Please mind the gap… or rather, DON’T mind the gap. A career gap in your work experience isn’t the end of the world, so don’t shy away from mentioning it.
These days, most people don’t have a linear career path. You change direction along the way as your interests, responsibilities, and opportunities change. Inevitably, this leads to a CV gap, and you might be wondering how, or if, you should address that.
Let’s look at some of the ways to explain employment gaps. You can reassure employers that you have valuable skills, because of the career gap, not despite it.
Should You Include Career Gaps on Your CV?
It might seem like a good idea to hide a gap in your CV, either by manipulating the dates or by outright lying.
If you take nothing else from this article, take this: don’t try to hide a career gap.
Honesty is always the best policy. The truth will almost always come out and when it does, it will reflect badly on you if you have lied on your CV.
As a rough guide, if the gap is more than a month or two, you should explain it. Outline the reason for the gap and include dates.
When it comes to ‘explaining’ the gap, you are in control over how much information you give… but say something. For instance, if the reasons are sensitive or personal, you may not want to discuss it. Something like, ‘Career break to focus on personal health issues, which are now resolved’ will be adequate.
This strategic positioning is important. It explains that you had a good reason for the employment break, but that you are now ready to return to work.
You should also explain what you gained from the CV gap. You might have upskilled or gained relevant voluntary experience. Be sure to mention these on your CV.
Take time to consider what you learned from the gap. Whatever you were doing, you will have developed some transferrable skills. This might be as simple as self-reflection on your key skills or career goals.
Example Ways to Explain a Career Gap
1. Parental Leave
Example: Cared for young children. Developed multi-tasking, time-management, and leadership skills whilst encouraging creativity and self-development.
As a parent, you develop a wide variety of highly transferrable skills. Showcase these so that an employer can see the value you could bring to their organisation.
You can tailor the skills you mention to the job description to keep your CV relevant. In my article about writing a good CV, I discuss the importance of using keywords from the job description in your CV. Use the same terminology to describe the skills gained during your employment gap.
2. Redundancy or Layoffs
Example: During a company-wide restructuring project, my role became redundant. Took time to reflect on my career direction and focused on improving my skills and knowledge to achieve this goal.
Strategically, it is good to show that you have regrouped after this setback and are ready to rejoin the workforce. Discuss how you have used your time to help reinforce your ambition to succeed.
3. Illness or Caregiving Responsibilities
Example: Took time to focus on caring for a close family member during a period of serious ill health. Although the situation is not fully resolved, their health has improved to a point where I am no longer needed, and I am ready to return to the workforce.
This explanation highlights your sense of responsibility and shows that you are ready to return to work. Note that you don’t need to shy away from saying that you have ongoing responsibilities.
In a situation like this, there may be times when you need some flexibility from work. Being up front about this is a good way to start your working relationship with your employer. If an employer uses this as a reason not to employ you, consider if you really want to work for them… red flag anyone?!
4. Traveling or Sabbatical
Example: Took a career break to travel through Asia and Australia. Enhanced cross-cultural understanding and communication while improving adaptability and interpersonal skills.
If it is relevant to your chosen career, outline any personal development or self-reflection. Consider all the transferrable skills you gained and include the most relevant to the job description.
These are just examples but, as you can see, there are ways of explaining a CV gap as an advantage.
There is no need to try to cover it up.
How to Address Career Gaps in a Job Interview
If you face interview questions about employment gaps, you can use a similar structure to respond. Explain why you had a break, what you learned from it, and how it will help you in the job you are applying for.
Keep your focus on what you bring to the role:
· Yes, I took time off to [explain reason].
· During this time, I developed by [skills and experience relevant to the job].
· I am now ready to return to work and bring my unique skills and experience to this role.
Ready to get started?
As you can see, employment gaps are normal these days. Arguably, they even give these candidates an advantage.
It’s all about how you frame it.
Need tailored support with explaining your career break professionally? Get in touch today!
You can also book a free, no-obligation discovery call to chat about your needs and how I can help.