Given the huge economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the sheer number of people who were out of work as a result, one might assume that there would be minimal stigma associated with those made redundant during this period. Research from the University of Ottawa suggests that is far from the case.

The research sought to understand the impact of pandemic-related gaps in employment on job applicants’ perceived professionalism, qualifications, and overall suitability for a job. The study involved a pre-registered survey experiment with a nationally representative sample of 974 U.S. adults.

Employment history

The researcher randomly assigned pandemic employment histories to fictional job applicants and asked survey respondents to evaluate their resumes. The findings were concerning.

The study revealed that job applicants with pandemic gaps in employment were seen more negatively than identical applicants who worked continuously throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This was true regardless of whether they were laid off and out of work for a long period of time, yo-yoed in and out of employment throughout lockdowns and re-openings, or stopped working to supervise virtual school for their children.

Compared to their counterparts who remained employed throughout the pandemic, applicants with pandemic gaps in their resumes were less likely to be seen as professional, qualified, hardworking, motivated, or dedicated.

Moreover, they were less likely to be selected for hypothetical job openings. The study indicates that there is a stigma associated with pandemic gaps in employment, which could have long-term social and economic implications for those affected.

Overcoming stigma

The author suggests that employers and public bodies should take note of these findings and consider ways to assist job seekers with COVID-19 employment gaps. They also highlight that hiring managers should be aware of negative stereotypes associated with pandemic gaps in employment that could inadvertently affect how they evaluate job applicants.

It is important to note that this study measures perceptions of fictional job applicants, not actual outcomes in the real-world labor market. However, the study’s findings are still valuable as they highlight the potential negative consequences of pandemic-related gaps in employment.

While the job market is currently hot, the author suggests that job seekers with pandemic gaps in their resumes could find themselves at a disadvantage when the market cools. Stigma can also have negative social and psychological consequences, creating additional burdens for those who found themselves out of work during the pandemic.