It’s common and normal to have an employment gap in your resume. It could be due to personal reasons, layoffs, family responsibilities, travel or pursuing further education. However, you need to be aware that these gaps can raise concern for hiring managers. By effectively addressing gaps, though, you can position yourself as a strong candidate.
You need to think strategically and emphasize the skills you may have gained during your time away to overcome the concerns and questions that may arise during the job hunt. You can stand out as a top contender by focusing on your strengths and your ability to adapt and learn.
7 Tips to Overcome Employment Gaps on Your Resume
Consider these tips and use them to prepare for your job hunt.
Tip #1: Leverage a strong summary
The summary section of a resume can be a great space to address employment gaps. Use this section to highlight your skills, accomplishments and career goals. With this information highlighted, it shifts the focus from the gap to the qualifications you have for the role.
Example: Results-driven marketing professional with over eight years of experience in digital marketing and brand management. Took a career break to pursue continuing education and freelance consulting, enhancing expertise in SEO and content strategy. Eager to leverage skills to drive brand growth in a dynamic organization.
Tip #2: Highlight transferable skills
During your gap, did you learn or build upon any valuable skills? Did you volunteer or take a certification course? Care for a family member? All of these experiences can be reframed in a professional manner to demonstrate leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving.
Tip #3: Showcase recent experience first
Hiring managers always look for the most recent experiences first. So, if your gap was more than a few years ago, make sure to stay focused on more recent experiences. If your gap was recent, you might consider taking on freelance projects, temporary roles or short-term gigs to build your recent experience before you start applying for full-time roles.
Tip #4: Network and seek referrals
Networking is a powerful tool you can use when you’re trying to overcome an employment gap. If you are able to be referred by someone, companies are more likely to overlook gaps because they will trust the professional’s word. Reach out to connections on LinkedIn and attend industry events to expand your connections. You may also ask for information interviews to get your foot in the door with potential employers.
Tip #5: Prepare for interviews
Make sure to prepare for the question about your employment gap. You want to have a clear and confident response that is brief, honest and positive. Talk about what you’ve learned and how you are prepared to take on this new role.
Example: I took a career break to focus on family responsibilities, but during that time, I also pursued my professional goals by completing a certification in social media design. I’m now eager to apply my skills in a dynamic environment and contribute to your team’s success.
Tip #6: Briefly explain gaps in the cover letter
A cover letter is another good space for you to talk about your employment gap without drawing too much attention to it. While you keep the explanation of your gap short and positive, make sure to focus on your skills and enthusiasm for the role for the bulk of your letter.
Example: After taking a two-year career break to care for a family member, I am excited to return to the workforce. During this time, I completed advanced coursework in social media design and volunteered at a local nonprofit for a year, strengthening my leadership and organizational skills.
Tip #7: Be confident
Be yourself and stay confident. Confidence is the key that will land you the new role. Employers want to see candidates who believe in themselves, so instead of apologizing about the employment gap, talk about your journey, focus on your strengths, and express your interest in the role and company.
