A recent graduate I know has not been working for 1.5 years after graduating with a graduate degree in Engineering due to taking care of ill family member/parent.
In the time of unemployment, they did projects using latest tools/programs to stay relevant and "train" themselves, which is what they would be doing at the job. They are in a highly in demand field in engineering with many opportunities right now and a graduate degree from a top 10 school.
Now they are ready to look for employment in industry.
How should they bring up this employment gap ? Through reference letter ? On resume ? Won't HR just throw it out right away ?
Any advice, tips or recommendations on how to get through HR ? What to do in interview to address it ?
Thank you.