People On Twitter Share "Excuses" For Having A Gap In Their Employment History Bored Panda Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app Continue in app Continue in browser Like what you're reading? Subscribe to our top stories Please enter email address By submitting email you agree to get Bored Panda newsletter. We respect your privacy. We will not publish or share your email address in any way. Almost finished... To complete the subscription process, please click the link in the email we just sent you. Almost finished... To complete the subscription process, please click the link in the email we just sent you. Are you leaving already? Are you sure you want to post this? We're asking people to rethink comments that seem similar to others that have been reported or downvoted this warning is a mistake x x Let's fight boredom together! Continue with Facebook Continue with Google or Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Forgot your password? Creating an account means you agree with Bored Panda's Terms of Service 0, text: error()"> Become a member Sign Up Have an account? Login Forgot your password? Creating an account means you agree with Bored Panda's Terms of Service 0, text: error(), css: errorCssClass"> Password reminder Please provide your email address and we will send your password shortly. Send Have an account? Login Don't have an account? Sign Up Get our top 10 stories in your inbox: Finish 0, text: error(), css: errorCssClass"> Please enter your email to complete registration Finish 0, text: error(), css: errorCssClass"> Activate to continue Your account is not active. We have sent an email to the address you provided with an activation link. Check your inbox, and click on the link to activate your account. I have already activated my account Resend activation link We and our trusted partners use technology such as cookies on our site to personalize content and ads, provide social media features, and analyze our traffic. You can read more about it and change your preferences here. Agree Bored Panda iOS App Available on App Store Continue in App Bored Panda Android App Available on Google Play Continue in App By using our services you agree to our use of cookies to improve your visit. You can change your preferences here. Agree BoredPanda Login Add Post Search ArtPhotographyAnimalsFunnyTravelIllustrationComicsDIYGood NewsParentingChallengeAsk Pandas More Featured Trending Latest Newsletter The Bored Panda iOS app is live! Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here. Bored Panda People On Twitter Share Excuses For Having A Gap In Their Employment History Home Partnership Advertise Success stories Jobs About us Contact 142points Other1 year ago

People On Twitter Share Excuses For Having A Gap In Their Employment History

Robertas Lisickis
BoredPanda staff Job interviews are some of the most stressful experiences for many of us. On the stress scale, they fit somewhere between actual work and financial problems. So, having questions that you know might have a huge impact on whether you get the job or not makes the interview process that much more stressful. But some questions, according to many, shouldn't even be a thing. Like the 'where do you see yourself in 5 years' one. But another thought-provoking question has been making rounds on the internet lately. More Info: Twitter

A job interview is stressful as it is without questions that make you feel like you have to explain yourself

Image credits: Savannah River Site A few days ago, web designer and writer Sophie (@jil_slander) went to Twitter to ask people how they would explain the gap in their employment history. For the most part, many responded with real answers they said or planned to say. Turns out, having a gap in your employment history is quite common, especially during the pandemic, but it's only one of many reasons.

This Twitter user asked how people explained the gap in their employment history

Image credits: jil_slander

And Twitter delivered

Image credits: SeanBellring Image credits: TnezRN Image credits: ApeIsrael Some said that they took time off to take care of their kids, sick loved ones, or even themselves. Most were actually the latter case-their previous job had drained them so much that it affected their mental health, which demanded time to recuperate. Others were very honest about what they would say, except they couldn't really find the words to translate an otherwise personal or even inappropriate piece of information into professional speech. This included unfortunate situations like being spontaneously "demoted" and being paid less than half of what they were paid as a contractor or, if you're in law, whatever you respond with will quite likely be a no in getting the job.

Reasons for gaps ranged from having to take care of kids to being screwed over to simply needing some rest

Image credits: EndlessMason Image credits: BlackshearComic Image credits: ofdiscontent Image credits: Zoe10828992 Now, at face value, it looks like an ordinary and even legit question, but most people seem to not really agree with it. In some people's experience, this is where they quite likely lose points towards getting the job, thus begging the question, what is actually a good answer to it? We've asked our in house HR expert at Bored Panda HQ to elaborate on the question, and he said: "During our interview process, we ignore employment gaps, especially if the person fits or exceeds every other criterion. The question may come up if they mention it themselves." Image credits: legalizeNC_ Image credits: DoktorRokk Image credits: JoelGivan__ Image credits: aridyn Some are uncomfortable answering it, as they may have used this time to work on their physical health, which, if they disclose that during an interview, makes the interviewer feel uncomfortable for even asking. Others were simply finding it hard to get employed because things like racism, sexism, and ageism are a thing. Even being unlucky may have an impact on this. And all of this adds to the fear that these answers can be interpreted in a bad way, and hence they don't land the job.

Some shared reasons that can t be easily put into words

Image credits: supermochiiiii Image credits: trcovell Image credits: sanitysannex Image credits: sarashornyacct "Asking this question doesn't really lead to an answer that would expose red flags or other key information about a person," elaborated HR Panda. "A gap in a resume can mean anything: maybe they took time off to rest, or perhaps they worked something they aren't proud of, or did something that didn't work out. And that doesn't change their chances of getting the job." "What matters, however, is that they have their priorities straight, they have a clear picture of what they want from this job, and they want to advance their careers." Image credits: BlackBeltJaxson

Some online begged the question why do employers even care about this gap

Image credits: COD Newsroom Image credits: bigbangbri

There were even people working in the industry saying that this question shouldn t be a thing

Image credits: Kathlee93516724 Image credits: luvmaila We've asked our HR expert what questions are more important than the above in an interview process, and he had this to say: "'What do you want?' We think it's very important to find out what the applicant really wants from this job, and whether they will still love working here after 6 or 12 months. Our job, as recruiters, is to identify their talents, skills, abilities, and whether their drive is real." On Twitter, however, many didn't agree with the question, and even some who work with employment were arguing that such questions don't really matter in many if not all cases, sparking a debate. Oh, and, of course there was the occasional joker who channeled their inner self in answering the question. Image credits: elbowwater Image credits: latenightstefon Image credits: tenfour2 Image credits: mxmrdr Image credits: JPollocksNo5 Lastly, we've asked HR Panda to share the biggest piece of advice for those who are preparing for interviews: "Be yourself. I know this sounds super cliche, but it's true. Many come to interviews ready to fit in and be what their managers want them to be, but that's the worst thing you can do. Nobody should hide behind masks." He continued: "Instead, candidates should remain open about their strengths as well as their weaknesses, so that both sides can determine whether they'll actually like it here and whether they will be right for the job. Nobody really wins in a situation where a person lies on their resume or interview and continues to work here, having to constantly cover all of those lies."

And because this is the internet of course there were some jokers who gave creative answers

Image credits: ruby_danger Image credits: _aDiLo_ Image credits: C_64 Image credits: magskinbag Image credits: Em0nTw1tter The tweet engaged many online, garnering nearly 300,000 likes with over 26,000 retweets in just two days. You can read the whole thread here, but before you do that, let us know your thoughts on this in the comment section below! And if you want more, we already covered a similar discussion in another article on the gap in employment history. Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing! Follow Bored Panda on Google News! Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda! Share on Facebook Robertas Lisickis Follow Unfollow Robertas Lisickis Author, BoredPanda staff Robertas, nicknamed the Comma Inquisitor by friends, is a Bored Panda writer and content creator. After his studies at LCC International University, where he got a BA in English Language and Literature, Robertas went on to do freelance teaching, translation, and copywriting work, primarily specializing in IT. He spent nearly three years writing about all things Wi-Fi, eventually being picked up by Bored Panda. Whenever there’s free time, he spends it playing Gwent, or hosting Dungeons & Dragons sessions for his mostly chaotic neutral team. Read more » Get the latest inspiring stories via our awesome iOS app! Download Bored Panda app! Popular on Bored Panda Woman Shows How "Harry Potter" Characters Were Supposed To Look According To Book Descriptions (35 Pics) 50 ‘Weird Facts’ About The World That Might Give You A Fresh Perspective Overworked Employee Quits Because He Wasn't Getting A Fair Wage, Costs The Company $40 Million 40 Embarrassing Moments People Didn't Know Who They Were Talking To And Made A Fool Of Themselves 30 Of The Most Hectic Homes As Shared On 'The Broke Agent' Instagram Account Bride Doesn't Include Wedding Dinner Price In Her Wedding Invites, Is Surprised To See Many Guests Canceling On Her After They Find Out Woman Shows How "Harry Potter" Characters Were Supposed To Look According To Book Descriptions (35 Pics) 50 ‘Weird Facts’ About The World That Might Give You A Fresh Perspective Overworked Employee Quits Because He Wasn't Getting A Fair Wage, Costs The Company $40 Million Start the discussion POST Carol Emory Carol Emory Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 1 year ago I had a 20 year gap in my employment. When asked I said "My son was diagnosed with autism and I wanted to give him the best chance of being independent. Also, it would not have been fair to employers to have to take as much time off as was required to meet all of my son's needs. Now that he's grown and I have more help, this is no longer and issue." Usually it's enough to raise an eyebrow, but I usually get an "atta girl" for being committed to raising him. 18 18points reply James016 James016 Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 1 year ago Same for my wife, she is a full time mum, she was going to go back to work but then he was diagnosed as autistic a couple of years ago so her time is spent raising and teaching him to be independent as possible, organising his therapies. Even though he is only 6 it is best to start early as possible in our view so that knowledge is in his head. 7 7points reply Load More Replies... Mimi M Mimi M Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 1 year ago How very lucky your child is to have both of you as parents. 2 2points reply Eslamala Eslamala Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 1 year ago How old is your son? Mine is 15 now 2 2points reply Carol Emory Carol Emory Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 1 year ago Mine's turning 30 this year. 2 2points reply Aliquid A Aliquid A Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 1 year ago out of all the times I've hired, I have never even bothered to look and see if there were gaps in the first place. I don't care. When looking at a resume, I just want to see if they have relevant experience. 14 14points reply Mewton’s Third Paw Mewton’s Third Paw Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 1 year ago Same here. I don’t even look at the dates really. Who gives a shít. I don’t want to know these people, I just want to pay them to do stuff. 0 0points reply Load More Replies... Ceredwyn Ealanta Ceredwyn Ealanta Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 1 year ago Same, and I've read hundreds of resumes. Mind you, if someone volunteers that they were doing care duties, that usually means they're capable of constant focus under conditions that are usually simultaneously hard AND boring. 0 0points reply JadeAngel JadeAngel Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 1 year ago The question about why someone had a gap is irrelevant from a hiring standpoint. If it was something shady a background check will turn it up. If they were fired a call to their previous job will show that. Most of the time it's going to be something like kids, illness or death in the family. I know a lot of people make up stories because they think the real reason they have a gap would be embarrassing or difficult to explain. Why should they have to explain it though? To me what matters is what they did during that time to keep their skills sharp. I care that during that time they kept up with the industry, and have practiced their skills to get them ready for the positions they are applying for. So I ask them what they did during that gap to be ready for this interview. 100% relevant without putting a person on the spot. If they want to tell their story as part of that, cool. They shouldn't have to though. 10 10points reply Rebecca O’Donnell Rebecca O’Donnell Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 1 year ago I think your way of handling work gaps is fabulous and spot on! 1 1point reply Load More Replies... Load More Comments POST Carol Emory Carol Emory Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 1 year ago I had a 20 year gap in my employment. When asked I said "My son was diagnosed with autism and I wanted to give him the best chance of being independent. Also, it would not have been fair to employers to have to take as much time off as was required to meet all of my son's needs. Now that he's grown and I have more help, this is no longer and issue." Usually it's enough to raise an eyebrow, but I usually get an "atta girl" for being committed to raising him. 18 18points reply James016 James016 Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 1 year ago Same for my wife, she is a full time mum, she was going to go back to work but then he was diagnosed as autistic a couple of years ago so her time is spent raising and teaching him to be independent as possible, organising his therapies. Even though he is only 6 it is best to start early as possible in our view so that knowledge is in his head. 7 7points reply Load More Replies... Mimi M Mimi M Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 1 year ago How very lucky your child is to have both of you as parents. 2 2points reply Eslamala Eslamala Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 1 year ago How old is your son? Mine is 15 now 2 2points reply Carol Emory Carol Emory Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 1 year ago Mine's turning 30 this year. 2 2points reply Aliquid A Aliquid A Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 1 year ago out of all the times I've hired, I have never even bothered to look and see if there were gaps in the first place. I don't care. When looking at a resume, I just want to see if they have relevant experience. 14 14points reply Mewton’s Third Paw Mewton’s Third Paw Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 1 year ago Same here. I don’t even look at the dates really. Who gives a shít. I don’t want to know these people, I just want to pay them to do stuff. 0 0points reply Load More Replies... Ceredwyn Ealanta Ceredwyn Ealanta Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 1 year ago Same, and I've read hundreds of resumes. Mind you, if someone volunteers that they were doing care duties, that usually means they're capable of constant focus under conditions that are usually simultaneously hard AND boring. 0 0points reply JadeAngel JadeAngel Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 1 year ago The question about why someone had a gap is irrelevant from a hiring standpoint. If it was something shady a background check will turn it up. If they were fired a call to their previous job will show that. Most of the time it's going to be something like kids, illness or death in the family. I know a lot of people make up stories because they think the real reason they have a gap would be embarrassing or difficult to explain. Why should they have to explain it though? To me what matters is what they did during that time to keep their skills sharp. I care that during that time they kept up with the industry, and have practiced their skills to get them ready for the positions they are applying for. So I ask them what they did during that gap to be ready for this interview. 100% relevant without putting a person on the spot. If they want to tell their story as part of that, cool. They shouldn't have to though. 10 10points reply Rebecca O’Donnell Rebecca O’Donnell Community Member • points posts comments upvotes FollowUnfollow 1 year ago I think your way of handling work gaps is fabulous and spot on! 1 1point reply Load More Replies... Load More Comments Popular on Bored Panda I Used AI To See What These 23 Popular Cartoon Characters Would Look Like In Real Life 30 Y.O. 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