The days of working at one job from graduation to retirement are long gone. Today's career paths are filled with twists and turns. Hiring managers who still see resume gaps as red flags risk losing talented people to competitors.

Is the Resume Gap Stigma a Thing of the Past?

For many employers, resume gaps are no longer the dealbreakers they once were. As the workforce evolves, so do hiring mindsets. Flexibility is increasingly seen as a two-way street, and career breaks are more common than ever before.

Forward-thinking employers recognize that gaps between jobs can give people resilience, adaptability and personal growth. Candidates who have taken time off often return with fresh perspectives and skills that can bring value to a team.

Should You Ask About Resume Gaps?

Of course – but the cons may outweigh the pros. Determining whether a gap represents growth or risk can be tricky for hiring managers. As industries evolve, so do expectations. Taking career breaks has become increasingly common.

Many candidates return to the workforce with new skills, broader perspectives, and a renewed sense of purpose. Some employers may still have concerns about commitment or skill loss during a gap. A staffing agency's expertise may be just what they need to put those fears to rest.

Common Reasons for Employment Gaps

Here are some common reasons candidates may have gaps on their resumes – and why they shouldn't be seen as negatives:

• Caregiving Responsibilities: Many professionals, especially women, step away from work to care for family. The pandemic made these gaps more common. Staffing agencies can ensure candidates returning from caregiving have up-to-date skills and are ready to contribute.
• Health and Disability: Some candidates pause their careers for health reasons. Staffing agencies will only present candidates who are physically and mentally prepared to return to work so you can hire with confidence.
• Layoffs and Restructuring: Economic changes and corporate restructuring affect millions of workers. Staffing agencies sift through candidates to find those who are ready to re-enter the workforce with a positive, growth-focused mindset.
• Mental Health Breaks: Mental health has become a critical issue, especially post-pandemic. Candidates who took time off to focus on their well-being can return energized and prepared for their next role. A staffing partner can help ensure these candidates are ready to hit the ground running.

The Risks of Asking About Resume Gaps on Your Own

While it's legal to ask about resume gaps, focusing on them too heavily can lead to unintended consequences: 

• Unconscious Bias: Focusing on gaps can cause employers to overlook a candidate's valuable skills and experiences.
• Legal Risks: Asking about sensitive topics such as family or health can lead to potential discrimination claims.
• Missed Opportunities: Dwelling on why a gap occurred might cause you to overlook highly qualified individuals who are more than ready to contribute.

How a Staffing Partner Makes the Hiring Process Easier

Partnering with a staffing agency helps you avoid these risks and gives you access to thoroughly vetted candidates evaluated on their skills and potential, not just their employment history. Here's how a staffing partner helps:

• Prescreened Candidates: Staffing agencies remove the guesswork by prescreening candidates to ensure they have the skills and qualifications to hit the ground running, whether they have a resume gap or not.
• Bias-Free Evaluations: A staffing partner focuses on a candidate's ability to contribute to your team, avoiding biases related to gaps, caregiving responsibilities, health or age so you don't miss out on top talent.
• Legal Risk Mitigation: Staffing partners are experts in navigating sensitive issues like health and family, keeping your hiring process compliant with employment laws while assessing a candidate's readiness.
• Time-Saving Expertise: Staffing agencies handle resume screening and gap interpretation, allowing you to focus on selecting the best hire without getting bogged down by employment history details.

Skills and Potential Matter More Than Gaps

What really matters is what a candidate can bring to your team. A staffing agency helps you look past resume gaps and focus on their skills and potential. Whether they've taken a break to care for a family member, recover from illness or pursue education, training or personal development, many candidates return from career breaks with fresh energy and new ideas, ready to make a positive impact.

With a staffing partner, you won't have to worry if someone is ready for the job – they've already done the work to ensure you're meeting top candidates prepared to succeed.

Rethinking the Resume Gap

Resume gaps aren't the red flags they used to be. Shifting the focus to skills and potential rather than employment gaps opens the door to a wider and more diverse talent pool. Partnering with a staffing agency helps you skip the risks associated with gaps and instead focus on hiring resilient, adaptable individuals who bring valuable experiences to your team.

Build a Stronger, More Inclusive Team

A staffing partner helps you navigate resume gaps while building a more diverse, innovative team. They connect you with candidates whose unique career paths reveal untapped potential, all through a hiring process that's efficient, compliant and bias-free.