Like microwaving fish in the office and hearing your boss say, “We need to talk,” having a resume gap has a negative connotation. But there are dozens of reasons you might have a resume gap. Fortunately, if you know how to explain it well, it won’t hinder your job search.
Whether you got laid off or furloughed, took time off to raise kids or take care of a family member, left to start your own business, 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 it.
Be proactive:
Did you work at all or volunteer during the gap? Include it on your resume. Did you pick up freelance work, work a part-time job, volunteer, start your own business, or work on a passion project? You should include it in your resume and cover letter. (If you freelanced and had multiple clients or projects, you can group it under a catch-all like “freelance web developer.”) Just like with the full-time jobs on your resume, don’t just list your responsibilities — show what you accomplished. If you went back to school, took one-off classes to learn new skills, or completed certification programs, add it to the education section on your resume along with the dates.
Be positive:
Prepare for your job interview by practicing your answers to the most common job interview questions and researching the company. Determine how you’ll explain the gap on your resume and how you’ll talk about your career path. Focus on how your experience contributed to your professional development. If you worked for yourself, took a part-time or temp job, started your own business, worked on a passion project, volunteered, or took classes, be able to explain what you learned and accomplished and the transferable skills that will make you a great hire for this job.
Be honest:
There is just one thing you don’t want to do in your resume and cover letter or a job interview — lie. Don’t change the dates of employment so it looks like you are still working at the company or shift them so it seems like you have a shorter gap. Employers can verify your career history and chances are you won’t get the job offer. Even if you get the job, you could get fired for lying on your resume. Honesty is always the best policy.
If someone asks why you left your job, be honest without talking badly about the company. If you were laid off, explain that the company had budget cuts or restructured and that you were let go. Keep it positive and say that you enjoyed your time at the company, learned skills and you are proud of what you accomplished. Transition by tying what you learned and accomplished into why you would be great for the job at hand. If you quit your job without having another lined up, similarly stay positive, explain what you learned and achieved, what you are looking for in your next job and role, and why that led you to apply to this job! If you left to be a stay-at-home parent, take care of a family member, were sick, or even quit to travel the world, you can simply say that without diving into details.
There are so many reasons that someone’s career trajectory might have a gap of a few months or a few years. A good employer will focus on the here and now. After all, the most important thing should be the value you’ll bring to the company now.
