How to explain employment gaps

Don’t let gaps in your CV hold you back for having a successful job interview or stop you getting the job you want!

In this article, we review how to explain away gaps in your CV and discuss some of the positive reasons for employment gaps.

Prepare for the question

Often, gaps on your CV will be investigated by your interviewer. They will want to see why you have been out of work that period of time, to make sure it’s not something that will affect their business.

It’s best to go into your interview prepared with your answers about where you were during those periods of time, as this will help you feel more relaxed and confident during your interview.

Remember, employment gaps are not always bad or viewed negatively by employers. If you have reasons for the gaps, you will be fine.

Learn how to write a great Cover Letter.

Explaining employment gaps in your CV

What’s the best way to explain gaps in your CV? First you should make sure you have structured your answer well in your head and can translate that in person for your interviewer. Start by explaining why you were unemployed during that time. Next you will want to explain what you did during that time. Finally, you should emphasise why you think this job opportunity is right for you.

You must be sure to demonstrate that you’ve done something productive and proactive during your time away from work. This could be volunteering, doing consultancy work, studying, or keeping up with industry news. This will help support the fact that you used your time away for personal development. You should also highlight any skills you gained from doing these activities.

Make sure you’re open and honest with your answers, without going into any unnecessary detail, and use positive language throughout.

If you’re looking for a new job or undertaking a career change, you may find our other Career Advice articles useful.

Good reasons for employment gaps

Time off due to illness

Unfortunately, there will be times when we are sick for longer periods of time than is ideal. You will not need to go into detail about the specifics of your illness. Explain how you used your time while off and demonstrate that you are now fit and healthy to return to work.   

Caring for a relative

Similarly to being off due to illness, caring for a relative might also be a reason for gaps in your CV. If this is the case, do not go into specific detail and make it clear that your relative has now recovered (or you have other care in place), and you are ready to re-enter the workplace.

Redundancy

An all-too-common factor of employment today is job redundancy. If you were made redundant, briefly explain why your previous role was made redundant, and try to give some strong examples of your outstanding performance and achievements while you were there. Spend time explaining how you have made personal and career development improvements to support your new job application.  

Travelling

Everyone needs a break and travelling provides that physical and mental break away from the office and work. Some people choose to spend longer periods of time ‘finding themselves’, and if you fit into this category, you may need to provide some explanation around a gap on your CV due to travelling.

Focus on the reason you went travelling, emphasising your quest for personal development, cultural awareness and gaining different perspectives.

Looking for a job

Often an easier reason to explain, job searching is a positive reason for a gap on a CV. If this time period has been too long though, you may have to explain why it has taken so long to find another job. Explain that you have been actively searching for a new job and make it clear that you have used this time to research the market and think about the job role and companies that suit your skill set. Also highlight any new skills you have gained during this time.

Looking after your children

If you’ve started a family or needed to take time out over the Summer to look after your school-aged children, be sure to explain that you took time out of work to focus on supporting your children. Explain why you now feel ready to come back to work and discuss why you feel like you’re the ideal fit for this new opportunity.

Went back into education

Possibly one of the best reasons for a gap on your CV. Returning to education will show potential employers that you are serious about your career development, are hardworking and determined to improve yourself to improve your career opportunities.

Be sure to highlight the reasons why you went back into education and emphasise that you are focussed on career development to help support your job application.

Learn how to write a great CV.

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