Embracing Life’s Transitions: Let’s Reframe “Resume Gaps” as “Life Milestones”

In the world of hiring, we often place a strong emphasis on the uninterrupted career path. We’re conditioned to view any period of time outside of formal employment as a “gap” — a gap that needs to be explained, justified, or even overcome. But what if we shifted the way we think about these time periods? What if, instead of calling them "gaps," we referred to them as “Life Milestones”? These moments are often full of personal growth, skill-building, and life experiences that shape a person in ways a traditional job never could.

A New Perspective on Resume Gaps

A gap in someone’s resume can represent many things. Maybe someone took a year off to care for a sick family member, maybe they spent time traveling and discovering new cultures, or maybe they devoted themselves to raising children or building a business. In the past, these periods of time may have been seen as interruptions to a career. But the truth is, these "gaps" are often just as valuable as any work experience.

We often forget that life does not revolve solely around work. There are seasons when personal or family obligations take precedence, and during those times, it’s entirely possible that a person is growing, developing, or learning something that will enhance their skills as an employee or business partner. Life is not a linear journey, and neither should be a person’s career. It’s time for us to embrace this reality and reframe how we perceive those timeframes.

Introducing “Life Milestones”

Instead of “resume gaps,” let’s call these experiences “Life Milestones.” These are moments when individuals make choices to prioritize personal growth, family, health, or other life commitments.

Whether it's taking care of a loved one, pursuing higher education, starting a small business, or focusing on personal well-being, these milestones often give individuals valuable skills that can be applied in the workplace.

For instance:

- Caring for a family member teaches empathy, patience, time management, and crisis management.

- Running a small business cultivates leadership, financial skills, problem-solving, and creativity.

- Raising children can enhance multitasking, negotiation, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence.

- Volunteering can foster teamwork, communication, and a sense of social responsibility.

In many ways, these experiences equip a person with transferable skills that are just as important—if not more so—than the ones gained through traditional work.

Why This Matters for HR Leaders and Hiring Managers

If we shift our mindset around life milestones, HR leaders and hiring managers can begin to see candidates in a more holistic light. Rather than focusing on the "gap," the goal is to dig deeper into what someone accomplished, learned, or experienced during that time. When assessing resumes, try asking questions like:

- “What skills did you gain during this time away from the workforce?”

- “How did this experience shape who you are today as a professional?”

- “In what ways did this personal time contribute to your growth as a leader, collaborator, or team member?”

By doing so, you'll open the door to a wealth of diverse experiences that may not be found in traditional work environments but are equally valuable. Here are some specific tips for HR leaders and hiring managers to start embracing this shift:

Tips for HR Leaders and Hiring Managers

1. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Instead of assuming that a candidate’s life milestone was a "gap," ask about what they were doing during that time. Look for transferable skills and experiences they may have gained.

2. Recognize Transferable Skills

Leadership, problem-solving, empathy, and creativity are valuable in any setting. Recognize that these skills can come from various life experiences, not just formal work.

3. Avoid Bias

Be mindful of bias when reviewing resumes. Life milestones are an opportunity to connect with candidates on a human level, so approach their journey with empathy and curiosity, not judgment.

4. Reevaluate “Ideal” Career Paths

Understand that not everyone follows a traditional career trajectory. Life milestones can offer fresh perspectives, resilience, and adaptability, qualities that can make a candidate even more suited for the role.

5. Foster an Inclusive Environment

Show candidates that you value life experiences outside of work. This sends a positive message to your workforce and encourages a diverse and inclusive company culture.

6. Provide Support for Reentry into the Workforce

If someone is returning to work after a significant life milestone (like raising children or caring for a loved one), offer support to help them ease back into the workforce. Consider mentorship programs, training, or flexible work arrangements to assist with the transition.

Moving Beyond the "Gap" Mentality

When we view resumes through the lens of “life milestones,” we begin to acknowledge the whole person—someone who is likely resilient, well-rounded, and capable of adapting to new challenges. By shifting our perspective, we can redefine what it means to have a meaningful career, where personal growth and professional growth go hand in hand.

Ultimately, embracing life milestones as part of someone's career journey enriches our understanding of what success looks like. Instead of penalizing someone for the time they’ve spent away from the workforce, we should celebrate the experiences and knowledge they bring with them.

So, let’s stop thinking of life experiences as “gaps” and start seeing them as "milestones"—the stepping stones that build not just a career, but a life well-lived.

Life happens outside of work. It’s time to stop viewing time spent away from the workforce as a negative and instead recognize it as an opportunity for personal growth, reflection, and invaluable life experiences. Embrace “Life Milestones” on resumes, and allow those experiences to enrich your hiring process. When we do, we might just find that the best candidates are those who have walked the path less linear, but far more rich.