How can you use storytelling to explain gaps in your employment history?

We often have reasons or excuses for certain decisions, mistakes etc. Explaining them directly might give a bad impression as it looks like we are trying to be irresponsible, finding lame excuses, giving some fake reasons etc. Instead, if we have a story telling approach, it feels more genuine and convincing.

Jordan Peele said, “I’m obsessed with giving the audience something they didn’t see coming.” Stories are a powerful communication tool because they appeal to both the emotional & rational sides of the brain. When you are invested in a good story, you stay tuned – and you want the hiring manager to stay tuned. Weave a narrative that demonstrates your skills and proves you add value – this is what you need to do to cover any gaps. Just because you have a gap doesn’t mean that you have a lack of skills. A powerful story can help you confidently convince the interviewer you are a great catch. Telling a story that resonates helps us not only believe in ourselves but it sets the stage for others to believe in what we have to offer.

Humans tend to think in stories, and your resume is your career story. We also like stories to be authentic and clear. Tell the reader the full story in an engaging way, giving just enough description of a career gap(s) to show that you were always busy and developing yourself in a certain area(s). Try to do this without giving too much detail. A one-liner in italics should do the trick to explain a gap between roles. This is much more effective than trying to obfuscate by leaving it open to interpretation or not referencing it at all - which can raise a red flag.

I always advise job seekers to be transparent and upfront about job moves and career decisions in order to get it out there and in front of any job opportunity. There is no reason to sugar coat or gloss over parts of your work history you may feel does not shed you in the best light. Talking this through and bringing to light what you learned and achieved within maybe, a shorter stint role or how you learned from a career misstep can always help you to stand out and show you have integrity and how you learn from decision making. Too many candidates feel they will be judged on career moves or mistakes, when in reality, the experience is still valuable and the interviewer will get a better understanding and appreciate your upfront approach.

?? Remember campfire tales and bedtime stories? They captivated us because they resonated. That's the power of storytelling! In the vast library of resumes, don't be just another book on the shelf. Be the spine that stands out. Your employment gaps? They're not just gaps, they're chapters waiting to be told. Paint a narrative, captivate your audience, and turn page breaks into plot twists!

Make sure that it is a sensible as well as justifiable reason before building the story. Expect questions from the interviewer regarding the story we built, to confirm if it is true. Be prepared to not to end up in a troubling situation such as complaining about the previous employer etc.

?? Think of yourself as a detective of your own life. Your clues? Those moments during your employment gap. Maybe you backpacked across Europe, acquiring unmatched adaptability. Or you might've stayed home, parenting, honing unparalleled multitasking skills. Gather your clues, piece them together, and voila, your story unravels.

?? Just like a theatrical play, your story needs Act I, II, & III. Set the stage with what triggered your break, waltz through your journey in the middle, and crescendo with the newfound skills and insights. With the STAR method as your director, let your story take center stage, showing your versatility as a professional.

There's a chance you can talk about your employment gap in chronological resume, as well. As you leave your last job, due to caring of your sick family members or being laid off, you should have a career goal in your mind and dedicate some hours for freelance projects, certifications or that support your professional goals. Also, instead of mentioning on your resume as "career break", state about your role that you've dedicated your time to develop yourself, professionally. If you've worked on freelance projects, developing websites, you can mention "web developer". And to show some glimpse of taking career break, show your time management skills in bullets, like how you've met the deadline of the project and served your family.

?? Your resume is your canvas, and how you paint your story on it can be a game-changer. Perhaps a chronological resume feels too spaced out? Pivot to a functional format that showcases the bouquet of skills from your gap. Or stitch your gap tale in a compelling cover letter. Let your colors, or in this case, experiences, shine vividly.

?? Archery lesson 101: Aim and adapt. Tailor your narrative to hit the bullseye of your desired job's requirements. Did your gap make you a great communicator? Highlight it for that PR role. Align your values with the company's and shoot your arrow, making your gap years seem like strategic training sessions!

?? Mic check! Just like any great artist, rehearsal makes perfect. The story of your gap should flow like a chart-topping hit single. The more you practice, the more confident you sound. And remember, your song isn't about the gap, but the bridges you built during it. So, tune your story, adjust the pitch, and be concert-ready for any audience questions.

Focus on developing your skills during the gap rather than dwelling on the gap itself. Highlight any volunteer work, freelance projects, or personal responsibilities you took on that allowed you to gain skills. Keep your post short at 3-4 concise paragraphs maximum. Ask for recommendations or endorsements from former managers if possible. Maintain visibility on LinkedIn by posting engaging updates about your job search and industry trends. The goal is to indirectly address any gaps while emphasizing your qualifications and keeping a positive tone. These tips aim to help craft an effective LinkedIn post that will appeal to potential employers.

?? A nugget of wisdom? Consider gaps as fertile grounds for growth. The seeds you plant during these periods often yield the most resilient of trees. Don’t just focus on filling those spaces; let them breathe, let them showcase growth. Embrace them, for they might just be the lush green patches on the landscape of your career.

Utilize storytelling to explain employment gaps by framing them as opportunities for growth and learning. Begin by being honest and straightforward about the reason for the gap. Narrate any constructive activities undertaken during this period, such as freelancing, volunteering, furthering your education, or learning a new skill, aligning them with the job you're applying for. Demonstrate how these experiences have equipped you with unique perspectives, resilience, and adaptability, enhancing your value as a candidate. This narrative approach transforms potential red flags into showcases of your character, determination, and readiness for new challenges.