Should I remove unrelated experience from my resume if it creates what looks like a gap?

I'm targeting investment banking roles and I'm tailoring my resume to make it as relevant as possible.

I have some experience that isn't related to investment banking, so I'm considering removing it. The problem is that if I do, my resume will appear to have a one-year gap, even though I was actually doing something during that time.

From what I understand, investment banking resumes are expected to be highly relevant and concise. Is it better to:

  • Keep the unrelated experience to avoid the appearance of a gap, or
  • Remove it and explain the gap during interviews if asked?

For those who have gone through IB recruiting or work in investment banking, what would you recommend? How do recruiters typically view this situation?

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