FAQ

Do hiring loops punish career gaps more than lack of recent technical work?
Yes. All four companies in the examples penalized gaps that were not paired with a quantifiable impact story. The gap itself is a risk flag; the absence of a metric‑driven narrative is the decisive factor.

Can I skip the Re‑entry Assessment at Microsoft if I have strong references?
No. The HTM‑2023 matrix makes the Re‑entry Assessment mandatory for any gap > 6 months, regardless of references. Skipping it automatically disqualifies the candidate from senior PM consideration.

Is it better to quote a higher salary expectation when negotiating with Stripe after a layoff?
No. Stripe’s RIR‑2024 policy caps the base unless you present a $1.2 M post‑break impact. Inflated expectations without that proof will be reduced by 5 % automatically, as seen in the Maya case.

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