How can you navigate a job search with employment gaps?

The first step is introspection. Reflect upon the reasons behind these gaps. It could be a voluntary sabbatical for personal growth, pursuit of education, caregiving responsibilities, or even unforeseen circumstances. Understanding these reasons is the cornerstone of confidence when addressing them. It’s about transcending the mention of gaps on a resume to illustrating the skills honed and experiences garnered during these intervals. Emphasizing any freelance work, volunteering, or part-time engagements during these periods paints a vivid picture of continued growth and dedication. Addressing these gaps openly & positively in cover letters, while focusing on the growth and learning gleaned, builds credibility and showcases resilience.

It is important, where possible, to explain the gaps. Since the pandemic, we have seen a growth in people with gaps in the CVs for multiple reasons and it is far more acceptable now than ever before. Having said that, there is still the need to explain the gap. Tell the reader what you did during that gap to keep up to date with skills, whether this is a house project, voluntary work, finance and budget management or caring for others. Even if you have an illness, focus on the rehabilitation element or how you have learned to live differently if there is an ongoing legacy from the illness/accident. Be honest and focus on the positives in your language.

This is very important. The gap does not necessarily have to be a negative aspect of your resume, but quite the contrary, a positive one. What you need to do is connect the dots in-between the experience you had before your gap, and the direction in which you're going. If you have quit your job to transition your career, explain how your gap helped you orientate yourself for the new endeavors in your career. Be quite clear and transparent about it, nothing to be ashamed about. You can use STAR to help yourself map the way your gap will be represented.

Explore different opportunities based on your previous experience. I for example haven't had much ''official'' and relatable experience to my current career, but I was able to properly identify transferrable skills, know what I want to do and can do. Afterwards, all I did was figure out in which industry or job area I would like to contribute. Be open to think about new possibilities for you, and avoid unnecessarily putting boundaries if you can give it a try and expand your horizons.

I helps to explain any professional related activities that might be relevant to the job interview at hand. For example, when I previously applied for a special events related job, I would mention that I have headed two longtime Meetup.com social groups for considerable lengths of time and planned group events/outings, promoted these events online through various means, etc. Or if a person has been doing volunteer work for non-profits or charities with facets that might relate to a new prospective job, those can be similarly highlighted showing that the job candidate had been productive between employment opportunities. Most people who are productive can find similar "between job" experiences that can similarly become job search assets.

Do not limit yourself too much. You can do much more than you think if you know in which direction to go, or at least what are your realistic options, and then give one of those options a try.