COVID-19 forced many companies, including architecture firms, to lay off staff, resulting in several professionals out of the workforce with few prospects. But, as job opportunities increase and more people receive vaccinations, reentry into the workforce could become a greater reality for some job seekers. But, how does one address an employment gap incurred as a result of the pandemic? 

Realize that potential employers are likely to understand

Career Coach Heath Krasna, in a recent article on The Muse, writes, "As a career coach and outplacement consultant with 22 years’ experience, I know the situation was similar during the recession of 2008 and that employers were more understanding of people who had been laid off then too." 

The added worry and stress of what a potential employer might think about a gap in one's resume will only take away from the focus needed to compose a stellar portfolio, write a great resume, and perform well in an interview. Sometimes, a small shift in mindset can greatly contribute to the larger task at hand.

Don't be shady

Krasna also advocates for an honest approach, writing that it is good to be upfront about the layoff. An architecture professional might illustrate some achievements and projects with the job in question before stating that a layoff occurred due to COVID-19. On a resume, it might look something like this:

• Led project team through CD phase of new high school gym building, which was on track for plan-check until a COVID-19 related layoff.

There's no need to make a huge deal out of the gap, but by stating it upfront, the job seeker can eliminate suspicion if discovered later in the hiring process. If an employer feels that a prospective team member was hiding a layoff, they may feel that there are other uncovered work-related secrets.

Capitalize on the downtime

The only thing a job seeker can do in a slow job market is to continue to diligently apply. While offers (hopefully) trickle in, one should ideally develop themselves in some way. That will be different for each person, but looking at the downtime as an opportunity instead of a sanction is the approach that will empower one to capitalize on the right opportunity when it materializes.

Whether it's to get some needed rest, refine your portfolio, tune-up your resume, or get in better shape, downtime can provide the space to set yourself up for greater success when the resolution comes with employment.