Explaining employment gaps does not have to be scary! In fact, it's a chance to show employers how amazing you are. Did you know that nearly 60% of professionals have faced some form of unemployment in their careers? We all are humans and we face challenges in life. There are times when one would want to take a break, when they might have different priorities  in life. 

When you cannot justify the time on the job, your motivation, performance or might be you want something different than what you are doing currently. Be confident to justify your gaps, and showcase how small hiccups will not restrict from taking up new responsibilities. 

That's right! You’re not alone. 

According to a recent search, 69% of hiring managers care about employment gaps on your resume, and 29% believe these gaps reduce a candidate’s chances of being hired. Thus, most job seekers face the challenge of explaining employment gaps in their resumes. Whether they’re due to travel, health issues, personal reasons, family responsibilities, company downsizing, or career changes, these gaps should not be considered roadblocks. Knowing how to address them effectively is essential for job seekers to present themselves as a strong candidate over others. In this blog post, you will learn various strategies to explain employment gaps on your resume and in interviews that showcase your strengths, growth, or adaptability during your career break. 

What is an Employment Gap? 

An employment gap is a period of unemployment within your professional career. It can range from a few months to several years and can happen for several reasons. 

These gaps can be voluntary and involuntary and are often seen on your resume and cover letter. Sometimes, these gaps can raise questions during the hiring process. So, you should be prepared to explain them appropriately on your resume. 

Below are a few strategies to explain employment gaps in your resume: 

Be Honest and Transparent

Honesty is the best policy when explaining employment gaps to the employer. If you attempt to hide or misrepresent during these periods of unemployment, it can backfire, as the truth always comes out. So, you should always be honest and transparent about the reasons for your employment gaps and provide a clear and concise explanation of why a gap occurs.  

Here are a few common reasons for an employment gap: 

• To take care of young children or elderly family members. 
• Economic downturns or layoffs can create an avoidable gap in employment. 
• Some people take a break to pursue further education or professional training to enhance their skills and qualifications. 
• If you are moving to a new city to find a new job. 
• Taking time off to deal with physical or mental health issues. 
• To start a business before going back to regular work. 
• Traveling and exploring new places for personal growth. 

Explain the Gap Positively 

Whether it's for personal reasons or educational career changes, briefly explain the reasons to provide clarity. Redraft your employment gap as a period of personal and professional growth. Focus on the skills and experience you have developed during this time and how they make you a better candidate for the job you are applying for. For example, if you took time off to travel, bring attention to how this experience helped you become more adaptable and open-minded. By focusing on the positive aspects, you can show your employer that you used your time productively and gained valuable experience that helped you secure that new job. 

Fill the Gap With Relevant Activities

During your employment break, if you were engaged in any productive activities, be sure to highlight them in your resume and cover letter. These include freelance work, volunteer activities, further education, or skill development. For example, if you have completed any online/ offline courses or earned certifications, include them in your resume to showcase the skills you have developed, such as project management, communication, or technical skills. These activities demonstrate that you were proactive and committed to professional development while away from full-time work. It also highlights continuous learning and dedication to staying current with industry trends and skills in your field. 

Skip the Month for Smaller Gaps 

Omit the month in which you have a gap and format your resume. Don't use bold font or smaller font to attract the attention of the employer to employment dates. If you are unemployed for a year or less, you can list your employment dates. For example: Sales Representative, 2021- 2022. This will not emphasize the short breaks in your employment career. 

Address the Gap in Your Cover Letter 

The cover letter is a perfect place to explain your employment gap positively. Use one or two simple sentences to summarize the reasons for your break. Be concise and keep the main focus on your relevant skills and experience. Emphasize how the time off enhanced your skills and prepared you for the role you are applying for. Frame your time off as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback. For example, if you took time off for family reasons, discuss how this experience enhanced your organizational and multitasking skills. 

Be Confident in Interviews 

Before attending an interview, prepare yourself to discuss your career gaps with the interviewer. Practice your answer to explain the gaps positively without sounding nervous. Show your confidence by telling the hiring manager why the gap occurred, what you learned during the gap, and how it has prepared you for the job. Be sure to have confidence in your explanation, as it will reassure the hiring employer that you are ready to get back to work and contribute effectively in your next role. 

Here are some tips to prepare for interviews: 

• Keep it brief 
• Stay positive 
• Reinforce your skills. 

Customize your Resume  

Tailor your resume to highlight your most recent achievements and experiences to draw attention away from older gaps.  Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description into your resume by emphasizing the skills and qualifications that match the job requirements. Additionally, focus on highlighting your latest roles, projects, and recent accomplishments to show that you are actively engaged in your career and have relevant, up-to-date experience for the job you’re applying for. This customization approach shows employers that you are genuinely interested in their position and are a capable candidate. 

Emphasize Your Readiness to Work

When you apply for jobs after an employment gap, emphasize your enthusiasm and readiness to re-enter the workforce. Employers want candidates who are eager and motivated to return to work.

In your cover letter and interviews, express:

• Your excitement about returning to work.
• Explain how you've kept up with industry trends and technologies during your time away.
• Your commitment to contributing positively to their team.

Networking and Referrals 

A strong network can help you explain the gap to the interviewer. Recommendations from someone can motivate your employer to focus on your qualifications rather than your employment gaps. Referrals show that you have good skills and character and create a positive impact on the interviewer. Go to industry events, join professional groups, and connect with former colleagues to build a smooth network. 

Know The Role of Social-Media in Your Job Search

Final Thoughts 

Regardless of your reason for an employment gap, the best way to attract a hiring manager is to be honest. Explain the reasons clearly and positively, and focus on what you learn when you have been out of work for some time. By addressing employment gaps confidently, you can turn them into strengths that set you apart from other candidates. In the end, if you consider the above-mentioned strategies, you can easily turn employment gaps into a powerful part of your career journey. Further, they help you present yourself as a strong candidate for any role. 

A  recruitment agency can help bridge the gap by connecting you with potential employers. They match your skills to job opportunities and assist with your resume and interview preparation. Moreover, their broad network and expertise increase your chances of finding the right job. At Savanna HR we study each resume with utmost care and try to match them with perfect jobs which accelerate their career.