Signing an NDA is now recommended as a way to explain resume gaps on TikTok. However, it is not a wise choice.

Signing an NDA is now recommended as a way to explain resume gaps on TikTok. However, it is not a wise choice.

The Surprising Hack for Dodging Uncomfortable Questions in Job Interviews

“I’m sorry, I signed an NDA,” is now being touted as the ultimate hack for avoiding answering those uncomfortable questions in job interviews. The idea of using a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) as a get-out-of-jail-free card gained popularity after a TikTok video went viral, but is it really a foolproof strategy?

Non-disclosure agreements, also known as “gag orders,” are commonly used by companies to prevent employees from disclosing private business information. Originally intended to keep negative situations like sexual harassment claims quiet, NDAs are now less common, as their use for covering up wrongdoing has been banned. Recruiters emphasized that NDAs are rarely encountered in most industries, so using them as an excuse for a career gap might raise red flags.

While TikTokers claim that saying you signed an NDA makes you sound like you did high-level government or military work, career coach Dr. Kyle Elliott disagrees. Unless NDAs are typical in your industry or field, prospective employers will quickly see through the lie. Moreover, the era of social media has made it easier than ever for employers to verify the information provided by candidates, making the short-term benefits of lying outweighed by the high chances of getting caught.

Lewis Maleh, CEO of global executive recruitment agency Bentley Lewis, warns that not only will a discovered lie damage the relationship with the prospective employer, but it can also lead to instant dismissal, loss of trust, and a tarnished reputation that could follow you throughout your career. Honesty remains the best policy.

In recent years, employer attitudes towards career gaps have shifted. Rather than viewing them as negatives, employers are now more open to hearing about the skills and experiences gained outside traditional career paths. Taking time off work for travel, raising a family, changing career directions, or simply for personal growth can demonstrate values, behaviors, and ambitions in ways that conventional career paths cannot.

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Katherine Jackson, regional director at Michael Page, states that traditional career paths often cannot capture the skills learned during career breaks. Even LinkedIn now provides a career breaks feature, allowing users to showcase the skills acquired outside the office on their profiles. Candidates who dismiss their career breaks are missing an opportunity to add richness and depth to their applications.

Additionally, a prospective employer’s understanding or lack thereof regarding time away from work can provide insights into company culture. If a hiring manager fails to appreciate valid reasons for career gaps, it may signal a toxic work environment. In such cases, being completely honest about leaving a toxic job can help filter out companies that do not align with your values.

But what if the career gap wasn’t a choice? Even if you were let go from your previous job and have struggled to find new employment, honesty should still be prioritized. There is no need to disclose every detail surrounding the job loss. Zahra Amiry, associate director of talent attraction at Omnicom Media Group, assures workers that they can be as vague as they want when discussing the reason for being let go. In most cases, employers provide a curt confirmation note of employment without writing a negative reference. The level of disclosure is ultimately up to you.

If you were part of a large-scale layoff, it may be beneficial to detail that experience to prevent recruiters from assuming you were fired or solely targeted. The most crucial aspect for employers is how you utilized your time away from work, rather than the reason for leaving your last role. Emphasizing your resilience, drive, and the skills acquired during that time can actually work in your favor.

In conclusion, while the idea of using an NDA as a cover-up for a career gap may seem appealing, it is likely to raise suspicion among recruiters. Honesty, combined with highlighting skills gained during career breaks, is a more effective strategy. Employers today value experiences outside traditional career paths and view career gaps as opportunities for personal and professional growth. By emphasizing your journey, you can present yourself as a unique and valuable candidate in the job market.