How to Explain a Gap in Your CV

There are many reasons why people may take a career break from work. From having children to returning to education as a mature student and everything in between. Whatever the reason is, we’re here to help you explain that gap in your CV.

Not knowing how to address the empty spaces on your CV can be the difference between you landing a job and missing out on the perfect opportunity for you. Don’t let your employment gap hold you back, here are some tips to help you:

When Will Employers Question An Employment Gap?

As a general guideline, employers will only question an employment gap that is 3 months or longer. Employment gaps from a long time ago are also much less likely to be queried as employers are usually more interested in a candidate’s recent experience and employment history.

You don’t actually need to include all of your experience on your CV either if you’ve been working for many years. Cutting your employment history down to only include relevant positions is perfectly ok and will help take care of those gaps in your CV. Some gaps can even be addressed by the way you format your CV, for instance, only including the month and year is perfectly acceptable.

Be Honest

Honesty is always the best policy when it comes to writing a CV. Never lie about an employment gap. Your interviewer will find out sooner or later, that is one thing for sure. Equally, you should never extend your period of employment date in previous positions.

Be Optimistic

Discuss your employment gaps in a positive light. For instance, rather than saying ‘I couldn’t find the right job’ spin it and say ‘I wanted to take a few months out to figure out my career path into an industry I’m passionate about.’

This gives you the opportunity to highlight key skills such as self-awareness, patience and dedication. If you have reasons for taking a career break, make sure to explain your reasons. This can include:

• Dealing with an illness, injury or disability
• Caring responsibilities for an unwell child, partner, family member or other dependent
• Taking time out as a stay-at-home parent
• Struggling to find a job after leaving school, college or university
• Taking a gap year to go travelling, volunteering or time out
• Being made redundant and thinking about your next options
• Returning to education as a mature student
• Take Charge

If you’re struggling to find work, why not do something that contributes to your employment history or qualifications? For instance, volunteering, and online courses. There are lots of courses available for free too! This will demonstrate to your employer that you are using your time wisely and will also help you to showcase your willingness to succeed and advance your career.

Don’t Forget!

Apprenticeships are a viable route for adults too! So if you’re having no luck with the job hunt, an apprenticeship can help you gain industry-specific skills, experience and a nationally recognised qualification.

Explaining CV Gaps Due To Coronavirus

If you were left with no other option but to take a career break due to the COVID-19 crisis, remember you’re not alone. Millions of people are in the same boat as you and not one hiring manager will question your CV gap due to a worldwide pandemic. And if they do, that says more about them than you.

Final words…

Career breaks are not the be-all and end-all. Whatever your reason for taking an employment gap, remember what it taught you. Explaining your reasons is what is most important. It’s not as unusual as you may think to have a gap in your employment history.

Approach the situation with confidence, honesty and enthusiasm, and really show the hiring manager just how eager you are to return to the workplace.

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