How To Explain Gaps In Your Employment (With Examples)

Employment gaps in your career and resume are more common than you might think. Life can lead to periods of unemployment, whether due to personal choices or external circumstances. Don’t let a gap in your work history deter you; explaining it effectively on your resume can help potential employers understand your situation better.

If you have a gap in your employment history, this guide will cover how to explain it, outline valid reasons for such gaps, and highlight common pitfalls to avoid when discussing them.

Key Takeaways:

• Be honest with the interviewer regarding your employment gap.

• Emphasize the skills and experiences you gained during your time away from the workforce.

• Common reasons for employment gaps include layoffs, medical issues, or relocation.

• Keep your explanation brief and straightforward without delving into unnecessary details.

What is an employment gap?

An employment gap refers to a period when you were not employed, whether by choice or circumstance. If you’ve been unemployed for over a year, it’s wise to address this gap on your resume and cover letter. Tackling the issue upfront allows you to present your situation positively and proactively.

How to explain employment gaps

When addressing a career break, practice explaining your situation confidently. Honesty and preparation are key. Here are detailed steps on how to articulate employment gaps:

1. Prepare your explanation. Just because you have a gap doesn’t mean your resume will be disregarded. If you get an interview, be ready to discuss it. Spend time beforehand to formulate your response.

2. Be truthful. Avoid fabricating any part of your employment history. You don’t need to share every detail, but a concise explanation will clarify your situation.

3. Highlight your activities. While specifics aren’t necessary, mentioning what you did during your gap can be beneficial. Discuss how you stayed engaged with industry developments or any preparation you undertook for your return.

   Now is also a good time to mention any freelance work or volunteer efforts that kept your skills sharp.

4. Emphasize acquired skills. Share the skills and experiences you gained during your employment gap that will contribute to your professional growth. This could include learning a new language, engaging in philanthropic activities, personal development, travel, or upskilling.

Reasons for gaps in employment

Gaps in your employment history can arise from various circumstances, such as layoffs, caregiving responsibilities, or organizational changes. Here are some common explanations:

• Laid off. Companies may downsize or restructure, leading to layoffs. The economic landscape continues to evolve, and many industries have seen shifts that affect job security.

• New management. A change in leadership can result in restructuring, leading to job losses. It’s essential to frame this situation positively, focusing on the lessons learned.

• Merger. Job loss due to a merger or acquisition can be challenging but is often beyond your control.

• Starting your own business. Not all entrepreneurial ventures succeed, but such experiences can be valuable when re-entering the workforce.

• Medical reasons. Health issues requiring treatment and recovery can justify a career gap. Consult a disability resource guide for further information.

• Caregiving. Taking time off to care for a loved one can be a legitimate reason for an employment gap.

• Parenting. Many parents take a break after welcoming a new child, and some have had to homeschool during recent years.

• Relocation. Moving to a new area can necessitate a job search, leading to gaps.

• Travel. Sabbaticals for travel can lead to personal growth and new perspectives.

• Volunteer work. Stepping up to help those in need is commendable. Many individuals volunteered significantly in recent years, contributing to community support efforts.

• Education. Pursuing further education or training can also lead to a gap in your employment.

Examples of how to explain your gaps in employment

Here are example responses for explaining gaps in your resume:

1. A gap in resume due to volunteering example answer

   From March 2020 to September 2020, I volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, where I managed day-to-day operations and recruited over 100 volunteers, enhancing my leadership and project management skills.

2. A gap in resume due to job hunting example answer

   After being laid off from my position as head chef in July 2020, I have been seeking new opportunities in the restaurant industry, especially as I consider pivoting to the hospitality sector due to the industry’s recovery.

3. A gap in resume due to being laid off example answer

   Earlier this year, I was laid off and have been actively searching for a new position in pharma sales, although I haven’t found the right fit yet.

4. A gap in resume due to caregiving example answer

   Last fall, I had to resign to care for my father with Alzheimer’s. He has since been placed in a specialized nursing home, and now I’m ready to return to the workforce.

5. A gap in resume due to personal medical leave example answer

   I took time off two years ago for medical treatment. Now that I’ve fully recovered, I engaged in community service, sending uplifting messages to members of my church. I’m eager to re-enter the Social Services field.

6. A gap in your resume due to being a stay-at-home parent example answer

   I took parental leave to care for my young children. During that time, I also completed freelance resume writing projects. With my children now in school full-time, I am looking to leverage my skills in a resume agency.

7. A gap in resume due to relocation example answer

   After my husband received a promotion, we relocated to Atlanta. I have been exploring job opportunities in this area and have developed strong networking skills that will serve me well in a sales position.

8. A gap in resume due to traveling example answer

   I took time off last spring to travel across Europe, immersing myself in diverse cultures and gaining valuable insights into global perspectives.

Mistakes to avoid when explaining job gaps

When discussing employment gaps, avoid lengthy explanations or placing blame. Here’s what to steer clear of:

• Don’t be caught off guard without an answer. Have your explanation prepared.

• Don’t dwell on negative experiences with previous employers. Frame your story positively; you could mention a toxic work environment leading to high turnover without going into excessive detail.

• Avoid blaming others or speaking negatively about previous colleagues.

• Don’t forget to address your employment gap on your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn.

• Don’t overlook sharing what you learned or accomplished during your gap.

• Never lie or falsify dates to cover up the gap.

Pro tips for making a job gap less noticeable on your resume

Effectively communicating your employment gap can significantly impact how potential employers perceive it. They are often more interested in your skills than the gap itself.

Consider mentioning new skills acquired, certifications earned, or volunteer work undertaken during your career break.

It’s advisable to list only the years of employment rather than the months to minimize focus on the gap.

Explaining an employment gap on a functional resume

A functional resume format focuses on your skills and experience rather than chronological work history, which can help downplay gaps. At the end, you can include a list of previous employers and dates.

Here’s an example of a functional resume layout:

Here’s an example of how you could explain your gap during an interview or in your cover letter:

Final thoughts

Having a gap in your career shouldn’t be viewed as a red flag. By openly discussing your employment gap, you can instill confidence in hiring managers.

Reflect on your experiences and how to convey them positively. Share what you learned or accomplished during your time away from work.

When you can articulate your career gap with confidence, you’ll be closer to securing your next position.

How to explain gaps in your employment FAQ

1. How much of an employment gap is acceptable?

   Generally, employment gaps of six months or less are considered acceptable. They are less likely to draw attention, and employers may not ask about them if there’s a valid reason behind them.

2. Why do employers ask about gaps in employment?

   Employers inquire about employment gaps to understand how you utilized your time off. While the gap itself may not be the main concern, what you did during that time can significantly influence their perception. Frequent gaps, however, can raise red flags for hiring managers.

References

1. Columbia University Center for Career Education – How to Explain Employment Gaps

2. CNBC – 6 Ways you may have fumbled when answering “Why is there a gap in your resume?”

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.