What do you do if you're asked about gaps in your previous work experience during an interview?

If you're asked about gaps in your previous work experience during an interview, it's important to be honest and transparent. You can explain the reason for the gap, whether it was for personal reasons, further education, travel, or any other relevant experience. Emphasize how you utilized that time to develop new skills or gain valuable experiences that are applicable to the position you're interviewing for. It's also crucial to convey your enthusiasm and readiness to re-enter the workforce and contribute effectively to the new role.

Navigating career gaps can feel like tiptoeing through a minefield. But here's the twist - those gaps? They are not blemishes. They're gold mines of growth, resilience, and untapped potential. When asked about work gaps, flip the narrative. Showcase the skills honed, the lessons learned, and how these uniquely position you for the role at hand. Whether it was self-reflection, further education, travel, or personal commitments - each experience has shaped a richer, more diverse perspective you bring to the table. Remember, it's not about the gap. It's about how you bridged it.

Totally agree. Honesty is the best policy. It comes down to how it is presented. If you tell your story with an element of shame it will be clear you have something you feel is worth hiding. Present with unapologetic confidence with valid explanations and if it's a good employer you should gain respect for having the bravery to present your truth. People will always respect honesty more and if you gain their respect they'll probably be more understanding of your circumstances.

1. Be Honest So, you've got a gap in your CV that looks like the Grand Canyon? First rule: no fibbing. Spin it into a narrative. Maybe you took time off for personal growth, to care for a family member, or to travel and gain a new perspective. It’s not about the gap; it’s about how you bridge it with your story. Keep it real, and remember, everyone loves a comeback story.

When asked about gaps in your work experience during an interview, lead with positivity and transparency. Explain the reasons for the gaps, focusing on the growth and learning opportunities they provided. Highlight any skills or knowledge gained during those periods, such as volunteer work, courses, or personal projects that have contributed to your professional development. Frame these experiences as evidence of your resilience, adaptability, and commitment to continuous learning. Show how these qualities, cultivated during your gaps, make you a stronger and more versatile candidate.

Further to my last point, confidence goes hand in hand with positivity in interview. Keep answers to queries about career gaps direct, positive and confident. If you have nothing to hide they have nothing to doubt. Ultimately a prospect future employer is looking for peace of mind that they trust bringing you into their team, so make sure you present yourself as trustworthy.

2. Stay Positive When that gap comes up, don't let it sound like a sad tune on a violin. Instead, hit the high notes on what you learned or achieved during that time. Maybe you developed a new skill, volunteered, or took a course. Frame it as a period of growth, not a gap. It's not about the time off; it's about how you used it to enrich your life and, by extension, your professional self.

When addressing gaps in your work experience during an interview, stay positive and transparent. Clearly explain the reasons for these gaps, emphasizing the constructive activities you undertook, such as upskilling, volunteering, or personal projects. Highlight how these experiences contributed to your personal and professional growth, showcasing resilience and a proactive attitude towards learning and development. Present these gaps as periods of valuable learning and self-improvement, reinforcing your readiness and enthusiasm for the role you're applying for.

You never want to be caught off-guard by questions in an interview for any subject that comes up, but especially gaps in your career. If you stumble on these questions you won't be presenting confidence and uncertainty will undermine anything you have to say. If you're not sure about how to approach these questions, practice them with friends and family. Be ready to face them head-on and hide nothing.

3. Be Prepared You know it’s coming, so have your answer locked and loaded. Treat it like an elevator pitch—concise, compelling, and ending on a high note. Prepare a narrative that not only explains the gap but also segues seamlessly into how it adds value to your candidacy. It's your plot twist where the hero finds a hidden treasure in the desert.

When discussing work experience gaps in an interview, preparation is key. Anticipate the question and prepare a concise, positive explanation. Focus on the constructive aspects of your time off, such as skills gained, courses taken, or personal growth achieved. Emphasize how these experiences have prepared you for the role you're applying for, highlighting your resilience and commitment to professional development. By being prepared, you can turn potential concerns into compelling evidence of your readiness and suitability for the job.

More often than not if you are returning to the workforce, whatever situation pulled you away from working life has been addressed or resolved. If you are certain enough to go to an interview you shouldn't have any issue providing closure on that circumstance. If you can't do this easily you might need to ask yourself if you are ready to make that move. If you can't convince yourself, how can you expect to convince someone else?

4. Offer Reassurance Let them know that your time off the grid wasn't you losing momentum but gathering steam for the next big leap. Reassure them that you’re now more ready than ever, fully charged, and with added insights or skills that enhance your role. It's like telling them you stopped at a pit-stop to upgrade your engine in the race of your career.

To address gaps in your work history during an interview, offer reassurance through a prepared, positive narrative. Explain the reasons for the gaps, emphasizing the constructive steps you took during those periods, such as acquiring new skills, volunteering, or personal development activities. Highlight how these experiences have enhanced your qualifications and prepared you for the job at hand. Reassure the interviewer that these gaps have not only been periods of growth but have also equipped you with unique perspectives and abilities, making you a valuable asset to their team.

Before I moved to my current employer I took a career break to study my passion. Out of industry, unrelated to my professional field, massive risk. In the interview, I didn't evade the inevitable questions about my decision to do this. I followed all the advice I listed previously. I present my decisions with confidence unapologetically. I also demonstrated that I am capable of handling big risks, surviving in uncertainty, and managing big changes in my personal and professional life and that I can persevere through tough challenges. It's important to think about how to present the strengths in your so-called 'weaknesses'. You can do this with full honesty and still succeed.

In discussing gaps in your employment history, highlight your flexibility alongside a prepared explanation. Emphasize how these periods were used to adapt to new situations, learn new skills, or explore different interests, demonstrating your ability to navigate change effectively. Showcase how this flexibility has contributed to your professional growth, making you more adaptable and resourceful. By focusing on your capacity to adjust and thrive in diverse circumstances, you reassure interviewers of your resilience and versatility, valuable traits in any role.

5. Highlight Flexibility Use your gap to showcase your adaptability. Perhaps you navigated uncertain times with grace or pivoted to a new interest or industry. It's about painting a picture of someone who can ride the waves of change and come out surfing like a pro. It’s your chance to show you're not just set in your ways but are willing to flex and bend as the job requires.

6. Focus on Skills Zero in on the skills you honed or acquired during your gap. Whether it was through formal education, self-study, or life experience, highlight how these skills are relevant to the job at hand. It's turning the gap from a blank space into a colorful canvas of your continued personal and professional development.

7. Here’s What Else to Consider Remember, everyone has chapters in their life that don't follow a straight line. It's the zigzags that make the story interesting. Own your narrative with confidence. And consider this: companies value diversity of experience. Your unique journey might just be the fresh perspective they need. It's about not just fitting in but adding a new dimension to the team.