How to Overcome Career Gaps in Your Resume

What Are Career Gaps?

Career gaps are the periods of time when one is not employed, or breaks from employment between periods of employment. These gaps can be voluntary or involuntary, and can also vary in length. The impact on your job search resume depends on the nature and duration of the gap. In order to stay competitive and get the job that you want, it is important to understand how to best explain the gap and demonstrate how you overcame it on your CV.

Explain Career Gaps

Gaps in employment are perfectly normal and can actually show potential employers that you are motivated and driven. If you made the conscious decision to take a break to gain new skills and experiences that can be beneficial to potential job opportunities, demonstrate this on your CV. If the gap was involuntary, such as being laid off or due to child care or family commitments, explain it honestly and openly. Good verbal communication skills during job interviews and on resumes are essential to explain career gaps. Showing potential employers you can manage difficult challenges, describe your experiences with honesty, and provide relevant evidence is a sure-fire way to impress.

Add Value During Gaps in Your Career

Make use of any gaps in employment to find new skills and experiences. Taking courses, or learning new industry-related skills, helps to demonstrate competence even when you are not actively employed. In an effort to stand out above the rest, these activities add value to companies, making you even more attractive to potential employers than those without. Volunteering with well-known organisations, attending relevant conferences and events, creating your own blog or website, or taking independent courses are just some of the ways to add value and stand out from others. Staying active and learning new skills is a great way to fill gaps in your resume.

Conclusion

When it comes to job applications, it is important to take into account any gaps in employment when creating your resume. By understanding the impact of career gaps, and how to explain them in a positive way, you can use them to your advantage and show employers you are capable of adapting and overcoming difficulties. Making use of any gaps to gain new skills and experiences will ensure your resume can come across in a positive light, regardless of any potential lapses in employment. With the right attitude, career gaps can be useful and provide the stepping stone for your next career move.