I was "down-sized" by an IT vendor in late 2002 -so unfortunately I have a long gap on my cv (to get my bearings and adverse market conditions). This isnt bad in it self, but I find when applying for roles that recruiters and Job-Agents "sneer" at this...even though I clearly explain the circumstance. So my question is how do others in a similar situation defend such a gap and what do recruiters/agents really think of longish gaps?

In the space on your CV have something along the lines of "November 2002 to Present: Independent IT Consultant" or suchlike and insert some examples of other work you have done not included elsewhere. It's the old cliche - if you don't really know just use the word 'consultant'....

Hi Fredrick,I think the best thing for you to do is to find a novel way of filling those gaps.While getting your bearings, did you for instance do any charity work, travel, or get another qualification?These are examples of what you can use as gap fillers in your CV.I wish you the very best

I'm a recruiter at one of the big consulting firms, and I can tell you that the 'Camilla P-B' approach would be a very bad idea. If the businesses you are approaching are worth their salt, they will very quickly be able to call you on it, unless you are a very good liar. I agree with 'Elizabeth'. Be honest as far as possible. I'm sure you weren't sitting around watching Trisha for months on end. Training or travel, as well as caring for family members, are perfectly acceptable reasons for taking some time off. As long as you 'pitch' it as being a constructive use of your time, then most recruiters will accept it. "Getting your bearings" is a phrase I'd steer clear of. It sounds like you don't have a focussed approach to your career. Good luck!

I would like to ask RecruitGal. What do you think of the time, them candidate did not perform as good as he is supposed to perform according to the role he is applying. For me this also looks like gap, but with more chances to varnish it. Though legally the candidate has had a job.

I am also a recruiter and agree wholeheartedly with RecruitGal’s approach. We will dig to find the truth and if you try to mask this gap period with anything but honesty then it will look very bad. Good recruiters understand that life and lay-offs happen. Be honest with a strategic approach.