Mind the gap

[Spacecadet]

and sand to a smooth finish.

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couldn't resist

[swamp]

I actually had to take the filler out of some ancient roles on my CV because I've just gone for an IB gig and I've heard they can perform 10 year reference checks...

Thing is I couldn't actually remember the dates myself. Some of the places I've worked have disapeared and/or were the other side of the world.

[RichardCranium]

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couldn't resist

[NickFitz]

I've never had a problem stating that I was working on projects of my own, or taking time to work on developing my skills in up-and-coming areas.

One interviewer commented "Aah, you can never have too many side-projects!"

"That's what yours is to me" I replied.

Instant hire

[chef]

Its the actual truth but it also wouldnt harm if it is a lie.

I took 18 months off during the 2001 dotcom bust and if questioned (which has only happened once and yes I got the gig) I simply state that I really enjoy travelling and seeing more of the world and like to fit that in around contracts as I never take time off during a contract always making sure Im upskilled for when I return.

That then followed with an "oh, where did you go?" followed by "oo, aaah, sounds great, i'd love to do that, your lucky being able to take large amounts of time off"


before you suggest it, no I wasnt in prison..

[bobhope]

No gaps, but what I have been asked, only once, is "why did you have two short contracts one after the other ? (short being 3 months)"

Well, let's see: the work was completed, nothing left to do, that's what a contractor does.

[Pogle]

I have gaps on my CV - and it does not seem to have hindered my ability to get other contracts.

I have posted before about a chap whose CV showed up at my current role and I was asked to look over his CV as we had both worked for the same customer.
He worked for them for 6 weeks, but had 6 MONTHS on his CV. They were not impressed and his CV went into the bin.

[conned tractor]

No gaps, but what I have been asked, only once, is "why did you have two short contracts one after the other ? (short being 3 months)"

Well, let's see: the work was completed, nothing left to do, that's what a contractor does.

Thats my contracting history also, albeit short. One 5 monther, one 6 monther, 4 months working on something else, about to be benched end of the week and have been offered an interview for a 1 month gig (everything else going for it - rate, task, etc).

Also CV gone forward to a fantastic 6 month roller, local, good rate, interesting job, but apart from pimp telling me CV gone forward, havien't heard anything back yet - but it has only been two days.

The 6 monther was initially a 2 monther but they wanted me to do some other tasks afterwards. So a couple of extensions - of sorts.

I am a bit worried about how the CV looks, but as you said, on all of the contracts I have been bought in to do a specific task, completed it and buggered off - but will prospective clients see it like that. I think I could do with that 6 month roller to perk up the CV a bit - and keep some steady money coming in.

[Sysman]

No gaps, but what I have been asked, only once, is "why did you have two short contracts one after the other ? (short being 3 months)"

Well, let's see: the work was completed, nothing left to do, that's what a contractor does.

I used to enjoy the short term nature of some gigs.

Go in. Sort problem. Leave with the feeling of mission accomplished.

[rootsnall]

Anyone got any decent CV gap-filling tips?

Expand gig by 1 month either side. Add an extra month ( or two ! ) on each CV rewrite or as it tickles your fancy. Eventually all gaps are gone !

If applying for role at previous client then recheck you haven't over expanded that particular gig and reinsert gap as necessary.