Can resume gap from decades ago affect job chances? HR's bizzare interview question to techie sparks Reddit debate
In today's fast-evolving job market, candidates are often judged not just by their skills and qualifications, but also by the gaps in their résumés. While short career breaks can still raise questions, a recent online debate is shining a spotlight on how far back such scrutiny should go. The controversy began when a job applicant shared that he was asked to explain a gap from nearly 30 years ago during a recent interview — prompting many to ask whether employers are taking due diligence too far.
In a recent Reddit post a user shared an unusual interview experience. The post, titled 'Asked me about a gap 30 years ago', described how a 47-year-old candidate applying for a management role in the tech industry was asked to explain a three-year period from the late 1990s—specifically the years following high school.
During a team interview with a German company, one of the HR representatives questioned the candidate about what he had done between 1996 and 1999. Taken aback, the applicant replied that if he listed every job he ever had, his résumé would run ten pages long. He then clarified the nature of the work he did during that period but expressed surprise that such an old gap was even brought up. 'I can understand asking about a gap from a year or two ago, but nearly 30 years? What's the relevance?' he asked.
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Absurd or Standard Practice?
The post prompted strong reactions from the Reddit community. Many users were quick to criticize the line of questioning, calling it outdated and irrelevant. One commenter bluntly stated that the interviewer was out of touch, while others speculated the approach could be tied to strict hiring norms in certain regions. Several pointed out that German companies are often known for rigid HR protocols, which may explain the scrutiny—even if it seems excessive.
A few users attempted to rationalize the behavior. One noted that some interviewers ask offbeat questions to test how candidates respond under pressure. Others, however, felt this specific instance went too far. One commenter said that asking someone in their late 40s to account for a gap from when they were barely out of their teens served little real purpose, unless the company was searching for red flags like prison time or serious legal trouble.
Concerns About Gaps and Hiring Bias
This incident also revived broader concerns about how employment gaps are viewed in the job market. Several Redditors shared similar experiences of being penalized for time taken off work, whether for travel, personal reasons, or simply difficulty finding a job.
One user recalled losing an offer because the hiring manager could not accept a one-year break taken for travel, despite clear proof of the trip. Another said they stopped including exact months on their résumé just to avoid such scrutiny over short or outdated gaps.
There was also criticism of the assumption that gaps inherently reflect something negative. 'Some people can afford to take time off between jobs. Others struggle to find opportunities. That shouldn't automatically raise doubts,' a commenter wrote.
The Bigger Picture
While opinions varied, a general consensus emerged that focusing too heavily on decades-old résumé gaps may reflect more about the interviewer than the applicant. Some users argued that companies conducting such rigid assessments risk losing qualified candidates over irrelevant details.
Others emphasized that due diligence during hiring should focus on current competencies, relevant experience, and cultural fit, rather than outdated assumptions about linear career paths.
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