A story about people with over 10 years of career gaps getting hired
Good evening, everyone. This is Sasaki, a career counselor at Assertive Talk.
Some of you reading this blog might be feeling, "I'd like to start a part-time job once my child enters kindergarten."But I'm worried about whether I'll get hired because I have a career gap." and feeling anxious.
Furthermore, if your husband is busy with work and you have been doing the housework and childcare almost entirely by yourself, it might have been difficult to secure time for studying or obtaining certifications.
If that's the case, your career gap grows longer without any self-improvement, which only adds to your anxiety, right?
However, there are cases where a 'woman in her early 50s with a career gap of over 20 years' and a 'woman in her late 30s with a career gap of about 10 years' were hired for administrative part-time positions at a lesson school.
I will now write about what they did.
1. Go to the interview in a suit style🕴️
Ms. A went to her interview wearing a recruitment suit (the kind new graduates wear). The interviewer said, "We aren't a formal workplace, so (^^) you don't have to be so stiff! Let's keep it relaxed!(^^)!" Then, her serious personality and proactive attitude were appreciated, and she was hired.
While her personality was certainly recognized, I believe that by wearing a recruitment suit, she was able to give an even more sincere impression.
2. Bring a bag💼 that can hold A4-sized documents
Ms. A had a black bag like the ones new graduates carry, and Ms. B had a bag like the ones salespeople carry. Both were large enough to hold A4-sized documents and writing utensils.
⇒ Since the interviewer might say, "This is a pamphlet we give to our customers, so please read it if you'd like," and you may be given documents or pamphlets, bringing a small bag like the one you'd use for an outing might give the bad impression that you are "someone who cannot anticipate what lies ahead." It seems your bag is also being carefully observed!
3. Inform the interviewer in advance of the days and times you cannot work📅
⇒ Depending on the situation, the applicant's and employer's desired shifts may not match, leading to rejection. However, lying during the interview by saying "I'm available anytime" and then saying "I can't work weekends because it's inconvenient" after joining the company will only cause trouble later (I've actually seen this happen...), so it is better to be honest about your preferences.
Also, there is a way to convey this positively.
Interviewer: "Since your youngest child is in kindergarten, would it be difficult for you to work weekday evenings or Saturdays?"
Ms. B: "Yes. This year, I can only work weekdays from 10:00 to 13:00. However, next year when my child enters elementary school, I will be able to work from 9:00 to 14:00. Also, if it is only once a month, I can have my husband watch the child so I can come to work."
Even if there are things you cannot do, if you convey them in a positive way like this, you can likely make a good impression on the interviewer.
4. Make sure you can use Excel and Word💻
Both Ms. A and Ms. B said that they used their free time to read and study guidebooks for Word and Excel.
Since computers are used in almost every workplace, it would be better if you can use one.
It is a good idea to buy a book and study on your own, or to attend a computer class while your child is at kindergarten. (By the way, the computer school I attended was open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.)
That is all, what do you think?
By the way, I heard this from someone with experience in general affairs and human resources: while employers officially say, "We are looking for creative, talented individuals!", their true intention is that they want someone who will follow instructions properly.
Dressing appropriately for the occasion and having solid greetings and responses. This was an event that made me feel that these things are important.
Therefore, depending on the workplace, a gap in employment does not matter.
I am rooting for everyone to be able to balance their home life and work!
Thank you for reading until the end.