Show higher tenure on Resume?

I worked at company X from 2016-2021. Left March 2021, but the next thing I joined was in late 2022. Between that time, first I was preparing for Masters, got in, but ultimately decided to not go. It took 8 months as the market was really bad and I was unprepared.

Now, when I am looking to switch from current job, I have gotten a couple of queries around why the gap etc. I originally thought I will explain the situation but now to prevent getting filtered out in screening, is it okay to write company X tenure from March 2021 to March 2022, reducing the gap?

All help/inputs from experienced folks is appreciated 🙏🏽

30mo ago

ZippyMochi

Stealth

30mo

Nope. It will show up in background checks, don't do it.

SqueakyPickle

Plivo

30mo

How do background checks happen? Who does it? Do they look at old roles as well?

ZippyMochi

Stealth

30mo

Calling around, agencies sometimes. HR does it. Ofc they do, why do you think they won't?

SleepyBagel

Stealth

30mo

You can write a career break in the resume rather than just keeping it as blank. Good hr will ask you and you can always explain.

SqueakyPickle

Plivo

30mo

Yeah. I have decided to not change anything for the sake of my peace. Thanks for the reply!

SparklyPretzel

Stealth

30mo

“Why the gap” is a normal question if HM or HR sees a gap. Just curiosity, does not always mean they are looking at it in bad light. As long as you have a reasonable explanation, it should be fine. What skill level you are at is more important.