Resume gaps are a period of time (months or years) when the job seeker was unemployed. Recruiters say that today it is as common to see resumes with gaps of months or years between positions. Workers are increasingly willing to leave formal positions to move to a consultant role or freelance for a better work-life balance. The most important point in resume gaps is how a candidate explains it. This can be the difference between reassuring recruiters or being reassessed by them. In this article, we share 5 ways to explain and reinvent resume gaps.
What is a resume gap?
An employment gap or a resume gap is any period of time you were away from the work, this can be weeks, months or years. Sometimes gaps in employment are caused by getting fired or quitting a job, while other reasons for being unemployed may include caretaking, personal health concerns. Good reasons include taking time off to care for your mother, or going back to school for an advanced degree.
How to become better with resume gaps
Tip 1: Include years instead of months
If the employment gap is less than a year, one easy remedy for addressing it in a resume is to include only the years worked at a previous employer instead of the precise months (e.g., 2016–2019 instead of June 2016 — March 2019).
When the months are excluded, that same work history has no apparent gap. However, longer periods of time should not be minimized in this manner.
Tip 2: Use the right resume format
Using the right resume format can be one of the best ways to deal with employment gaps. For instance, a functional resume can help you put more focus on your skills and abilities rather than your work history. Yet, it is important to explain the gaps without putting a lof of focus on them.
Tip 3: Explain the resume gaps
The gap can be explained in a cover letter or in a resume. Recruiters are aware that some industries are subject to more frequent changes than others. Similarly, if a career gap is related to familial events like having a baby or taking care of a sick relative, that is worth mentioning. Be clear and concise, explain how you filled the time during your career gap and reiterate your interest in the position. Most importantly, bring the focus back to the job interview and the position you are applying for.
Tip 4: Be honest about your resume gaps
Good hiring managers understand that employment gaps can happen. So when it comes to explaining gaps in employment, it’s best to be honest and upfront. Don’t try to cover it up. Resume gaps should not prevent you from focusing on the skills and positive attributes you bring to the table.
Tip 5: use a cover letter to explain your resume gaps
Writing a good cover letter to explain the gap can be a good idea. In your cover letter, explain what happened and draw the employer’s attention to your interest, experience, and skills.
Remember that having a gap on your resume won’t necessarily prevent you from moving successfully through the interview process. But potential employers will expect an explanation. Take the time to work out how you can address the gap in a way that projects confidence and positivity.
Last Thoughts
Today, employers are far more accustomed to work gaps than in times past. Remember that most workers have career paths that include a variety of different jobs. It is challenging to explain frequent gaps, however, the best thing you can do is explain the resume gaps in a confident manner, and then get on with the more important task of selling your skill set to that employer!.
Good luck with your job search!
