Re: You took a leave of absence for 1 year for full time work is it looked badly or g
It really would come down to who could convince me better that their experience was relevant/useful for the role they were applying for.
This is another thing people forget - you need to be able to sell the experience in an interview. Like, I've worked for 6 years at an interior construction firm as a labourer - whilst that looks useless for most corporate jobs, I mention how I manage contractors and handle site inductions (i.e. showing I have important responsibilities). I also use it to emphasise my ability to take on and learn a wide variety of tasks (because that role involves a range of duties). It is probably the least useful role on my CV, but I can sell some of the skills I have gained to employers.
The job market is essentially about salesmanship and the product you are selling is yourself. Having a good CV is great, but if you cant sell it to an interviewer, then it isnt much use. Having an ability to link the work you have done to the work you will do is vital.