Academic Gap

by babu
(bangalore, india)

I am now at the final year BE Information Science. After completing my 12th, I could not study for the next 7 years due to personal issues and as I was working to earn money for a living. Now, I have a lot of campus interviews coming on the way. Recently I had come till the final HR round of an interview in which I was questioned about this gap. I told them everything as it had happened. Now I am worried whether this would cause problems in getting the job I wanted. I still don't know if am selected because the interview results are yet to be announced. However, I have no hope about it.

So, I would like to know if I am gonna be disappointed and will have to be disappointed about this as there could be some policies restricting the companies to hire me.

Response from Carl: Hi Babu. You didn't mention what it is that you told the hiring manager so I'm not sure exactly how to respond although working to pay for school sounds like a good reason to me.

When you're explaining a gap in your work or education history, I have two suggestions: be honest and be brief. Tell the truth but use the fewest words possible and don't give out details that don't help your cause. If it sounds like you're making a big deal out of something, it will become a big deal.

Carl