How to Explain a Resume Gap

By Emily Numa
Dec 24, 2022
3 min read

If you’ve been out of the workforce for a while and have a gap in your resume, you may be wondering how it’ll affect your job search now that you’re ready to get back to work. Long breaks between jobs are usually nothing to worry about, though, if they are handled the right way. In this post, we’ll talk about how to handle a resume gap when you’re looking for a new job. Keep reading to learn more.

Address Any Employment Gaps

Resumes showcase your skills and prior experience, and they’re generally your first chance to make a good impression on potential employers. While a resume gap can be tricky to bring up in an interview, it’s not uncommon. There are many explanations for a resume gap, like family obligations, dealing with a chronic illness, or changing careers.

While it’s unnecessary to go into personal details or provide long explanations for unemployment, you should try to be honest and focus on the positive when explaining a long-term resume gap to a hiring manager. For example, if you took time off to care for a new baby, you could say:

I was spending time with my baby and learning how to be a parent. During this time, I really honed my multitasking and organizational skills!

If you took time off to change careers, you could say something like:

I decided to pursue a different career path, so I took the time to read up on the industry and figure out my next steps.

The important thing is to be straightforward, and it helps prepare your answers in advance since your career break will probably come up in an interview.

Emphasize Transferable Skills

Even if you weren’t technically employed during your time off, you could still discuss any skills or knowledge you’ve gained. It may seem insignificant, but it could help you stand out in a competitive job market. Maybe you volunteered at your child’s school or attended a business-related seminar. Alternatively, perhaps you took an interesting class or received training in new industry technology while unemployed. All these activities show your motivation to succeed and willingness to go the extra mile in the workplace.

Show You’re Ready to Work

No matter how long your resume gap is, it’s important to show the hiring manager that you’re ready to get back to work. You can do this by asking questions and highlighting specific aspects of the job you’re excited about, along with why you believe you’re right for the role. Research the company so that you can ask your own questions at the end of the interview. This shows your interest and helps you decide if the job is right for you.

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If you need to take time away from the full-time workforce but don’t want a resume gap, consider training as a freelance proofreader or editor. Our courses provide the training you need to start a flexible new career, and if you pass both our Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor courses with a distinction score of at least 80%, you’re guaranteed work with our partner company, Proofed. Sign up for a free trial today!