



Recruiting News Network
Recruiting
News
OperationsThe Recruiting Worx PodcastMoney + InvestmentsCareer AdviceWorld
Tech
DEI
People
People on the Move
The Leaders
The Makers
People
People on the Move
The Leaders
The Makers
Brand +
Marketing
Events
Labor +
Economics
SUBSCRIBE





Career Advice

Why career gaps matter less in recruitment

April 17, 2025

Career Advice

Why career gaps matter less in recruitment

April 17, 2025

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Career paths today look more like winding trails than straight ladders. Twists, pauses, and recalibrations are now the norm, not the exception and simply reflect the ebb and flow of modern life.

Though career detours have always existed, the pandemic shone a spotlight on them, normalising what was once considered unconventional.

For decades, gaps in a CV were treated like red flags, a cause for concern rather than conversation. But that mindset is out of step with today’s realities.

Many of those so-called gaps are, in fact, proof of life unfolding: people caring for others, reflecting on their direction, investing in personal growth, or responding to circumstances beyond their control. And yet, even as the world changes, some hiring practices remain stuck in the past.

It’s time for a reset.

The myth of the seamless CV

The traditional career ideal is that of climbing a single corporate ladder, rung by rung, without faltering. But it has long since lost its lustre.

Today’s professionals are choosing purpose over predictability, opting for careers that align with their values, offer flexibility, and accommodate the full spectrum of their lives.

Dubbed “The Great Renegotiation,” this shift has seen people switch sectors, launch businesses, take sabbaticals, or step back to care for family or themselves. According to McKinsey, 78% of employees are unsure whether they can navigate traditional career structures, while 86% of employers doubt these frameworks still serve their evolving needs.

The linear career model is cracking. In its place, professionals are sketching out more dynamic, personal maps.

A continuous work history may suggest steadiness, but it doesn’t guarantee substance. Many of the most insightful, resilient employees are those who have taken the scenic route; those who have faced life head-on, made tough choices, and come back with broader perspectives.

Such time away – whether for caregiving, personal health, study, or travel – can enrich someone far beyond what any job title can do. It’s not a sign of failure, but often of courage and clarity. Ignoring this context does candidates and companies a disservice.

Post-COVID clarity: Why context matters

The pandemic flipped the world on its head. Roles vanished, industries stumbled, and millions had to hit pause, often involuntarily. To look at gaps from this era and judge them through a pre-COVID lens is to ignore one of the most profound global resets in living memory.

These pauses are not blemishes. They are footprints from a time when the world changed course. How someone responded to that moment – whether they used the time to upskill, reflect, or support others – often tells a richer story than any uninterrupted employment record could.

‍

Read full article here

Once seen as red flags, career gaps are becoming reframed as signs of resilience and growth.

What we're reading

‘We’re all fighting the giant’: Gig workers around the world are finally organizing

by
Peter Guest
-
rest of world

Gig workers are connecting across borders to challenge platforms’ power and policies

Got Zoom fatigue? Out-of-sync brainwaves could be another reason videoconferencing is such a drag

by
Dr. Julie Boland
-
The Conversation

I was curious about why conversation felt more laborious and awkward over Zoom and other video-conferencing software.

How to Purchase an Applicant Tracking System

by
Dave Zielinski
-
SHRM

Experts say the first step in seeking a new ATS should be to evaluate your existing recruiting processes.

View All Articles

Events
No items found.
View All Events
Related Articles

What’s happening to talent acquisition careers?

May 13, 2025

Recruiting Skills: How to Showcase Them on a Resume

May 9, 2025

© 2024 recruiting news network.
all rights reserved.



Categories
Technology
Money
People
TA Ops
Events
Editorial
World
Career Advice
Resources
Diversity & Inclusion
TA Tech Marketplace
Information
AboutContactMedia KitPrivacy Policy
Subscribe to newsletter
