A Guide to Explaining Employment Gaps

Job gaps are generally referred to as "CV gaps" because they stand out on chronological resumes. When recruiters look at your employment history, these gaps will be noticeable. A well-articulated explanation makes it clear to the recruiter that the breaks you took from the workforce are nothing to be concerned about and makes it a non-issue. These tips will help you explain gaps in your employment history.

Recognise whether you have a job gap

Examine your job history, dating back at least 10 to 15 years. Were there any gaps in employment that lasted longer than 6 to 9 months? If your gap is less than that, recruiters will typically think you were job hunting and will not pay attention to it. If it is more than 6 to 9 months, you must write an explanation to avoid misunderstandings.

Don’t try to hide it

Far too often, job seekers assume that any employment gaps are bad and attempt to conceal them by switching from a chronological to a functional Curriculum Vitae (CV) format, placing emphasis on achievements over dates. When a recruiter sees a functional CV, it's almost instinctual for them to ask what the candidate is trying to conceal.

Seek empathy if the gap is involuntary

Too often, work gaps occur by circumstances beyond your control. Recessions, industrial upheaval, and health difficulties (your own or someone else's) should all be openly discussed, and recruiters will understand. Many people have been affected by similar events in the past.

Even a lengthy job search is justifiable. Very few of us have received professional training in job hunting. Therefore, it is understandable if your search took longer than usual.

Make the gap a non-issue

Explaining a gap to a recruiter is ultimately about persuading them that it does not compromise your potential to succeed in the job they're looking to fill. On the contrary, if you spend your time away from employment enhancing your talents, learning new ones, growing your professional brand, and so on, you must ensure that recruiters are aware of it.

Mention it on your cover letter or CV

When you have something positive to highlight in your cover letter, such as time spent in professional courses improving your skills, explaining a gap in your CV becomes easier.

If you did something else during your time between employment, put a brief statement in your work history with the necessary dates (month and year, or just year), such as "health-related sabbatical." It's even better to list "Job search" (with the dates you were searching) than to leave the gap completely unmentioned. That demonstrates honesty.