Stigmatizing Career Breaks: How Resumes Reinforce Bias Against Job Seekers

When reviewing a resume, a recruiter makes a lot of assumptions that determine if the candidate is a potential fit for the role. Having never talked to the person or interacted with them outside of their application or resume, assumptions are used to save time and create a resemblance of efficiency in the recruitment process, especially when hundreds of applicants are involved. Certain characteristics are categorized as “red flags” and lead evaluators to take a pause when determining legitimacy or quality of experiences and character.