Gap In Career Due To Personal Reason Resulting Career Path Change

Hi all,

This is Pooja. I am an HR professional with 2.7 years of experience but due to some personal reasons, I quit my job in 2012. Since then, when I have been looking for a job in the same area, I have been facing rejections or unsatisfactory results. I am feeling demotivated and lacking confidence. I am worried about my career growth. Eventually, I joined a BPO in January 2013, but I am not happy with the role and responsibilities as they are different from HR.

Wherever I apply, my resume does not get responses. Consultants initially contact me, but then there is no further response upon knowing about the gap in my employment. My reason behind this gap is a very general family issue.

Please help me figure out how to overcome this situation.

Kind thanks,
Pooja

Dear Pooja,

Do not get demotivated. You are in HR; people expect you to give motivation and self-confidence. You have mentioned the reason for the gap is personal. I, therefore, suggest you mention the gap period as you were preparing for some higher studies entrances, etc., but you could not get through. There will be, and is, a solution for every problem; therefore, you are advised not to panic and worry. Concentrate on what you can do and how you can do it in a better manner. All the best, and God bless you.

Hello,

Why is a gap in work for genuine reasons, whether personal or otherwise, for a year or so considered and taken negatively by company HRs? Why can't a person take a break from work and then start working again if the person is committed and ready to give his/her hundred percent?

Hi, thank you for providing a solution. Can you suggest which resume I should consider? I joined a BPO in January 2013, and from September 2012 to December 2013, I did not work anywhere. Should I consider only my last company's HR experience or include this BPO experience, considering the difference in profiles between HR and BPO roles?

If I include the BPO experience, another question arises - why? Please share your thoughts.