Why employment gap is not considered - 2+ yrs gap due to maternity and child care need

Hello Seniors,

Need your valuable advice in my case. I have 9 years of HR experience and 5 HR-related certifications. I have a 2+ year gap due to maternity and child care needs. I am trying to secure full-time employment, but it seems that people only focus on the gap and are not considering my profile. They also cite reasons related to salary expectations, etc.

I have attended around 4-5 interviews, but it appears that my resume was not screened properly beforehand. The interviews focused on issues such as salary, the employment gap, being overqualified, etc. It is essential to screen candidates effectively before calling them for an interview to avoid wasting time, money (especially for outstation travel), and effort.

1) My question is, even though I was previously an HR professional and am familiar with the interviewing process, why do I still encounter issues such as inadequate screening and concerns about budget constraints, lack of proper feedback post-interview, resulting in wastage of time and resources? This makes me contemplate the experience of regular job seekers.

2) As HR professionals, we understand that common reasons for career breaks among women include marriage, maternity, and child care responsibilities. Why are these factors not taken into account when considering candidates for reemployment?

I am looking forward to your valuable input for the next steps in my career. Apologies for any typos or errors in my writing.

Hi Partner,

I really understand your situation and would like to say, please do not lose hope yet. Let me provide a short example to give you some insight.

Imagine visiting a professional hair salon with two hair stylists. One stylist has 5 years of experience but hasn't worked for the last 3 years due to getting married and taking care of their family. The other stylist has 2 years of experience and has been consistently working. My preference would be for the stylist with 2 years of experience because I might assume they are up to date with the latest methods and styles (although I could be wrong). The other stylist with 5 years of experience raises a concern - I would question if they are current with developments over the past 3 years. I would hesitate to let them experiment on my hair, as any mistake would affect me for the next 1-2 months. However, if the salon owner, who I trust as a regular customer, vouches for the experienced stylist, I might reconsider.

This scenario is similar to a job interview. Interviewers are concerned about your knowledge of HR developments in the past 2+ years rather than maternity-related factors. Some companies may also consider how you will balance your time between work and your child.

To prepare for interviews, research the changes in the HR field in your area over the last 3 years. Numerous online and offline articles and forums can provide valuable insights into evolving trends. Demonstrating your awareness of these trends during interviews shows your commitment to continuous learning and staying updated in HR.

Additionally, consider joining reputable HR associations in your area to expand your network and engage in discussions and presentations. Networking can lead to valuable references based on your interactions.

Gaining hands-on experience is crucial. Some individuals accept a temporary pay cut to gain experience in a new organization before moving on to larger companies. Others maintain their current pay while focusing on research, networking, and attending interviews until they achieve their desired role. Even unsuccessful interviews contribute to your experience, especially through engaging discussions with interviewers.

If traveling for interviews is necessary, consider requesting an initial telephonic or video interview, such as a Skype call. Approach interviews with a learning mindset, recognizing the opportunity to gain insights from the interviewer by asking thoughtful questions.

I apologize for the length of this message, but I hope these details serve as a starting point for your learning and growth. I wish you the best of luck moving forward.