Looking for a new job is always an exciting time brimming with new opportunities. Until the dark cloud of that gap in your employment starts to loom over your otherwise pristine resume. Don’t worry, they’re more common than you think. And less worrisome than you imagine. Still, there’s a trick to navigating this situation.
Employers might see them as red flags or as growth opportunities. It’s up to you: how do you present this break in your career? And while your employment gap may not be like someone else’s, this guide will give you a deeper understanding of how to address them along with a few tips to overcome the potential negative impact these gaps might have on your job search.
What are employment gaps?
An employment gap is a time when a person was not employed, either by choice or due to circumstances beyond their control. In the industry, they are called voluntary or involuntary gaps. Here’s a breakdown of how these two may occur:
Voluntary gaps happen when a person chooses to take time off work. This can be triggered by personal reasons, travel, or pursuing education and training.
Involuntary reasons come about when an individual is unable to find work. Economic factors such as a recession or downturns (like we experienced during the 2020 Covid pandemic) will sometimes cause unwanted breaks in employment. Health issues and caregiving responsibilities also play a big role in involuntary employment gaps.
We’ve noticed that the most common reasons for employment gaps are:
- A career break due to family reasons – raising children and caring for a family member;
- Personal health issues or disability;
- The pursuit of further education or training;
- Involuntary job loss or layoffs;
- For travel or sabbaticals.
When you feel that your CV isn’t flawless because of an employment gap, use the one that applies to your situation and mention it to fill that section. This will stop red flags from rising in your future employer’s mind.
Learn the difference between employment gap and a gap year!
How to address employment gaps on your resume
So it’s settled: you have a gap in your work history that will stick out like a sore thumb on your resume. Here’s how to fix that:
Be honest! There is no reason to lie about your career gap unless you don’t actually want the job and you like your reputation being damaged. Which we’re sure doesn’t apply to you. So be upfront about the reasons for your employment gap and positively address them.
Use a functional format for your CV. Instead of listing your work experience chronologically, consider highlighting your skills and accomplishments. This will help shift the light away from the gap and onto your qualifications.
Emphasize the skills you’ve earned during the gap. Think about what this period has taught you and what new skills you’ve achieved during this time. We encourage you to mention any volunteer work you did or any courses you’ve taken.
Explain the specific reason for your employment gap. Approach this with sincerity and positivity. We went through this list before, but here’s a brief rundown complete with skills that will improve your resume:
Family reasons: If you took time to care for a child or a sick family member, emphasize the skills you gained during that time such as time management, organization, and problem-solving.
Return to school: This applies not only to finishing studies or getting higher education but also to courses that you attended to broaden your set of skills or change your career. Mention relevant coursework, projects, and qualifications you’ve gained.
Personal reasons: This is a broader spectrum, so each person might have gained different skills. In a couple of sentences write down any skills you’ve gained during this time that can be applied to the job you want.
How many of these mistakes do you make when you write your cover letter?
Strategies for overcoming employment gaps
Employment gaps happen. The good news is you can make the most out of them, stay relevant, and land a job when you are ready to return to the market. Here’s a list of suggestions to keep in mind next time you see a gap in your career on the horizon.
Volunteer or freelance. Find means to stay active in your field, gain new skills, or both. Employers see this as a huge plus – you look proactive and willing to stay engaged.
Take online courses. This is a very good strategy, especially for gaps prompted by personal or family reasons. You can take online courses on your own time and, by doing so, you demonstrate to employers that you are committed to your career and constantly looking for ways to improve.
Network. This is a potent tool in any job search. Connect with people on LinkedIn, attend industry events, and put yourself out there. You’ll be surprised how many job opportunities you’ll find once you meet the right people.
To sum things up
Employment gaps can come off as a challenge when crafting your resume. But they don’t make you a less valuable candidate. Quite the contrary. An honest, creative, and positive attitude, along with an emphasis on your acquired skills will turn your gap into an asset.
Stay focused on your bigger goal. With the tips you’ve learned today we’re confident that the next time you write your CV, you’ll use the gap in your employment to your advantage.
Speaking of the big picture, where on this big blue marble do you dream of working? We have tons of exciting cities all around the globe and job vacancies that are waiting for your call. Let’s get in touch and see how you can turn your dream city into your home!
