Will Employment Gaps Hurt My Executive Job Search - Executive Career Brandâ„¢

Will Employment Gaps Hurt My Executive Job Search With unemployment  at around 10% and job search frequently stretching out beyond 10 to 12 months, more and more executive job seekers are stuck figuring out how to deal with prolonged employment gaps on their resumes and other career marketing communications. How do you best deal with these gaps and not risk sending up all kinds of red flags? You cant lie and make up a job to fill the gap. You cant extend the length of employment for jobs on either side of the gap thats lying too. A new study by Recruiting Trends offers hope. The May 2010 survey of 111 national recruiters revealed that theyre thinking differently about screening and engaging talent: 81% of recruiters will lend leniency to time gaps on the resume 89% of recruiters will look favorably at volunteering as an alternative to career employment to fill in the gap 93% of recruiters were positive on temporary and consultative engagements as a bridge between positions 48% of recruiters would look toward individuals looking to make a significant career change Your takeaway Perhaps  recruiters and hiring authorities arent as concerned as they used to be about employment gaps. But play it safe.  Avoid gaps altogether  with a consulting gig or by volunteering. Both options provide a wealth of benefits and can, in themselves, lead to long-term job opportunities. More about the benefits of volunteer in my Executive Resume Branding post, Volunteering Powers Up Your Personal Brand, Network, and C-Level Executive Job Search. Other related posts: The Inside Story on Working With Executive Recruiters How to Write An Irresistible C-level Executive Brand Resume 16 Deadly Executive Job Search Mistakes How To Tap Into Hidden C-level Executive Jobs 00 0