Many of us have employment gaps in our CVs. From health issues and caring for family to gap years and redundancy, employment gaps are common. But explaining them to an employer can feel daunting.
Here are our top tips to explain employment gaps on application forms – and in interviews.
The importance of honesty
When explaining a gap in your CV, it is important to be honest.
Some application forms ask you to add details about any gaps – and it is likely they will be mentioned in interviews. This is to help employers understand your work history.
You will not need to give lots of detail, so try practicing a short explanation so you feel prepared. Examples might include “I have been caring for family members” or “I have been volunteering and improving my professional skills”.
Make the gap a good thing
Employment gaps are not negative things. Instead, think about how the gap helped you:
- Gain new skills through volunteering
- Learn a new language while travelling
- Find time to train and improve your skills.
If your gap is due to redundancy, explain that it gave you time to think about the job you really want and move on to a new chapter in your career.
Focus on skills and achievements
Employment gaps can stand out if you list previous work history and qualifications by date. If there is a large period of time between two jobs, employers will want to understand why.
Instead, move the focus of your CV to skills and achievements. You should still refer to previous jobs but move that section further down. Let employers know what you have to offer and the skills you have developed.
Be proud of your employment gaps
Employment gaps can feel like a barrier to being hired, but they do not have to be. Many people find work after a gap in their career, and you can be one of them.
