whose husband had to move for his career, one who lost her job due to the pandemic and one who took time off to support her son who had some learning disabilities. The organization providing these Returnships is called the Path Forward.  Path Forward – Empowering you to restart your career after caregiving

To learn more about returnships or to view the news video from the show click here. How moms can restart their careers after the pandemic (today.com)  There was more information from the women interviewed in this next video clip. Women return to the workforce in ‘returnships’ (today.com)

Resume gaps can be an impediment to both women and men. Recently, a candidate expressed frustration that men are not given the benefit of the doubt when it comes to resume gaps. If they take a parental leave, they have a challenging time returning to work or getting employers to think they had a valid reason for the gap in their resume.  It can be challenging to remain optimistic when your resume is not reaching employers and you are not getting interviews due to resume gaps.  An article in Forbes by Caroline Castrillon, suggested the following additional ideas:

1.    Be transparent about your employment gap. If you’ve been laid off due to the pandemic, be honest about it. …

2.    Fill the employment gap and highlight it. …

3.    Provide context in a cover letter or interview. …

4.    Consider a different résumé format. …

The article provided information about how to address gaps if they are due to the pandemic.  “A recent LinkedIn survey of 2,000 U.S. adults who became unemployed between March and October 2020 found that 84% of those surveyed believe there is a stigma associated with being out of work. And roughly two-thirds (67%) assume that stigma affects their ability to find a new job. However, another LinkedIn poll of hiring managers found that 96% would hire a candidate who was laid off due to the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Source: Path Forward – Empowering you to restart your career after caregiving, Forbes, Five ways to handle an employment gap on your resume.