EXPERT ANSWER
Apr 05, 2019 - 04:13 PM
You can get a computer science engineering job after a one-year gap if you’re honest about the reason behind your gap, and you are prepared to explain the gap to a recruiter or hiring manager in a clear, direct way.
Whether you took time off to travel the world, care for a sick relative, or write a book, most recruiters and hiring managers will understand the reason behind your one-year gap as long as you are open and honest about it.
When you talk about the reason for your one-year gap, focus on what you learned during the gap, and how it helped you hone a skill, or develop a new skill. For example, your year-long break to do volunteer work helped you become a better communicator, or your year-long break to care for a sick relative helped you become better organized.
If the reason behind your one-year gap was highly personal – we'll use the sick relative example again – assure the recruiter or hiring manager that things are settled, and that you are definitely ready to get back to work. At the same time, don’t sound desperate to get back into the job arena, as employers often shy away from such candidates. It’s better to say that you're being selective in your process and want to find the job that will be a good fit for the long term.
Hopefully, you stayed abreast of news and developments in the computer science engineering field during your one-year gap. "Whenever possible, discuss what you achieved during that time to keep your finger on your industry’s pulse to maintain, or even strengthen, your skills," advises Amanda Augustine, a career advice expert.
Whether you took time off to travel the world, care for a sick relative, or write a book, most recruiters and hiring managers will understand the reason behind your one-year gap as long as you are open and honest about it.
When you talk about the reason for your one-year gap, focus on what you learned during the gap, and how it helped you hone a skill, or develop a new skill. For example, your year-long break to do volunteer work helped you become a better communicator, or your year-long break to care for a sick relative helped you become better organized.
If the reason behind your one-year gap was highly personal – we'll use the sick relative example again – assure the recruiter or hiring manager that things are settled, and that you are definitely ready to get back to work. At the same time, don’t sound desperate to get back into the job arena, as employers often shy away from such candidates. It’s better to say that you're being selective in your process and want to find the job that will be a good fit for the long term.
Hopefully, you stayed abreast of news and developments in the computer science engineering field during your one-year gap. "Whenever possible, discuss what you achieved during that time to keep your finger on your industry’s pulse to maintain, or even strengthen, your skills," advises Amanda Augustine, a career advice expert.
Aug 08, 2018 - 05:25 AM
While a missing year may seem like an obstacle to getting back in the game, taking time off is not that unusual. Here are several tips on how to obtain a computer science engineering job even if you have a one-year gap in your employment history.
First, just because you were not technically employed during the gap does not mean that your skills were lying dormant. Include any relevant training you completed or volunteer work you did during your time away. Freelance work also counts as experience. Resist the temptation to use a functional resume template, as some employers may view this as an attempt to hide your missing year from them. Be upfront about it, prove your expertise, and you will probably get a chance to explain the gap in an interview.
While you take time off, don't drop off the face of the planet. Maintain your contacts in the field. The people with whom you have cultivated professional relationships keep you connected to your area of expertise. You never know when they are going to need a computer science engineer with your qualifications or hear of a job opening that you would be perfect for. If you stay in touch, your name is more likely to come up when such opportunities arise.
First, just because you were not technically employed during the gap does not mean that your skills were lying dormant. Include any relevant training you completed or volunteer work you did during your time away. Freelance work also counts as experience. Resist the temptation to use a functional resume template, as some employers may view this as an attempt to hide your missing year from them. Be upfront about it, prove your expertise, and you will probably get a chance to explain the gap in an interview.
While you take time off, don't drop off the face of the planet. Maintain your contacts in the field. The people with whom you have cultivated professional relationships keep you connected to your area of expertise. You never know when they are going to need a computer science engineer with your qualifications or hear of a job opening that you would be perfect for. If you stay in touch, your name is more likely to come up when such opportunities arise.
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