How to address gaps in your Resume

If you have gaps in your career history or periods of unemployment, there is no need to worry!

Gaps in employment are increasingly common and are not necessarily a negative factor in job applications, if they are showcased correctly. A lack of information however can lead to potential employers making assumptions (potentially negative ones) which is the last thing you want when applying for jobs.

 

First things first… please do not ignore the gaps! Like everything in life… honesty is the best policy and your resume is no exception.

 

We have outlined a range of common reasons for gaps in employment below and have provided advice on both addressing the gaps and portraying them advantageously in your resume:

Parenthood

Becoming a parent is a natural way of life and why should this therefore be hidden on your resume? Exactly, it shouldn’t! You should acknowledge maternity/paternity leave on your resume, or if you were a full time parent for a while, again acknowledge this! you volunteered at parent groups or school committees you can use these experiences to bridge the gap on more of a professional level too.

Health Reasons

As much as we wish we could avoid ill health, it unfortunately does occur and can result in time off due to your own health, or a requirement to care for a family member. When acknowledging time off on your resume due to your own health it is important to highlight you are now well enough to work again; this can also be strong evidence of resilience. When it comes to caring for a family member, again this can be portrayed as a positive as it is a clear demonstration of adaptability, problem solving and empathy at its finest.

Redundancy

Especially since COVID-19, redundancy is something that has become increasingly common on resumes; there are certain industries such as tourism and hospitality where redundancies tend to appear more, however it is vital to explain the redundancy, whatever the industry, in a positive and extremely professional light. Redundancy can also be a great opportunity to make a  career change, take the opportunity to travel, or enhance your skills and education through training or study.

Career Break

More and more people are now taking career breaks in order to go travelling or explore new avenues. As long as a career break is acknowledged professionally, it can demonstrate extensive life experience, cultural understanding and a sense of ambition. Through highlighting a career break on your resume, it can also create a great talking point at interview and can allow your passion and life ambitions to shine through.

With all of this in mind, do be aware that some industries can be more particular than others about gaps in employment. Roles in the police services, banks, security and public service may ask for evidence of the time you were off work, depending on your circumstances, this can easily be proved.  This is where being open and honest is essential.

 

We hope this helps clear up any grey areas surrounding gaps in employment and allows you to showcase the gaps with confidence!

 

If you would prefer our experienced writers to compile your CV you can order here

 

The CV Guru

How to address gaps in your Resume

If you have gaps in your career history or periods of unemployment, there is no need to worry!

Gaps in employment are increasingly common and are not necessarily a negative factor in job applications, if they are showcased correctly. A lack of information however can lead to potential employers making assumptions (potentially negative ones) which is the last thing you want when applying for jobs.

First things first… please do not ignore the gaps! Like everything in life… honesty is the best policy and your resume is no exception.

We have outlined a range of common reasons for gaps in employment below and have provided advice on both addressing the gaps and portraying them advantageously in your resume:

Parenthood

Becoming a parent is a natural way of life and why should this therefore be hidden on your resume? Exactly, it shouldn’t! You should acknowledge maternity/paternity leave on your resume, or if you were a full time parent for a while, again acknowledge this! you volunteered at parent groups or school committees you can use these experiences to bridge the gap on more of a professional level too.

Health Reasons

As much as we wish we could avoid ill health, it unfortunately does occur and can result in time off due to your own health, or a requirement to care for a family member. When acknowledging time off on your resume due to your own health it is important to highlight you are now well enough to work again; this can also be strong evidence of resilience. When it comes to caring for a family member, again this can be portrayed as a positive as it is a clear demonstration of adaptability, problem solving and empathy at its finest.

Redundancy

Especially since COVID-19, redundancy is something that has become increasingly common on resumes; there are certain industries such as tourism and hospitality where redundancies tend to appear more, however it is vital to explain the redundancy, whatever the industry, in a positive and extremely professional light. Redundancy can also be a great opportunity to make a  career change, take the opportunity to travel, or enhance your skills and education through training or study.

Career Break

More and more people are now taking career breaks in order to go travelling or explore new avenues. As long as a career break is acknowledged professionally, it can demonstrate extensive life experience, cultural understanding and a sense of ambition. Through highlighting a career break on your resume, it can also create a great talking point at interview and can allow your passion and life ambitions to shine through.

With all of this in mind, do be aware that some industries can be more particular than others about gaps in employment. Roles in the police services, banks, security and public service may ask for evidence of the time you were off work, depending on your circumstances, this can easily be proved.  This is where being open and honest is essential.

 

We hope this helps clear up any grey areas surrounding gaps in employment and allows you to showcase the gaps with confidence!

 

If you would prefer our experienced writers to compile your CV you can order here

 

The CV Guru