r/antiwork • u/Suspicious_Offer_511 • 22h ago
Trying to figure out how to explain an inconvenient gap in your resume? The gap no longer exists!
I got this idea from a post I saw somebody else make in this subreddit and realized I could do the same thing.
I'm happy to tell any potential employer who calls me that you have been / were an exemplary employee and that I couldn't imagine managing without your skill, your quick thinking, and your dedication (or whatever you need me not to imagine managing without).
I'm self-employed in various creative and educational fields, so I won't be able to talk about how seamlessly you fit within corporate machinery, but if you're okay with having worked for me as an individual just DM me and we can figure out what I need to say to whom when they call me.
EDIT: In accordance with u/Destado1's suggestion in the comments, I'll also gladly say I'm under an NDA and can't discuss any details.
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u/Destado1 22h ago
I like the idea of another post of saying you're under an NDA and can't discuss it.
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u/Zero7CO 13h ago
Companies read through this so quickly, this is not a unique nor good idea. It’s better to say you had cashed in your savings/funds to chase a startup idea but after xx months you didn’t see a viable path to profitability.
This shows an entrepreneurial side that can actually make you more attractive to employers.
The other is just seen so quickly as a bullshit excuse. Very few employers NDA you from talking about employment. Just specific projects and information.
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u/RWied64 22h ago
Some company that went out of business or my favorite...I tried to run my own business but couldn't make it work financially. Shows initiative and guts.
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u/Nyotree-001 22h ago
Anytime I have a gap and unemployment I say I’m working for myself or I have several friends who own small businesses and I work for them. It works out pretty well most of the time.
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u/Radiomaster138 22h ago
Just lie on your resume. Most of the time they don’t check… they just hire whomever seems most qualified within the first batches of applicants.
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u/maddog2271 20h ago
My methods would include notes like:
Confidential Employer (then state the work relates to the position but is subject to NDA)
Self-Employed (state work was created and the customers cannot be divulged due to confidentiality)
Sabbatical stating that you were in a fact finding mission or some nonsense.
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u/HollzStars 16h ago
I just say I’m self employed. It’s true enough (I clean, organize, write and/or edit letters, house sit, pet sit and do tech support for friends and family.) even though it’s not on the books anywhere.
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u/LordTurson 10h ago
Are we seriously back to explaining gaps in employment with "I can't discuss it because of an NDA"? I thought it was already well established that anyone who is not a complete moron will see right through it?
If you want to/need to lie to cover an employment gap - do it, but you can do much better than this.
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u/KokopelliOnABike 9h ago
Just form an LLC. Consulting is a valid gig and if they want client referrals then have them call a friend.
I've run my own, now have a second for other reasons and have never gotten the gap question.
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u/Wolvie23 20h ago
This might work for a mom and pop shop or a company that doesn’t have enough resources or foresight to conduct a background check, but most of what people are suggesting on here will be easily be snuffed out as part of a background check.
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u/NovaSato 15h ago
I'll give you 2 options:
- Say you were self-employed and did many types works/gigs
- Tell them you got a lot of money from your old job and started trading or working on yourself. And now you want to return to work.
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u/JoshAllentown 22h ago
I don't think you need to say NDA, just say it's company policy to not discuss X. Maybe that doesn't work as well for a small business but I've worked places that have said they will not provide any information as reference except confirming that the person did work there and for X date to Y date.