There are a multitude of reasons that you may find gaps in employment on your CV.?
We've put together a list of 10 key points for how you explain your time away from work:
- DO NOT WORRY.?You are not alone. Most people have some form of gap so, as hirers, we're very used to seeing it
- You might have valid/exciting reasons for doing something different (like world travel) but if not, that's OK too.
- Just be honest.
- If you had a month or two between positions then you don't need to explain this. Just list your roles with the dates you were at them.
- However, if it's more time than this, then do not ever just hope no-one realises the gap. It's a terrible first impression to make when someone notices. Don't hide a gap.
- The most common reason for time off between positions is because you couldn't find the job you wanted. Rest assured, this won't spook anyone. More so than ever following the pandemic, people have become accustomed to seeing this. Hirers are people too.?
- So just be honest.
- Having children is a worthy, valid, and fantastic reason to have time away from work. Anyone who doesn't agree isn't worth working for. Ever.
- If you've taken some time away for personal space and to recharge, it's always best to say it (we all need a break). Saying you're doing 'property renovation' or 'some courses' isn't a genuine reason to stop working. It sounds like you couldn't do both at the same time.
- Above all; just be honest.
Decency and openness goes along way when you're looking for a new job. You are asking a company to employ you and spend their time and effort helping to build your career; you need to demonstrate to them from the off that you're someone they would want to have around and trust to help lead their company.
Gone are the days when being made redundant or struggling to find the perfect job for a few months is looked down upon. Modern businesses know that modern life demands flexibility. If they really want the best people, then they won't care a single bit if they had some time away from their desks.?
Far from being a hindrance or a drag... it can be an asset to shout about.?
Executive and Team Coach ??. MSc in Coaching from Henley Business School . Certified Myers Briggs (MBTI) and NLP Practitioner. Accredited Time to Think Facilitator.
2 年Great little useful article - so many of us have gaps on our CV it should be considered the norm really.