Explain a Gap in Your Resume with Confidence
Thinking about jumping back into the job market after some time off to raise children or take care of a love one?
You're not alone! And that gap on your resume isn't as scary as it seems.
Here’s how you can turn that employment break from a potential weak spot into a powerful part of your story that showcases your growth and readiness to dive back into work.
Why a Gap Would Matter to Employers
Unfortunately, employers may view gaps in employment as a sign of inconsistency or unreliability. They might worry about whether you kept your skills sharp or if you’ll have competing priorities or commitment issues.
Understanding why employers may be concerned about the gap can help you tailor your explanation to to your advantage.
Explaining the Gap
Reflect on Your Time Off + Reframe it
Before you can effectively explain your employment gap, it's important to reflect on how you've spent this time. Consider any activities you undertook that contributed to your personal or professional growth:
Leveling up your skills
Did you take any online courses or certifications?
Did you listen to podcasts, Ted Talks, etc.?
Did you read any books?
These can all be reframed as time well spent during your gap in employment! This kind of self-directed self-improvement means that you’re interested in growing, even if no one is making you. That’s a huge benefit to a prospective employer!
Volunteering
Did you volunteer in your community, at a local organization, or even at your kids’ school?
The skills and experiences gained through volunteer work can make a big impact on a resume and shows employers that you’re motivated to be active in your community, even when there’s not a paycheck involved.
Freelance or part-time work:
Did you do any part-time work or freelance for any other companies during your leave?
Any work-related projects, even informal ones, can show that you’re driven to stay active in your career and keep your professional skills sharp.
Structure Your Explanation
When explaining your employment gap, structure your response to include:
Put it on your resume: Say it - don’t make them ask
This may feel vulnerable, but being transparent shows that you’re not afraid of the gap yourself - you don’t see it as a negative, so neither should they!
Don’t be afraid to talk about it in interviews: Be honest about why you took time off.
When you talk openly about the time, how how this time was valuable to you, your life, or
Activities during the gap: Highlight how you've used the time constructively.
Skills acquired or maintained: Emphasize any new skills you've learned or existing skills you've enhanced.
Readiness to return: Reassure the employer of your commitment and readiness to re-enter the workforce.
Crafting Your Resume and Cover Letter
Resume Tips
Functional resume format: Focus on skills and achievements rather than chronological work history.
Include a professional summary: Offer a brief summary at the top of your resume that frames your career break positively.
Highlight relevant activities: List any relevant activities during your gap as part of your professional experience.
Cover Letter Strategy
Address the gap upfront: Use your cover letter to explain your employment gap succinctly.
Connect your gap activities to the job: Demonstrate how your activities during the gap make you a better candidate for the position.
Express enthusiasm: Convey your excitement and readiness to rejoin the workforce.
Interview Preparation
During interviews, be prepared to discuss your employment gap openly and positively. Use it as an opportunity to discuss what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown. Key points to cover include:
Confidence in your skills: Reaffirm that your skills are up-to-date and relevant.
Examples of personal growth: Share specific examples of how your experiences during your break have prepared you for this role.
Focus on the future: Emphasize your future goals and how they align with the company's objectives.
Conclusion
Explaining an employment gap doesn't have to be a stumbling block in your return to the workforce. By preparing thoughtful explanations and strategically showcasing your time away from paid employment as a period of growth, you can make a compelling case for your candidacy. Remember, the key is to be honest, confident, and proactive in highlighting your strengths. With these strategies, you'll be well-equipped to jump back into your career journey.
This guide should help you confidently tackle any concerns about employment gaps and showcase your value as a professional ready to re-enter the workforce.