Couple of months of employment gap right before application

Question

I've more than 4 years of work experience with no employment gap whatsoever. I need to take about 1-2 months of break starting from August due to some personal issues which is why I've resigned from my current job and serving the notice period right now. How badly does this dent my application even if I'm able to provide a reasonable explanation for the same in my optional essay?

PS: I'd taken GMAT in Nov'20 and scored a 760 so hopefully, the adcom doesn't think that I'm trying to use this gap to apply to bschools. I'll also be working on a side project during this break and would have something to show for.

Admissionado · Answer

friskymarkets :

This is not a huge deal, but I strongly advise that you address this in the optional essay in each application. Besides giving the reason for your resignation, you should also indicate what you plan to do once your break is over, aka "the side project." While the schools won't be able to verify that you will necessarily do whatever you propose post-application, it's important to show that you are not taking a full-year off prior to matriculating unless the personal issue requires it. You should have a plan so you can get back in the "game" as soon as appropriate. If the statement is executed with tack and legitimacy, it should not be held again you.

I'm sorry to hear that you are going through something, but you should be able to manage this appropriate and not have it drastically impact your application.

Good luck,
Admissionado

ExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hello friskymarkets , Hope this finds you well. The 2-month gap should not be much of an issue if you address this appropriately in your Optional Essay; having said that, you might want to let the Ad Com know about what you have in store for yourself after the gap so that they know that they know where you are headed and that your gap is temporary!

The side project will help. All the best!

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

Hi friskymarkets , Employment gaps and how they affect your applications really vary based on personal circumstances. If you are able to tell a pretty convincing story, so something else that you were doing in the interim, that will help. This can involve volunteer work, family matters, etc. The important thing now is to figure out the best way to talk around that gap. Personal MBA Coach has successfully helped many applicants navigate career gaps. When writing about them in the optional essay, you will not want to offer long-winded excuses or more information than is needed. The best thing for you to do is perfect all other components of your applications. You have a strong GMAT under your belt, so now is the time to start thinking about how to best articulate your goals, personal story, and other key application elements that will help boost your candidacy. Take a look at Personal MBA Coach's services to learn how we can help guide you here. Do not hesitate to reach out to scott@personalmbacoach.com to discuss your application strategy in more detail! Best, Personal MBA Coach

Couple of months of employment gap right before application

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