To ask if a 10-month employment gap concerns recruiters?

[ByLoftyNavyReader]

If you were recruiting and saw a candidate who’d been out of work for around 10 months, would that concern you?

Assume their previous role ended because it was a fixed-term contract rather than because they were dismissed or left under a cloud. Would the gap itself put you off or would you be more interested in their experience, skills and interview performance?

I’m interested because I often see people say that long periods out of work can be a red flag but I’m not sure whether employers actually see it that way in practice.

I would be curious to know why there was a gap in employment - and our safe recruitment policy would encourage us to ask questions

I'd be interested to know what the gap was for but it'd not stop me interviewing/hiring.

A competent recruiter would rightly be concerned. A competent recruiter would also explore why there's a gap. There can be perfectly legitimate reasons, it may not be a problem. 10 months out of a job is a long time though, I would want clear evidence to support the reasoning given. So yes, in summary, it's a huge red flag.

I had three years off when renovating a property. The recruitment company asked for invoices as proof and I did provide them although it felt quite intrusive.

DH and I took 18 months off to travel. Nobody cared

These days it shouldn't, as so many people are struggling to get jobs.

Just seen a post from one emplyer saying they like people to be on their 50th application, because then they'll be desperate for the job.
If it's true, that's charming. Sadly, wouldn't be surprised if it is true. So many well-qualified, job and "social " skilled people are out of work.

I have turned nearly two years’ unemployed into a lucrative “consulting career”.

A chat with my SIL about a charity she is a trustee for turned into consulting on safeguarding for children.

An interview where I had to produce my ideas for the next five years became a consultancy on developing the future for a trade association.

Also you can just say caring responsibilities.

My partner was worried after having a couple of years out of work. Firstly for personal reasons. Then he followed a different path and did a few courses which led to a different career. Nobody ever questioned the gap! He's in a very rewarding job now.

I’d want to know what they were doing in the meantime to ensure hadn’t gone to prison or been in an asylum etc

Good answer

Asylum? I had a year in a psychiatric hospital but I was still employed during that time so it never showed up on my CV as a gap

I wouldn’t be bothered about a gap - especially these days, so would still invite for interview. I would ask you about the gap, but unless you were in prison or something, if you were otherwise qualified/experienced enough for the role then it wouldn’t be a blocker.

I would ask about the gap. How I would respond would depend on the answer.