The dreaded "resume gap" — not only does it often foil applicant-tracking software, but it can arouse immediate suspicion in employers and recruiters, causing job seekers to lose out on positions. Yet ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Lucy Paulise is executive coach and author of Timebox, based in Texas.

Scanning job ads can be discouraging when you can’t check every box, especially when you’re just starting out in your career. However, while job opportunities often include a long list of “required” ...