A lie is far worse than a gap. I'd much rather see someone simply be honest about the fact that they've taken a year off to focus on their personal health due to a serious medical condition. Further, if the lie is uncovered at any point, trust is likely broken forever. This is awful advice, in my opinion, and I certainly don't want to hire anyone who agrees with it ... ever.

Why would a company that is filtering resumes based on whether there’s a gap be worthy of trust?

> A lie is far worse than a gap

It's only a lie if it's found out.

Just say you were working on your own project or freelancing or something.

Think of all the lies you've been told in your life where you never found out the truth!