Health Issues, Caregiving and Schooling Acceptable
Latest Results from The Harris Poll
Although sizable unexplained work gaps (36%) may deter some U.S. hiring managers from interviewing applicants, an overwhelming majority (95%) of decision-makers recognize valid reasons for such interruptions.
This is according to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.
On the other side of the situation, surveyed job seekers say they are worried about long-term employment but also believe there are acceptable reasons for candidates to have large gaps on resumes, including:
- Health Issues — 73% hiring managers; 74% job seekers
- Staying Home with a Child — 68% hiring managers; 66% job seekers
- Going to School — 68% hiring managers; 65% job seekers
- Caring for an Elderly Parent — 67% hiring managers; 67% job seekers
- Trying to Switch Careers — 45% hiring managers; 41% job seekers
- Not Liking Working in Their Past Industry — 23% hiring managers; 18% job seekers
These reasons are more likely to be found to be acceptable by female job seekers compared to men, while sentiments are equal for female/male hiring managers.
“Don’t be afraid to address a break in your career on your resume and be proactive about discussing those gaps in the interview.” Said Chris Petty, franchise manager of the Central Oregon Express franchise.
It can be easy to overlook candidates without a linear work history, but that could be a mistake, according to Express Employment International CEO Bill Stoller.
“For even the most dedicated employee, life interruptions happen,” he said. “Hiring managers might miss out on the ideal candidate by simply evaluating them on paper. If the applicant has the proper skills and appears to be a cultural fit, it’s worth bringing them in for further evaluation and a possible employment offer.”
Survey Methodology
The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between October 31 and November 10, 2023, among 1,007 U.S. hiring decision-makers.
The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from November 9 to 26, 2023, among 1,002 adults ages 18 and older.
For full survey methodologies, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, director of Corporate Communications and PR.
About Express Employment Professionals:
At Express Employment Professionals, we’re in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing 492,000 people globally in 2023 and more than 11 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.
The Central Oregon Express & Specialized Recruiting Group office is in their new location at 296 SW Columbia Street, Suite B, Bend, Oregon and serves the Central Oregon region.
About Bill Stoller:
William H. “Bill” Stoller is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment International. Founded in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the international staffing franchisor supports the Express Employment Professionals franchise and related brands. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
