How Can I Explain a 6-Month Job Gap Due to Family Emergencies in Interviews?

Hello to all the knowledgeable people out here. I have been reading and following CITE HR and the CITE group of websites and have gained a lot of knowledge. I greatly appreciate the way people go out of their way to help each other; it's amazing what's happening here.

My Query

I resigned from my job in August as a Systems Administrator (15 months) at an MNC. I had career aspirations (technology-wise) that were not being realized. The main reason was my dad's retirement and my brother's engagement, which led to my parents getting depressed due to my absence. I went home to help my dad with some property matters and to build our house. I'm glad I was able to do that. Two months later, my dad had a major accident, and now it has been 6 months since I left my last job.

The last four months went by in hospitals, taking care of my dad and mom (a challenging experience at the hospitals), literally living in them. I'm glad I was able to be there. Now that my dad is somewhat stable, I can get back to work. During this gap, I completed two Microsoft certifications to make the time worthwhile.

Soon, I will be attending interviews. I would like to provide HR or the interviewers with a justification for the gap. Please advise me on this so that I can offer a sufficient and satisfactory professional explanation. Also, will justifying this gap affect my package?

I needed an HR point of view on this, so I posted in this section. My work experience includes 2.5 years in an MNC in the same skill set.

Thank you very much for all the help.

You need not fake a gap of just 6 months. You can explain the reasons that you specified above.

I really appreciate you for sharing a part of your career journey with Life. I would like to advise you directly to keep all your parents' illness certificates or records for future interviews. Whether the interviewers believe in the value of your story or not, be honest. Additionally, if someone has mentioned your capabilities and strengths, they might approach you without any further concerns or difficulties.

All the very best!

Thanks,

Seetarama Moger

I believe you should discuss all your problems with the interview panel if necessary. If they inquire, disclose it. Otherwise, you can mention that due to personal reasons, you were unemployed.

I completely agree with the inputs given by Mr. Moger. If the interview panel asks you about the gap, you can explain the real situation and also show them your father's medical certificate as evidence. So, don't think too much about the 6-month gap and be confident.

Regards,

Understanding the Hiring Process

Companies do not hire you only for your skills. If they do, it must be only for seasonal jobs. They hire "you," and that "you" has several elements in it. Skills are one of them.

I believe that whatever the gap period may be, it always helps if you stick to the reasons and communicate what you have experienced during that period. Also, you may share how, despite these difficulties, you managed to complete two certifications from Microsoft. That is an achievement.

Yes, there are possibilities that the panel might relate you to other fake candidates. But you have enough evidence to prove them wrong.

Above all, you have just started your career. There's a long way to go. Don't worry.

Best regards,

Regards

Honesty in Professional Dealings

Never adopt a 'fly by night' approach in your dealings. If six months have been taken up by emergent family needs—which can arise at any time for anyone—there is absolutely no reason to fabricate an excuse. If you do so, you'll only be harming yourself. Always dare to be honest, and you'll never regret the decision. I wish you well.

Regards

Everyone has their personal reasons, and sharing them doesn't mean you are seeking sympathy. It's about being true to yourself. Every organization values an employee who is honest and dedicated. You have shown dedication to your family, and this trait will reflect in your commitment to any organization you join.

So, don't hide or lie to yourself. While you can deceive others, ultimately, you are only fooling yourself.

Regards, Vishwanath Software Quality Assurance Representative.

I will state the same thing that whatever situations you had, just be honest and don't try to over-justify (just let it be what it is). But the important thing is the way you put it across:

- Be positive and proud that you have stood beside your family in times of need.
- Emphasize the importance of family and work-life balance (every one of us has our own personal lives which we can't ignore!).
- You have undergone two certification courses, which shows that you wanted to keep yourself updated, even in such a difficult phase.
- Be prepared with all your technical expertise and knowledge to show them.
- You must be aware of the latest happenings in your field, in and around the country, market, etc.
- Keep ready and carry your father's health certificates as well.

Regards,
JYOTI

Handling Employment Gaps in Interviews

Most HR professionals might perceive this as a cinematic story. Don't take it the wrong way, but it's a fact. Here, your main ability will be demonstrated by how you navigate such an interview.

My suggestion is to ask the interviewer to disregard the gap for a few minutes and proceed with the questions. If I fail to answer satisfactorily, then any judgment you wish to make is acceptable to me. However, if I answer the questions according to your expectations, then you tell me, can this gap become a hurdle for me in getting this job? It's tough but challenging. If you are competent, you will definitely succeed, and HR will likely overlook it.

So, getting through the interview is not solely about the gap. If your answers are satisfactory, they will overlook it; if not, they will not.

Regards,
Arun J.