Tech IndustryJan 13, 2020
NewjWWd68

Resume Gap

I worked at my first job for about 4 years. I recently left it to explore the start up world but i realized this place is not for me and i feel unhappy everyday. I have been working here for about 4 months. I was thinking of quitting my job maybe take a couple months off and leetcode/prep and then apply for jobs. Now what i am concerned about is people will look at the gap on my resume and assume i got fired or something. So should I drag out this job for 6 months? 7 months? I just feel it's time wasted and i am unhappy but i am willing to go down that route if it looks less bad on resume and also the downside is it will delay my interview/prep further more as I have too much going on and can't prep while doing a full time job. Any thoughts? #leetcode #resumegap #google #microsoft #amazon #facebook #boston

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Goldman Sachs fake engineer Jan 13, 2020

I feel like the 4 years is enough proof of your "loyalty", you're probably fine.

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jWWd68 OP Jan 13, 2020

Yes, I am just afraid that people will preceive has gap as something negative like getting fired. How would i explain it to future employees if they ask me why did you take time off?

Goldman Sachs fake engineer Jan 13, 2020

If the startup is really really bad, I think they'll accept your explanation, still best to find a job ASAP though. I've gotten burned for resume gap before, it's unfortunate.

AllianceBernstein Coding=$$$ Jan 13, 2020

Resume gap is not a bad thing as long as its less than 6 months. Push yourself to do LC with your current job until you can and start applying as it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a month to schedule it. Quit once you are confident and have onsite scheduled.

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jWWd68 OP Jan 13, 2020

That's a good point!

Amazon ehensudie Jan 19, 2020

As long as you have a good explanation, it doesn’t matter. I had 5 jobs in 7 years (volatile industry segment), people didn’t care once I explained the nuances.