I have been a contractor for many years, although not my first choice to be. I have gained a lot of valuable experience as an Admin and Executive Assistant. I have a college degree. With each role I take on, there is always the chance of being offered the role permanently but there are always budget reasons why the company or department cannot take me on. (I've worked in the pharmaceutical arena where there are many mergers and reorganizations with tight budgets.) I was very much liked in my last role and my managers have given me glowing references. I've been on many interviews and still have not been able to find work since December of last year. I began looking while I was still at that role knowing it was coming to an end. Now I'm being asked or judged why I have not worked since then. I honestly don't understand why this should be so difficult. I went on one interview in which my resume matched exactly what they were looking for and I had worked for the company in the past and so I felt I had a good chance. One of the managers looked at my resume after asking me all of the pertinent questions and wanted to know about a small gap in my resume from 2008. It was all I could do to contain my anger. But I did not let it show. What kind of an imbecile needs to ask about a gap in someone's resume from over 11 years ago when the most recent experience is a perfect match??
I feel so doomed the longer I am out of work. And what is with all these Indian agents calling me for roles, but I never get the job. Do they work on commission? One of them just today said, "Why have you not worked in such a long time?" I hung up on her. If this is politically incorrect, I couldn't care less!
-Had it and at my wits end!
It can be easy to feel put on trial when people ask you questions about gaps in your resume or want to clarify your experience. Some can go overboard with trying to seek out flaws. Just try to let it roll off your back (though easier said than done.) Not everyone has the luxury of having a perfect resume, but if you learn to respond to these sometimes harsh and judgemental comments about your career with a smile, you will be able to conquer just about anything. If you feel yourself getting tense, try to diffuse the situation by saying something like, "I'm glad you asked about that!" before you begin to answer your question. Not only does it give you a couple of seconds to regain your balance, but the statement shows the employer that you are not phased by the pressure and not hiding anything. Hope this helps you out in the future Lynn Heyden !