Ask the Recruiter

Q. Thank you for this column. It's been a great resource.

I've been a copy editor and page designer at a daily newspaper for two years. This was my first

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full-time job out of college. Layoffs are pending, so I'm planning ahead, just in case.

I have an opportunity to travel abroad for four to six months if I do lose my job. I'd love to go. I think this would be a great experience. However, I worry about the gap on my resume, especially having held my previous position only two years.

Do you think the break would hurt my ability to find my next job? Is there a way to write my resume or cover letter so it won't appear I've lazed around?

Lost in Transition

A. In this day and age, there is no shame in being laid off.

Joe Grimm

Also, there are no guarantees that you will land a job as soon as you lose one.

So a much-desired trip makes some sense.

I am picturing you getting laid off, trying hard but without success to get a new job and then having a gap on your resume without any snapshots to show for it.

If you can swing the trip financially, a layoff would be a good time to go into it. Do your best to negotiate some severance or at least the timing of your break.

And send us a post card.

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Coming Thursday: She has been spoiled by her editors, who hired her just six months ago. Now she wants to leave to pursue another opportunity and doesn't know what to say.

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