[dakiol]

I think it’s mainly because of the year gap. Try lying about it. I had a 5 month gap in my resume (I quit my last job without having something new) and I got rejected a couple of times without having a single interview. As soon as I put that I’m still working, I got the interviews again on track. I don’t think it’s unethical to lie about that: if I pass their (shitty) interview, that means I “fit” their “culture”.

[tensility]

A lie is far worse than a gap. I'd much rather see someone simply be honest about the fact that they've taken a year off to focus on their personal health due to a serious medical condition. Further, if the lie is uncovered at any point, trust is likely broken forever. This is awful advice, in my opinion, and I certainly don't want to hire anyone who agrees with it ... ever.

[paulcole]

> A lie is far worse than a gap

It's only a lie if it's found out.

Just say you were working on your own project or freelancing or something.

Think of all the lies you've been told in your life where you never found out the truth!

[quietmonkey]

Why would a company that is filtering resumes based on whether there’s a gap be worthy of trust?

[muzani]

I think the only thing applicants should hide is whether they have a mental illness of some form. It's probably legally best to hide medical information anyway; it puts interviewers in a tough spot.

I've never had an issue with a gap. Sometimes relatives get sick. Sometimes they go on a 3 month road trip on a bike, or a pilgrimage. Sometimes they try to start a business. None of these are negative things. Sure, some guy might be in prison or rehab, but that might not really matter.

Whenever we see catch a lie on a resume, the interview is over.

[toast0]

One shouldn't lie on a resume, but omissions and partial truths are fair game. Consider listing years instead of month and year. That can make some gaps disappear. If they ask you clarifying questions about it later, that means you passed the resume screening. Consider leaving out dates and listing duration instead: ex: worked at X for 1 yr, 6 mo; worked at Y for 4 yr; etc. Gaps don't need to be reported in that format.