Explaining Away Resume Gaps

Finding a good job continues to be competitive in many industries. But to find a better job, you’ll need an updated resume. You probably won’t get an interview without one. 

If you have a resume gap, a stretch of time where you were unemployed, that will probably come up during the interview. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be considered. There are several tips that can help you explain your resume gaps and continue to have a good chance at getting the job you want. 

Reasons For Resume Gaps

A resume gap is typically defined as any period of time that took place between two jobs. This could be classified as both current and past periods of unemployment. Some of the most common reasons for resume gaps are as follows:

Focus On Health

One of the reasons that you may have had a resume gap is if you were focusing on your health. While working is important, it can preclude us from taking care of our physical and mental health. If you are dealing with a serious illness, have had mental health challenges, or are getting addiction treatment, taking time off away from work could be necessary. Your interviewer should understand that.

Pursuing Passions Or Education

You might also have a resume gap if you took time off to pursue your passions or education. While work is important and will help you build a career, there are times when you might need to take a break from working to prepare for the next step in your life. This can include pursuing a higher degree, traveling the world, starting a business, raising a family, or finding other ways to find fulfillment. 

Laid Off From Prior Employer

While some resume gaps may be voluntary, others may be involuntary. If you’ve lost a job, it likely will take some time for you to get a new one which can then create a resume gap. Losing a job isn’t always your fault. Companies downsize, positions are eliminated, and budgets are cut. Good recruiters know this and won’t hold it against you.

How To Explain Resume Gaps

Resume gaps are pretty common. What matters is how you explain them during your interview. Here are some routes you might consider.

Be Honest And Forthright

The most important thing is to be honest. In a time when everything can be searched on Google, the truth is bound to come out. And though a recruiter might not care that you got laid off from your last job, if you tell them you quit to go back to school and they find out you were lying, you’re going to be cut from consideration completely. If they can’t trust you to be honest about your resume, they won’t want to trust you with the responsibilities of the job you’re applying for. 

So when the question comes up, address it directly. Lying will only make it worse for you.  

Put A Positive Spin On It

Another way that you can explain a resume gap is by putting a positive spin on your situation. A resume gap can actually be a very productive time in your life and even make you a better employee. You should be prepared to discuss what you accomplished during your time away from work and how it could make you a better asset for the company going forward.

For example, if you took a year off to travel. Highlighting the fact that you picked up some Japanese during your time there might make you a great fit for a company that works closely with businesses in Japan. 

Show That You Stayed Current

When they look at a resume with gaps, employers might be worried that you’re out of the loop. You may have missed the latest technologies or trends in your field. But you can prove them wrong. Let them know what you’ve done to stay current. Tell them about the industry newsletters you’ve been reading and drop some information about them into the conversation if you can. You’ll show that you’re passionate and informed about your industry and they won’t have to waste time or money catching you up. 

When applying for jobs today, providing a resume that is filled with experiences and successes is always important. But most people will have at least a brief gap in their resumes. Being able to explain the gap will let potential employers know you’re capable of doing the job.