Career Concepts logo (white)

4 Ways to Address Common Resume Gaps

If you’ve got a gap in your work history, you’re not alone.

Thanks to a shifting economy, many of us have found ourselves out of work for an extended period of time. For some people, taking time away from their career was a choice, whether it was to raise a family, go back to school or travel the world.

Even though they are quite common these days, gaps in your work history still have a negative stigma attached and job seekers should be prepared to address them when applying for work. Consider the following ways to navigate a gap in your resume.

Due to a job loss

Talking about how you got let go by a company is never easy. In fact, most interviewers will sympathize with you. We’ve all been the victim of downsizing or been at a company where it wasn’t the right fit.

When addressing a job loss, it’s important not to speak negatively about your previous employer. Instead, you should focus on any positive impacts you had and how getting let go was a learning experience.

Due to a return to school

Of all the factors behind a work history gap, this is probably the easiest to address. A hiring manager should applaud your decision to gain further education.

Ideally, you should be leveraging your recent education and applying to jobs where it is extremely useful. Talk about how a return to school is part of your desire to have more skills and career options.

Due to a health issue

Whether it’s for a personal situation or to take care of an ailing family member, many people put their career on hold for health-related reasons.

In this situation, it doesn’t do you any good to go into painstaking detail about the health situation. Doing so acts as a distraction from your job application and it can seem like you are fishing for sympathy.

As with the other reasons behind a work history gap, it’s important to frame this period as a chance to learn and grow. If you put your career on hold for personal health issues, you could talk about how you came out stronger and with a greater appreciation for life. If you took time off for family reasons, focus on how you’re ready to recommit your energy to your career.

Due to Travel

This is probably the most difficult one to deal with because touring the world is more likely to inspire envy than anything else. Ideally, you did some volunteer work during your travels or developed as a person. Maybe you gain perspective on less-advantaged people around the world or how important working in a fulfilling career is to your self-image.

At Career Concepts, we regularly help people overcome career obstacles and connect them with best-fit career opportunities. Please contact us today to find out how we can help your career.

Blog published date

Jul 10, 2018
Share this blog
Categories

Career Concepts Blog

Business employees engaging in a meeting
19 Mar, 2024
Learn essential strategies for setting clear and realistic expectations in the workplace. Enhance communication, productivity, and team dynamics effectively.
HR manager talking to an employee
05 Mar, 2024
Explore the essential functions of HR. From talent acquisition to employee development and support, uncover the pivotal role of human resources.
Share by: