Resume gap. Even the phrase is scary, calling to mind yawning chasms void of all light and sound—and any hope for a new job. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Knowing how to explain gaps in your employment history isn’t as difficult as you may think. There are dozens of reasons why you might have gaps in your resume. Good news: If you know how to explain it well, it won’t hinder your job search.
In fact, according to the Monster Future of Work: 2021 Outlook survey, 49% of U.S. employers said that resume gaps are becoming less of a red flag as a result of current market conditions. But that doesn’t mean you won’t have to talk about your spotty work history.
Whether you just graduated into a down jobs market, got laid off or furloughed, took time off to raise kids or take care of a family member, started a job you hated and quit without another job lined up, traveled the world, or something else entirely, it is all about how you explain your experience that’s going get the attention of a recruiter or hiring manager.
Even if you feel awkward about your resume gaps, trust us—shedding light on the situation will be better than simply leaving it to an employer’s imagination. Here are three ways to explain gaps in your resume and come off as the great candidate that you are.
Read the rest of my article on Monster.
