How to Confidently Address Career Breaks in Job Applications
Hey there!
I know that feeling of seeing a gap in your resume and wondering how it might affect your next career move. Feeling a little anxious is normal, but here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to hold you back.
Let’s have an honest conversation about employment gaps. Many professionals – even the most successful–have taken career breaks. The key is in how you handle it. So, if you're feeling unsure about how to explain that gap on your resume or during an interview, I’ve got some tips that will help you navigate this with confidence and ease.
1. Be Honest – Your Story Matters
The first thing you want to do is be upfront about your employment gap. Honesty is always the best approach, and most recruiters will appreciate that. Whether it was to focus on family, health, or just to hit pause and figure things out, you don’t have to hide it.
Here’s a little secret: recruiters and hiring managers are human, too. They’ve seen it all and are often more understanding than you might think. What matters most is your openness about it and how you’ve grown during that time.
2. Remove Outdated Gaps – They Don’t Matter Anymore
Got an employment gap from over 10 years ago? Good news – you don’t even need to include that in your resume. Focus on the most recent, relevant experience that highlights your growth. No one is going to hold a short break from a decade ago against you.
A simple, streamlined resume that reflects your current expertise will keep the focus on what matters: where you are now and how you can contribute moving forward.
3. Explain the Gap – Share What You Learned
It’s not just about the gap itself, but what you did during that time. Instead of leaving it as an unexplained period on your resume, give it some context. Did you take some time off to upskill? Maybe you were caring for a family member or traveling to recharge. Whatever the case, don’t just list dates. Share what that time meant for you and how it contributed to your growth.
Think about it like this: what valuable skills or lessons did you pick up during your break that can now benefit a future employer?
4. Try a Different Resume Format – Shift the Focus
If your gap was a bit longer, why not switch things up with a different resume layout? Formats like the functional or combination resume focus more on your skills rather than a strict timeline of employment. This way, the emphasis is on what you can do and the expertise you bring to the table, rather than a gap in your work history.
It’s all about highlighting your strengths, and this simple shift can help steer the conversation away from the gap and toward your capabilities.
5. Use Your Time Away Wisely – It All Counts!
If you’re currently between jobs or anticipating a gap, make the most of this time! Start a project you’ve been dreaming about, enroll in some courses, or volunteer for something meaningful. This way, your employment gap can turn into a story of personal and professional growth.
This not only helps fill that space on your resume but also gives you something valuable to talk about when you’re ready to step back into the job market. Every little thing you do during this time counts!
6. Keep Learning – It Shows You’re Growing
Finally, even if you weren’t officially working, it doesn’t mean you stopped growing. Let recruiters know how you kept learning – whether it was through reading, attending workshops, or exploring new interests. These experiences can show your dedication to personal development and your commitment to staying engaged with your field.
For example, you can phrase it like this on your resume: "During my career break, I completed several online courses on [relevant skills], which helped me stay updated with industry trends and sharpen my expertise."
This way, you’re showing that the time off was anything but idle – it was an opportunity to become even better at what you do.
Here’s are a few examples for each career gap scenario, showing how to explain it positively and strategically on your resume or during an interview:
Scenario 1: Career Break for Health Reasons
WRONG Example
Professional Experience
Career Break for Health Reasons 02/2019 - 12/2021
Explanation (Why it's wrong): Simply stating "Career Break for Health Reasons" without any context or elaboration leaves the employment gap open to interpretation. It doesn’t show how you managed your time during the break or your readiness to return to work.
RIGHT Example
Professional Experience
Career Break for Health Recovery 02/2019 - 12/2021
Why it's right: This version explains the break gracefully, showing that the candidate took time for recovery while still staying connected to their professional field. The person highlights self-development efforts and volunteer work, reinforcing a positive and proactive approach during the break.
Scenario 2: Career Break for Travel and Personal Development
WRONG Example
Recommended by LinkedIn
Professional Experience
Career Break for Travel 05/2018 - 06/2020
Explanation (Why it's wrong): This entry leaves a career gap with no details, making it seem like the candidate simply "took time off," without showing any productive use of their time or explaining how the break contributed to their growth.
RIGHT Example
Professional Experience
Career Break for Travel and Personal Development 05/2018 - 06/2020
Why it's right: Here, the break is explained as a productive period focused on personal growth and skill enhancement. The candidate connects travel experiences to their professional competencies, showing they gained valuable skills like adaptability and remote project management.
Scenario 3: Career Break for Further Education
WRONG Example
Professional Experience
Career Break for Education 01/2017 - 08/2021
Explanation (Why it's wrong): Simply stating “Career Break for Education” doesn’t explain what was accomplished during the period or how it contributed to the candidate’s professional development. It misses the opportunity to showcase new skills or qualifications.
RIGHT Example
Professional Experience
Career Break for Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management 01/2017 - 08/2021
Why it's right: In this version, the candidate explains how the break was used to gain formal education and develop relevant expertise. It frames the career gap as a period of purposeful self-investment, ensuring the reader understands its value to the candidate’s professional growth.
These examples show how to frame a career break positively, giving context and demonstrating growth during the period. The RIGHT examples focus on proactive actions taken, while the WRONG ones leave the gap unexplained, potentially raising concerns for recruiters.
How to Explain Employment Gaps in a Job Interview or Screening Call
When discussing employment gaps during an interview or screening call, honesty is essential. Stick to the facts, providing clear and consistent answers that align with your resume and cover letter. Recruiters value transparency and may probe for more details to ensure the gap is fully explained. Being evasive or inconsistent can raise red flags.
Prepare by reviewing your timeline and reasons for the gap, and frame it as a learning experience that made you stronger and more determined. Employers appreciate candidates who have overcome challenges, as it mirrors the resilience businesses often need.
4 Ways to Explain Employment Gaps in Interviews
Remember, It's All About the Story You Tell
An employment gap isn’t the end of the world. It’s just a part of your story – and like every good story, it’s all about how you frame it. Be honest, stay confident, and focus on the positives you’ve gained from that time away.
After all, we all need breaks sometimes. The important part is how you come back stronger.
Final Thoughts
Next time you’re feeling anxious about explaining an employment gap, remember this: it’s not about the gap itself but how you use that time to grow, learn, and become a better version of yourself. And when you approach it with honesty and positivity, potential employers will see it too.
If you are still not feeling confident in finding a suitable opportunity in mid-career -
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That's all for today. I"ll see you in my next article.
Until next time, stay confident – your journey is unique, and that’s your strength!😊
Founder - DatBird Technologies Pvt Ltd.| Data Alchemist | Crafting Strategies That Turn Data into Revenue - 30 New Clients in 30 Days!
1wHey, Megha! Career gaps are like life's plot twists. They can add depth to your story if you know how to spin them. What do you think?
I boost your team's productivity by 30%, 40%, or even 50% | The Corporate Monk
3moThis write up is truly helpful Megha Jawale - Mid Career Possibilitarian Coach 🚀
15 yr Experience in ,Leadership , Brand development , Talent nurture & capability building, and optimising process in Pharma Industry
3moNice one. I am interested in 21 day challenge.Please guide me.