Over the holiday weekend, I visited Watkins Glen State Park in New York and stood underneath an impressive waterfall. This trip reminded me how valuable it is to see things from another perspective.

We tend to adopt the perspectives of our parents even subconsciously. And then sometimes those perspectives no longer fit. One such perspective is that a career is a stable, predefined thing, with a clear straight trajectory. That idea is not aligned with the reality of today’s job market.

Employers’ Primary Concerns (WIIFM)

Employers are looking for a pair of hands. They’re in a challenging position where they focus on their business needs and goals (“what’s in it for me?”) but must consider the human attached to those hands.

No hiring manager worth their salt will be interested in digging into a candidate’s nine-month break after a 10-year run at an employer.

The issue is a candidate with a series of short runs with gaps in between. Consistent inconsistency in a candidate’s work experience sets off alarm bells.

Employers are concerned about:

• The cost of retraining and onboarding your replacement.
• The cost associated with unreliability in your work.
• The cost of disruption to the team when you leave and a desire to avoid drama.

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Positive Ways to Present Employment Gaps

Layoffs happen. Finding a good fit takes time, especially at more senior levels. Hiring managers are people. When we hear some unusual “reason” for a gap in employment, it can raise questions about the candidate’s reliability or honesty.

In the more senior levels, you are being hired less for your skills and more for your judgment. Demonstrating excellent judgment about your career is a feather in your cap. Any hiring manager I would want to work for will perceive the gap as a sign of strength, even a bonus, when presented factually, honestly, and in a forward-looking manner.

Case Study: Megan’s Story

Last week, I had a heart-to-heart with Megan, who bravely left her advertising agency employer after a challenging 9-month stint. Her self-esteem was deeply affected, and her anxiety was overwhelming. Looking back, she realized there were numerous warning signs, including a crazy expedited interviewing process. Because of her impressive connections and credentials, she was offered a job that wasn’t a good fit, which she accepted because of fear of having a gap on her resume, a fear that many of you might relate to.

Explore further: Maximize Your Job Search

Personal Note: Finding Clarity in Unlikely Places

Just as I found beauty in the waterfalls from an unexpected vantage point, you can find value in your career gaps by focusing on the opportunity it presents. Embrace them as opportunities for growth and learning. The job market and our perceptions of career stability have evolved. Employers value honesty, resilience, and the ability to adapt.

Warmly, Dee