So, I have a gap on my resume over the last two years because of my struggles with the bar exam (which I passed this year).
I'm applying to jobs and had an interview where I was pressed on what I'd been up to the past two years. I kept it vague ("passed the bar and took care of some personal and family matters"), but I was then asked if I had struggled with the bar exam and how many times I took it. I answered that I took it 5 times. I didn't like the vibe of this exchange, so I'm re-thinking how to address this issue.
Do I only talk about it if directly asked about my time gap? Or should I consider volunteering this information on my own first (e.g. answering 'passing the bar exam' when asked about what my greatest challenge was).
And if I do address it, should I talk about how the experience taught me grit/perseverance and that this time also allowed me to address personal things (e.g. physical health) for the better?
Thoughts?
Talking about resume gap in job interviews Forum
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Re: Talking about resume gap in job interviews
So I am in a similar boat - I failed the first time I took the bar and also had a gap of 8 months recently in a resume.
I would not tell a future employer about the bar. I don't think that will come up in the same way as it did in your previous interview. As stupid as it is, I think it's hard for an employer to forget that fact, so I would not volunteer that.
I also began by saying family issues for the gap, but also did not enjoy doing that because it felt so personal saying that in an interview and changed the dynamic. I would start a startup if I were you - even if it's only a few hours each week - to get something on your resume. You can describe what you do for your startup - esp any legal issues - without specifically mentioning that it's just you working at the place. That worked for me.
I would not tell a future employer about the bar. I don't think that will come up in the same way as it did in your previous interview. As stupid as it is, I think it's hard for an employer to forget that fact, so I would not volunteer that.
I also began by saying family issues for the gap, but also did not enjoy doing that because it felt so personal saying that in an interview and changed the dynamic. I would start a startup if I were you - even if it's only a few hours each week - to get something on your resume. You can describe what you do for your startup - esp any legal issues - without specifically mentioning that it's just you working at the place. That worked for me.
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Re: Talking about resume gap in job interviews
Don’t ever mention that passing the bar was your greatest challenge. That’ll be a red flag to many employers, since most people pass in their first try.
Honestly, employers are probably just going to assume you didn’t pass, so I wouldn’t mention it at all. If it comes up in conversation, just riefly mention the fact and move on.
You do not want to focus on it at all.
Honestly, employers are probably just going to assume you didn’t pass, so I wouldn’t mention it at all. If it comes up in conversation, just riefly mention the fact and move on.
You do not want to focus on it at all.
