When is an employment gap worth explaining?

Question

I've heard/read different things with respect to the length of the gap - for example if it's 3+ months or 6+ months then an explanation is needed but not if less. Does anyone have any guidance on this with respect to bschool applications?

On one of my application forms so far, I was asked to explain any gaps in employment (it didn't specify the length) and it didn't appear to be a required question. I have two 2 month gaps - one a year and half ago and the other 3 years ago - should I still answer this or is 2 months not really considered a major gap worth an explanation?

And on other applications where it's not directly asked in the form itself, it's often mentioned as a suggested topic for the optional essay. Must I address it even though it's only 2 months?

Thanks!

Sent from my iPhone using  GMAT Club Forum mobile app

ARLeeConsulting · Answer

Hi JAE18,

this is a very interesting question.

Besides being an admissions consultant, I'm also an HR Professional, my last position being Head of HR for one of Samsung Electronics' biggest subsidiaries. Therefore I will answer this question from both perspectives.

An employment gap must always be addressed. If I was interviewing someone for a position at my firm with an employment gap (even if it's only 2 months), the first thing that could come to my mind is: " was this person laid off at this company?. If so, why? ", and I will definitely ask the candidate to explain what happened.

Being laid off is something very common and nothing to be ashamed of (it happens to everyone), but from an MBA admissions perspective it could show that you have not been in control of all decisions in your life. It is very different going from company A to company B because that is what you decided to do in order to achieve your career goals, than going from company A to company B because you were laid off at A and found nothing else but B. This is an extreme example, by the way, just to make a point.

Therefore, I would advise you to justify your employment gaps, and when possible, explain them in a way that shows it was something you wanted and part of your plan.

I hope this helps.

Good luck!

JAE18 · Answer

Hi Alex - yes this helped a lot.

Is it necessary to mention what i did during the 2 months (volunteering, attending professional development workshops Etc) or is just explaining the gap sufficient?

Thanks!

Sent from my iPhone using GMAT Club Forum

ARLeeConsulting · Answer

Hi JAE18,

I'm glad it helped.

Yeah, of course. Explain what you did if you feel it will strengthen your candidacy. Volunteering work, professional workshops,.. these are good examples of development and willingness to help your community.

JAE18 · Answer

Got it, thank you!

Sent from my iPhone using GMAT Club Forum

TheIvyLeagueEdge · Answer

If your employment gaps comes between extremely high peer rankings, promotions etc, it is not necessary to justify. Many people take a few months of backpacking vacations these days between demanding jobs.

On the other hand, if your employment gap comes between jobs where you were not doing so well, it is not advised to justify, for the same reasons that Alex detailed below.

Yet, if you chose to justify a month/two of gap, and highlighted a volunteering assignment done between two jobs, it will almost certainly look like a bad cover-up. Passion for volunteering (or achievements thereof) can hardly be a month/two long.

My suggestion: Unless it jumps out, don't talk about your gaps. If you have to, take a different route. 
Feel free to connect for a personalized evaluation and details.

JAE18 · Answer

Hello - thanks for the feedback.

As it was a specific question (although I don't believe a required one) on one of the application forms I thought I may have to answer it or it would look suspicious if I don't?

Can you clarify what you mean by taking a different route? What might that be exactly?

Sent from my iPhone using  GMAT Club Forum mobile app

TheIvyLeagueEdge · Answer

There are many different ways. Please pm me your resume and the gaps that you are talking about. Happy to discuss for your specific situation.

JAE18 · Answer

Sure will do, thanks!

Sent from my iPhone using GMAT Club Forum

talz94 · Answer

Hey!

I will potentially be in a situation where I need to leave my job to move to another country. If the gap between leaving my job and sending my applications is 2 months, will that negatively impact my applications? And what if I remain employed till I send the applications out and move post that, does being unemployed during interviews hurt my chances? My target schools are mostly in the top 15

ABatExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hi talz94 , Ideally, you must remain in your job until the interview is over for it could have a negative impact on your application. In any case, in most situations, the period between submitting your applications and receiving an interview call is not a very long one and we would recommend that you do not quit at that juncture

Of course, if you do choose to do so, you will need to come up with a compelling reason for the same. All the best!

yasminegunawan · Answer

Hi,

I'm about to discuss my start date with a new employer in the middle of my notice period with the previous employer. I'm just wondering, if I take 1,5 month off from 14 October until 28 November before starting my new job (hence there will be 1,5 month employment gap), will this make me less favorable compared to an MBA applicant with no employment gap at all? I'm aiming for top 20 b-schools

Second question, on almost all my application forms so far, I was asked to explain any gaps in employment (it didn't specify the length) and it didn't appear to be a required question. However, they do ask for the exact dates (not month only) of my end date and start date of employment. Do you think I should explain the employment gap of 1,5 month in those application forms?

Thank you very much, appreciate anyone's help!

SBCErikaOlson · Answer

Typically programs ask you to explain any employment gap of 4 months or longer.

I think you're totally fine to take a break between roles! I don't think it would be of any concern at all. Take a break and do something fun and restorative!

Admissionado · Answer

yasminegunawan : "...will this make me less favorable compared to MBA applicant with no employment gap at all? I'm aiming for top 20 b-schools" A: Not at all. You are totally fine. It's very hard to line up employment perfectly. A gap of a month or two is entirely normal, if not, sometimes even expected. Your candidacy to any program (T20 or not) is not hinging on a short break. "...Do you think I should explain employment gap of 1 month or 2 weeks in those application forms?" A: This one is a little trickier and it's a personal call. You really don't have to, but you certainly can if you wish. Some people are more cautious in their approach than others. You can simply say something like "transitioned to a new role" and that would suffice. At Admissionado, we would likely recommend not writing anything. Let us know how else we can be helpful and if you want to schedule a free consultation for your upcoming applications to these T20 programs! https://admissionado.com/free-consultation/ Good luck, Admissionado

When is an employment gap worth explaining?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards