Looking Past Resume Gaps

If you are like most construction hiring managers or recruiters, you deal with a large number of gaps on the resumes you receive. For years it was difficult for many candidates to find enough construction employment, but now the tables have turned, and you are searching for job candidates regularly. Looking past resume gaps is something that you will need to consider while you do your search.

It is important to keep in mind that a gap on the resume does not necessarily mean a bad thing, in fact, these gaps have been given a “bad” name. The truth is that many job candidates have gaps in their employment for very good reasons, such as:

Caring for a sick family member. More and more people are staying at home to care for their sick relatives, rather than put them in a “home” or leave them in a hospital.
Dealing with a death in the family is hard on many people. This may require them to take some time off to adjust to the loss, care for others in the family, and help get their loved one’s affairs in order.
Maternity and paternity leave is a very common gap on a resume. More and more parents are taking extended time off when their child is born.
Perhaps the gap was out of their control – the company they worked for suddenly laid off workers without warning.
Many construction workers have gaps on their resume due to obtaining additional skills. Whether that is going back to school, or taking on an unpaid internship, they are looking to further their skills and advance in the field.

If a gap on a construction resume is concerning you, ask the candidate to elaborate. This will put any negative ideas or feelings you have out of the equation.