Here's how you can address interview questions regarding your career gaps.

Be honest and concise. You can say, “I took a break to prioritize my health and well-being, but I also expanded my knowledge and gained new skills in areas like communication/ time management/ project management. I am excited to apply these skills and experiences to a new role and get back into the swing of things.” You want to be specific about what you did during that time, highlight the skills and experiences you gained relevant to the job you are applying for, show eagerness to get back into the workforce and keep your answers concise.

Owning your story about your career gap empowers you in an interview by: ?? Demonstrating Transparency: Being upfront about the reason shows confidence and avoids creating suspicion about the gap. ?? Highlighting Growth: Frame the gap positively. Did you take a course, travel, or volunteer? Explain how it enhanced your skills or broadened your perspective. ?? Reframing the Narrative: Instead of a pause in work, position it as a strategic career move. This showcases your agency and proactiveness. Was it useful???

O seu storytelling conta muito quando você estiver contando sua história profissional em uma entrevista, incluindo as lacunas que possam existir. Seja dono da sua história e treine diferentes maneiras de apresentá-la, de forma a impactar positivamente o entrevistador. Todo mundo teve altos e baixo na carreira, mas a nossa resiliência, a forma como encaramos essas situa??es e, principalmente, o que tiramos de aprendizado, falam muito mais a nosso respeito. Lembre-se disso!

how you can address interview questions regarding your career gaps Be Honest and Transparent: Acknowledge the gap and briefly explain the reason, such as personal reasons, further education, or career change. Highlight Positive Activities: Discuss any productive activities during the gap, such as freelancing, volunteer work, or skill-building courses. Focus on Skills and Learning: Emphasize skills acquired or enhanced during the gap, demonstrating your commitment to professional development. Relate to the Job: Connect the gap to how it prepared you for the role you're applying for, showcasing relevant experiences and skills. Showcase Results: Share any achievements or outcomes from activities during the gap that are relevant to the job.

I believe honesty is the best way to go. If a workplace cannot accept your honesty it is not for you. Career gaps are nothing to be ashamed of.

By highlighting your achievements, you turn the gap into a period of growth & development. ?? Focus on achievements: Reframe your gap by highlighting what you accomplished during that time. Did you take relevant courses? Volunteer? Pursue personal projects? Show how these experiences honed your skills & make you a valuable asset. ?? Connect the dots: Explain how your experiences before & after the gap are relevant to the position. Did you travel and gain intercultural skills? Care for a family member & develop project management expertise? ?? Be upfront and honest: If the gap was due to unforeseen circumstances, acknowledge it briefly and professionally. Focus on how you've grown from the experience & are eager to return to the workforce.

?? Frame the gap as an opportunity: Explain how you used the time to develop new skills (e.g., freelance work, volunteering) or gain relevant experiences (e.g., travel, caregiving) that connect to the desired position. ?? Highlight transferable skills: Did your gap involve projects or experiences outside your traditional field? Focus on transferable skills you gained, like communication, problem-solving, or project management, and how they apply to the job. ?? Connect the gap to the role: Show how the skills or knowledge you acquired during your break directly align with the requirements and responsibilities of the position you're interviewing for. This demonstrates you used your time productively and are prepared to excel in the role.

?? Frame the gap as an opportunity for growth: Explain how you used the time to develop new skills or pursue personal growth experiences relevant to the position. ?? Connect the gap to your future focus: Highlight how the break allowed you to refocus your career goals and how your current skills and experiences align perfectly with the role you're applying for. This demonstrates proactive career planning and a clear vision for the future. ?? Maintain a positive and proactive tone: Express your enthusiasm for returning to the workforce and your eagerness to contribute to the company. Was it useful???

Always say it with confidence and without any regrets or shame. If you can convince yourself, you can convince the world. Also taking break doesn’t make you any less provided it was due to unavoidable/ upskilling reason.