cover letter to explain gap in employment

How to Explain Gaps in Employment (With Examples)

By Biron Clark

Published: November 8, 2023

Interview Preparation | Resume/CV

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

Explaining gaps in employment can be intimidating, but there are a couple of effective methods you can use. In this article, I’m going to show you how to explain employment gaps in your interviews, resume and cover letter … with word-for-word examples and sample explanations.

Let’s get started with the interview first…

Explaining Gaps In Employment In Your Interview

Explaining gaps in employment is really just about knowing what reasons are okay to share, and which ones you should tell a white lie about or not share. And then being upfront and comfortable with your answer.

These are all good sample reasons for having a gap in employment:

• Caring for a sick family member
• Caring for a young child
• Any medical or health issue
• Taking time off to relocate and find a job in a new state/city
• Pursuing further education or going back to school
• Pursuing any other type of professional training
• Taking time off to travel, study, work on a solo project, etc.
• Trying to start a business or freelance career
• You were laid off , your former company downsized, etc… and you had trouble finding a job after
• You were actively searching but had trouble finding a job (NOTE: I’ll cover this in detail later but you need to make it sound like you were being selective in your job search and waiting to find the RIGHT fit. That sounds a *lot* better than saying, “I was looking everywhere but couldn’t find a single company that would consider hiring me!”

Once you have your reason prepared… Here are the general steps to follow when explaining gaps in employment in the interview: 

• Explain the situation clearly but briefly. They don’t need a ton of personal details. Just give them the core facts.
• Show that the situation has ended or is no longer a factor, so they won’t be worried you’ll have to take another break from working. If they hire you, they want to know you’re 100% ready to work for them.
• Reiterate your interest in their position and bring the focus back onto this job interview and this position.

Examples Of How To Explain Employment Gaps In An Interview:

Sample explanation 1:

I had to resign from my previous position to care for an aging family member. I did this for the past year. Since then, my siblings and I have hired a full-time caregiver so I no longer need to be present, and am fully available to work now and in the future. So I’ve begun job searching and I’m focused on finding a sales supervisor or manager position that will help me advance my career further now.

Sample explanation 2:

I was laid off nine months ago. I started my job search immediately after, and I’m looking for sales supervisor or sales manager positions now to continue advancing my career. I’ve had a number of interviews but haven’t found the right fit yet. One thing I’m looking for is a chance to mentor and train team members, and manage a team directly. I saw that mentioned on the job description for this position… can you tell me more about that?

Two Things To Remember When Answering:

1. You need to sound like an in-demand job candidate…

If you’re explaining a current gap in employment, you need to sound like you’re being selective and that you’re focused on making sure you find the best fit for the long term, rather than just accepting the first job you come across. That’ll make a 6 month gap (or longer) sound a bit better. If you’ve been job hunting during your employment gap, you don’t want it to sound like you haven’t had a single interview in the last few months. That’s never a good idea. If your gap in employment is related to health, travel, a family member’s health, etc…. then it’s fine to say you haven’t had any interviews.

2. Be upfront and honest…

Gaps in employment happen, and good hiring managers will realize this. If you’ve made it into the interview, there’s obviously something they liked on your resume . So when it comes to explaining gaps in employment it’s best to be honest and upfront.

You probably won’t lose out on the job by explaining the situation. You will definitely lose out on the job by lying or seeming like you’re trying to cover something up.

Explaining Gaps In Employment On Your Resume

Okay, maybe you’re still writing your resume or having trouble getting interviews. How do you explain gaps in your employment on your resume so you can GET interviews in the first place?

Here are a few ways you can explain (or hide) gaps in employment:

• List years instead of months for previous positions. (e.g. “2014-2016”). I’ve used this method in the past when I had a couple of small gaps between jobs (by a small gap, I mean 2-3 months maximum). This won’t work if you have too many gaps though, or gaps longer than one year.
• If your gaps are longer or more frequent, consider providing a brief note on the resume listing your reason for the gap in employment. Just list it like any other job. Put your previous positions with the dates you held them. And for your gap, you’d have dates there too, and a one-line explanation (“I took a hiatus from work in order to care for an elderly family member in need”).

If you use these strategies, consider going onto LinkedIn and making the same changes there too. If these options don’t work for you, write a cover letter ! This is a good idea no matter what. In your cover letter, explain what happened in detail and draw their attention to the gap so that you can tell them the full story instead of allowing them to make assumptions (you’re usually better off attacking controversial topics head-on).

That’s how I’d explain gaps in employment on a resume. Also, nobody can tell you with 100% certainty what will work in your industry, with the specific circumstances of your gap in employment (dates, length, reason for the gap, etc.)

So TEST things out. Send out 10 resumes one way, and if nobody’s responding, change something up. If it’s not working, you can’t just keep doing the same things on auto-pilot. That’s how you end up not finding a job .

It’s usually better to be upfront than hide employment gaps

I always give the same resume advice to candidates with gaps in their work history: Be straightforward rather than trying to hide dates or other pieces of information. Hiring managers are usually going to be able to tell if you’re hiding something. Your resume should feature a chronological work history on the first page that includes job titles, company names, key responsibilities for each role, and yes… dates of employment.

No matter what you do, there are some employers out there who won’t like the fact that you have a gap in your employment. That’s okay… Companies like that aren’t worth your time. We’re human. Things happen. And there’s more to life than working nonstop for 40 years. So don’t get discouraged if a few companies say they’re not interested, or just don’t respond. I guarantee those are the same companies you do NOT want to work for anyway because they’re going to have horrible vacation policies, bosses who question you every time you take a sick day, etc.

Note: These Tips and Sample Explanations Will Also Work on Job Applications

Sometimes a job application will say, “please explain any gaps in employment.” The advice resume advice above also work for job applications. Follow the same “rules”, be clear and upfront, and you’ll be fine when applying for jobs.

The one adjustment I’d recommend making on job applications (and cover letters): Be clear and direct, but don’t give too much information. The only goal of your job application is to get you into the interview. If they’re concerned about employment gaps, they can ask more in the interview. And that’s where you should be very honest/open and explain things further. That’s where you can gauge their reactions, decide how much to share based on their responses, etc. You can’t do this in a written explanation.

So, by writing too much info on a job application, you might do more harm than good. It’s better to discuss this type of thing in person, so  limit your explanation to 1-2 sentences for each gap in employment on your job applications, cover letters, etc. 

Final Advice on How to Explain Gaps in Employment:

Don’t be apologetic about your work history. Taking time off is not something to be ashamed of. Not every company will want to interview you, but some will. Stand by your decisions and choices, present your skills with a straightforward (chronological) resume format , and be ready to answer questions and explain yourself further in the job interview.

Related reading:

• What to do when you can’t find a job in your field
• How to answer “Why did you leave your last job?”

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

20 thoughts on “How to Explain Gaps in Employment (With Examples)”

Monster’s report The Future of Work 2021 has shown that the employment gap is no longer considered a red flag by almost half of employers in the US. That’s a piece of good news because it indicates that the marketplace is becoming more tolerant of deviance in the workforce.

However, it doesn’t mean that the black holes on your career record will be overlooked. Rather, they will be carefully examined and objectively evaluated so that the right candidates are not going to slip through the cracks just because of an obsolete prejudice.

I’m in the same situation, was an IT contractor for a number of years, then jobs fell away after year 2000 work had finished, and employers would no longer consider me for permanent jobs due to the fact i’d been a contractor, I guess they assumed I’d just leave when the market picked up!

Long story short, mortgage to pay, no income, had to sell my house and downsize to a flat, and then used that to go into property development with friends which has now finished, and now trying to go back to my original career of software development, seems like an uphill impossible task at the moment, but glad to read your advice even if my “career break” is 18 years!

I’ve done a lot of similar temporary jobs, but had several months gap in the middle of them nearly everytime. I’ve had dozens of interviews everytime, always get them easily. Struggle with the interviews though because I have Aspergers’. When I have been successful with that before as soon as I’ve mentioned my Epilepsy I have very mildly too, several places have changed their minds then, stopped me. I keep getting asked more + more now why I’ve got so many long employment gaps, how am I supposed to answer that in a positive way?

I thought it was interesting that you didn’t list caring for young children as a valid reason for a gap in employment. Your tips were still helpful to me, though.

Good point. That’s also a valid reason (and a common one).

Thank you for posting this, I have a ton of different jobs and gaps because being a ex pipe welder I went where the work was, most of the world does not get it. Life is a roller coaster companies will be booming for a couple years then dead as a door nail. This write up really has helped me not to make my crazy work history look so crazy.

Why don´t you just say Sabbatical ? Regardless how long the gap was it provides a plausible explanation and each one fill out with their own reasons…

i have gap of 9 month due to my previous company boss is horrible ,its very much difficulty to survive, so i had reign and taken break of six month ,from last 3 month i have given interview but its not happening so what i suppose to give reason for gap. can you explain can you explain.

Thanks for the nice article. But I am looking for more the answers of where to write this gaps explanations in our cv. My current CV sections are sunsequently like, Experiences, Educations, Technical skills and language skills, Certifications. So I have currently two 6 months gap in my CV. First one was before I started to my current job. I learned german, So I was in intensive german course. Other 6 months is after my last job. And I was preparing for the some certification exams through self study and online courses. So the question, to which section should I write this gap explanations. Thanks a lot for the answers

If you’re explaining a gap in employment, you should write it in your employment history. You should have a section with your chronological work history. I know other people recommend a “Functional” resume and all sorts of other stuff to hide gaps but in my experience, it doesn’t work. You should be listing each previous role and job duties in chronological order, with the dates. (You can choose to show months and years, or just years). And then you can put something to explain gaps of employment right in that section of your resume.

Thanks Biron Clark for the answer. As I understood you right you adviced me to write my gap explanations directly to work experiences section even though they are not work experience actually. Correct me if I understood wrong. But what about writing them to directly their own section. For example I have a section in the second page of my CV which is “language skills” So I have here just written english (business fluent), german (business fluent). Can I put that times combining near it. like below English (business fluent) German (business fluent), MM/YYYY – MM/YYYY German Course…..

or are you still offering me to write in employment history? Thanks for the ideas

I haven’t yet found the situation that applies to me, for good reason – I had taken a leave of absence to pursue a master’s degree. My mother had been ill with cancer, and was in remission, and I had the opportunity, so I went. Before I was able to complete my thesis, the cancer returned, and she died. I was devastated, and needed to take time away from teaching, because I couldn’t give students what they needed. So, though I had found another job teaching, I wasn’t able to do it, and they released me from my contract. I had only taught for a couple of weeks. After a year, I decided that I needed a longer break, and I obtained my real estate broker’s license. Since that time, I have sold real estate, although I have also been a substitute teacher – one year, I subbed the entire year with another teacher. We split the position. It saved the district money, since they didn’t have to pay benefits with two half-time teachers. The year after, I taught half days for several weeks for a teacher with a bad back problem, and I’ve subbed occasionally since then. Now, I want to go back to teaching. I’m ready now. My grief over the death of my mother is complicated, and it really devasted me. I needed the time away from teaching, because it requires everything you have to give, and I needed time to heal. I have 19 years’ experience as a teacher, and I’ve accomplished some things I’m very proud of. I am now applying for teaching positions, and I need a way to explain the past 5.5 years away from teaching full-time without sounding maudlin, or whiny.

This was really handy, thank you.

Hello! I have been unemployed for 9 months. I left my company where i had worked for 4 years to take another offer. Unfortunatey, I did leave this new position afte over 1 month. The main reason is that it doesn’t fit with me as I had thought of it. I don’t know how to explain my employmen gap for the past 9 months positively. I feel very uncomfortable and hopeless.

“You were laid off, your former company downsized, etc… and you had trouble finding a job after”

That’s pretty much why I’m not employed for now. And yet no one wants to even interview me.

I have periods of “good” jobs I would be happy to include on my resume followed by low-level jobs that would get my resume tossed. These cycles correlate to how well I have been able to deal with my depression. I have been leaving those lower-level jobs off my resume and trying to explain away the gaps instead without referring to depression as an issue that has surfaced more than once. I feel fine at the moment, but this is a big problem moving forward.

I would really like advice on how to deal with this situation without lying or oversharing!

Hello, I totally agree with Kero. Indeed, there is more to life than working nonstop for 40 years. I appreciate for your article, now I feel more confident.

Hi !! I just want to say thank you for providing this article and share it with all of us . Im out of job for almost 2 years already despite had a good career background but after continue searching there is no luck so far . Im really touched by the last part of this “So don’t get discouraged if a few companies say they’re not interested, or just don’t respond. I guarantee those are the same companies you do NOT want to work for anyway because they’re going to have horrible vacation policies, bosses who question you every time you take a sick day, etc.” …The moment I read that I burst into tear. So thank you again to at least cheer me up and have hope again .

Thanks for taking the time to write this. I’m really happy to hear this helped you.

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An Example Cover Letter Explaining a Gap in Employment

When you are applying for jobs, hiring managers will always notice gaps in employment. They’ll understandably wonder what happened. Are you at high risk of quitting? Have you experienced performance issues or exhibited irresponsible behavior in the past? 

It’s very important that you don’t ignore or gloss over an employment gap. The best way is to deal with it is honesty. And the best place to do this is in your cover letter. The tips below will explain how to address common scenarios where you may have a gap in your employment, both good and bad. Keep reading, there’s also a sample cover letter explaining a gap in employment.

How Long is Too Long of an Employment Gap?

There’s no “unacceptable” length for an employment gap per se as there are many valid reasons why you have been out of the workforce for a year — continuing education, raising a family, or dealing with an illness. Most HRs will view a 1-5 year gap in employment as a reasonable break. But longer gaps, think 5+ years, will likely warrant a more detailed explanation in your cover letter. 

How Do You Explain a Gap in Employment in a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is meant to complement your resume — highlight your strengths, showcase your motivation, and address some of the shortcomings such as an employment gap. The best place to clarify the gap in employment is the body of your cover letter. Think second or third paragraph. 

Here’s a sample cover letter structure you may want to go for:

• Introduction: Hook the reader with your motivation and key qualifications.  
• Second paragraph: Reiterate the main skill or experience you are bringing to the table.
• Third: Briefly address your employment gap and state why you are eager to get back on track. 
• Conclusion. End on a high note. Mention the value you can bring to the company or speak about your passion for the job at hand. 

Now let’s look at greater depth on how you can turn the above outline into a persuasive cover letter explaining the gaps in employment!

Be Direct When a Gap in Employment is Objectively Positive

Some gaps in employment are positive things. Even so, you still need to address them. Otherwise, a potential employer might make assumptions. Instead, take advantage of the opportunity to share something positive. Address your gap directly if you are a homemaker returning to work , received a fellowship to pursue an academic interest, taken a hiatus to do volunteer work, or worked on an independent project. Not only will this clear up any misunderstandings, but it could also be a positive addition to your application packet.

Some Gaps Can Be Ignored

Before you spend time worrying about an employment gap, ask yourself if you need to address the issue at all. For example, if you have five or more years of steady employment history, there’s no need to bring up a gap in employment before that. Likewise, you don’t need to mention gaps in employment that occurred while you were a college student. You can also ignore any gap that is less than six months. 

Finally, job hopping can be a problem, but it is not the same as having an employment gap. How you handle job-hopping really depends on the industry, and what you were doing at the time. For example, some fields like retail , hospitality, customer service , etc, tend to have a quick turnover, and employment periods tend to be shorter.

Add The Gap in The Closing Paragraph as a Power Move

If you can put a positive spin on a gap in employment, especially a recent one, add it to your closing paragraph. You can use the gap to tell prospective employers that you are now ready to move forward and do great things in your career.

For example, imagine that you are returning to work after studying for a year. You could close your cover letter by writing:

‘I was fortunate enough to spend the past year studying Organizational Psychology at Boston University. I am now ready to take the skills I have acquired and apply them as your new manager of human resources. I would love to meet with you to discuss your needs.’

Never Give Too Much Information

Remember that you are not obligated to share all of the details about a negative gap in employment. Keep in mind that a previous employer is likely to be pretty tight-lipped about a negative relationship with you unless it is something they are legally obligated to disclose. While you shouldn’t lie, you don’t have to go into great detail. 

For example, don’t go into detail about an ongoing personality conflict with a previous employer that culminated in a heated argument, and resulted in damaging your reputation on the local business scene. Instead, simply mention a difference in opinion or conflicting working styles that led to your decision to rethink your career options.

Employment Gap Cover Letter Sample in .docx Format

Download example (Word version)

Example Cover Letter Explaining a Gap in Employment – Text Format

Dear Ms. Wilkerson, 

I am writing this letter to apply for the position of General Manager of your San Diego restaurant division. I have ten years of restaurant management experience, before that, I worked in both fronts of the house and back of house positions in the fine-dining space on the west coast. I believe the experience I have closely mirrors what you need in a GM.

As someone who works in the food-service industry, I have a passion for catering people. That passion extends beyond providing delicious food to the customers who come into my venus. Because of this, I recently took a year-long hiatus to help create nutritional programs for schools in developing nations. In addition to being privileged to help others, I learned quite a bit about reducing food waste and working within a very stringent budget. I know that I can turn those skills into cost savings for any restaurant that I manage.

I am ready to jump back into the game and restart my career as a restaurant manager. I am confident that I am the perfect person to lead your restaurants in the San Diego area. Let’s meet to discuss this further!

Thanks for your time,

Jeffrey Ninja

How To Address a Gap in Employment? More Examples!

Still not sure how to compose the right narrative? Here are several quick snippets you can use in your cover letter:

Explaining a Gap in Employment Due to Family 

For the past three years, I’ve been serving as a Resident Home Educator, to my two kids, aged 6 and 9. While I’ve been out of my original career lane as a Communications Manager, I still practiced and developed my skills. Homeschooling my children have helped me improve my presentational skills and research skills. I’m now an expert in breaking down complex concepts into engaging short narratives and feel that this ability will help me find success in a new role as an Editorial Strategist with your firm. 

Explaining a Gap in Employment Due to Mental Illness

After successfully completing the $50 million M&A deal at my previous consulting firm, I decided to take a year off to restore my mental health. This time has also helped me reflect on my priorities and re-evaluate my career path, leading me to the idea of transitioning to a non-profit sector. I believe Charity Quest can greatly benefit from my past financial advisory experience to ensure better P&L management and cash flow. 

Explaining a Gap in Employment Due to Covid-19

I greatly enjoyed working at Nightime Lounge, where I served as a chief mixologist for the past 1.5 years and a half. The restaurant manager, James Welsh, can provide further reference on my performance. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, I was furloughed. However, I used my free time to create a YouTube channel and short cocktail mixology course with several signature recipes. You can review both on my website. 

How Do You Explain Gap Year in Cover Letter?

The easiest way to bring up your gap year is by briefly explaining what you did and what skills or experiences you’ve obtained along your journey. Don’t talk about the fun travel you did or lounge time you had. Instead, focus on the vocations, interests, and perhaps extra education that you’ve pursued along the way. 

Here’s a quick example of how to address a gap year in your cover letter:

“After completing my BS degree in Biology at Denver State University, I chose to take a gap year to reflect on my studies and determine which career path may work best for me. During that time, I volunteered with the West Coast Marine Savers and my experience lead me to discover my passion for water conservation. When I noticed an opening at your firm, I was excited to jump at the opportunity for applying.”

How to Explain Gaps in Employment Due to Disability?

Becoming temporary or permanently disabled can have a severe mental toll on you, which is understandable. But don’t let your doubts or negative emotions get into the way of your job search. Instead of treating (and thus speaking about) your disability as a weakness, merely acknowledge it as one of the facts. Then move on to highlighting some of your other strengths. 

Here’s a quick example of how you can address disability in your cover letter:

“ Two years ago, I got into a bad car accident and was left disabled for the following 1.5 months. Today, I have fully recovered mentally, yet still, have some difficulties walking. However, my condition in no way affects my ability to create user-friendly website designs and, specifically, material design applications.”

Final Tip: Keep it Brief, Yet Direct

Don’t make the mistake of drawing more attention to gaps in your employment than you need to. Your cover letter should focus on your skills, passions, and fit for the job. If you spend more than a couple of sentences over-explaining a gap in your work history, that’s going to be problematic. Be brief and matter of fact.

Other Cover Letter Samples

A compelling and motivating scholarship cover letter example, cover letter for preschool teacher: example + tips, a banging banking cover letter example for financial professionals, a convincing call center cover letter example.

A huge collection of cover letters created by a ninja team of writers and career advisors. Learn how to write, style and file cover letters that employers actually enjoy reading.

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Having gaps in your employment history can indeed feel daunting, but there’s no need to panic.

Whether you were raising children, pursuing further education, or exploring the world, there were likely valid reasons for your hiatus.

After consulting with three top career experts at EvalCommunity, it turns out that employment gaps aren’t as big of a red flag as you might think. Let’s delve into their advice on the best ways to explain these gaps.

This article is beneficial for:

• Resume Review
• Resume Writing
• Resume Optimization

EvalCommunity Member?

• Understanding why managers dislike employment gaps and learning effective strategies to explain them is crucial.
• Additionally, finding ways to navigate around these gaps in your resume can help you avoid crafting a subpar document.
• Moreover, discovering how to highlight the value gained during these gap periods can significantly enhance your appeal to employers.
• Finally, identifying valid reasons for employment gaps that managers are likely to empathize with can strengthen your candidacy.

Let’s explore these aspects further.

Navigating Employment Gaps: Strategies for Explanation

Employment gaps often carry a negative connotation because employers may speculate about what could be concealed within them.

Without providing explanations, hiring managers might conjure up worst-case scenarios, assuming the worst about your absence from the workforce.

Therefore, honesty is paramount in addressing these gaps. Orville Pierson emphasizes the importance of transparency, as employers’ imaginations can run wild when faced with unexplained lapses in employment history.

By candidly disclosing the reasons behind the gaps, you dispel any negative assumptions and alleviate concerns about what might have transpired during that time.

Here’s an example of how you could explain an employment gap on your resume:

March 2018 – June 2019

“During this period, I took a sabbatical to care for a close family member who was undergoing medical treatment. As their primary caregiver, I dedicated my time and energy to providing essential support and ensuring their well-being. While it was a challenging and emotionally demanding experience, I am grateful for the opportunity to have been there for my loved one during their time of need. As their condition stabilized and they regained their health, I am now eager to re-enter the workforce with renewed focus and dedication…”

This example illustrates how you can provide a brief but honest explanation for a gap in your employment history, addressing any potential concerns while emphasizing your commitment to your responsibilities and readiness to return to work.

Not Every Employment Gap Calls for Concern

It’s essential to maintain honesty about your employment history, but there’s no need to undermine your job search by disclosing details that could harm your prospects.

• When it comes to defining an employment gap, anything less than six months is generally considered acceptable. While you should still provide an explanation, simply stating “Job seeking” can suffice for shorter gaps.
• If your resume shows a gap that occurred 7-10 years ago, there’s no need to stress over it. While you may need to explain it if asked, older gaps are typically not viewed as serious concerns by employers.
• Additionally, it’s important to differentiate between employment gaps and job hopping.

While leaving a job in less than a year isn’t ideal, it’s worth noting that a significant portion of employers are willing to hire individuals who have changed jobs frequently.

Preparation Is Key

If you have a gap in your resume, it’s inevitable that it will come up during the hiring process. When it does, being unprepared is not an option. Instead, approach it like a seasoned professional, ready to address the issue with confidence.

Here’s how to handle explaining employment gaps effectively:

Explain the Reason: Be prepared to succinctly explain why you have gaps in your resume. Whether it was for personal reasons, professional development, or other circumstances, provide a brief and honest explanation.

Reassure the Hiring Manager: After explaining the gap, reassure the hiring manager that the circumstances leading to the gap are resolved and won’t recur. Offer assurances that you are fully committed to your career and ready to contribute effectively to the organization.

Share the Value: Highlight any valuable skills, experiences, or lessons learned during the gap period. Emphasize how these experiences have positively contributed to your professional development and make you a stronger candidate.

Keep it Concise: Keep your explanation short and to the point. Avoid rambling or going into unnecessary detail. Have a clear finish line to your explanation to avoid trailing off or becoming embarrassed.

Additionally, consider leveraging referrals to overcome gaps in your employment history. Building relationships with employees at your target companies can create advocates who can vouch for your qualifications and character.

Remember, being perceived as genuinely interested and engaged can go a long way in making a positive impression on potential employers. So, approach explaining gaps in your resume with confidence and professionalism.

Crafting a Robust Strategy for Addressing Employment Gaps

Picture yourself in an interview room, facing three hiring managers with a poster of an eagle that reads “Leadership” behind them.

Then comes the dreaded question: “What’s this gap in your employment history?”

Your ears start to feel hot. Did you mess up your resume?

How do you handle explaining employment gaps in an interview?

Demonstrate Your Continued Reliability

Employers fear that hiring someone with a gap in their employment history might lead to a bad hire, which can cost the company anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000.

The concern is that if you’ve had one gap, you might have another.

For instance, if you had a gap due to a car accident, it’s essential to assure the hiring manager that the issue is completely resolved.

Otherwise, they may question your ability to fully engage in work responsibilities.

Uncover the Benefits

If you spent your employment gap pursuing skiing or ski instruction, don’t worry—it’s considered a reputable part-time job, according to our expert.

Similarly, being a stay-at-home mom is also respected work.

For instance, one of EvalCommunity’s experts added value to her resume by volunteering at a church, where she managed a team of 30 volunteers.

This experience demonstrated real managerial skills and was a valuable addition to her resume.

Look for Relevant Achievements In:

• Volunteer Work
• Freelancing
• Part Time Work
• Challenges You Faced

Align Your Employment Gap with the Job Requirements

Your explanation for employment gaps should demonstrate that you were not idle during that time.

However, connecting these gaps to the job you’re applying for is particularly impressive.

For example, if you were a ski bum who also instructed skiing, this experience aligns well with jobs that require training skills, effective communication, or experience working with children.

This strategic alignment between your past experiences and the job requirements showcases your suitability for the role.

The Key Strategy Is…

Carefully review the job listing to identify the specific qualities and skills the employer is seeking.

Next, analyze your employment gap to uncover achievements or experiences that demonstrate you possess those desired qualities.

By aligning your past experiences with the job requirements, you can effectively showcase your suitability for the position.

Minimize Your Employment Gap Today

According to our expertise, the most effective approach is to prevent gaps in employment from occurring in the first place.

As soon as you find yourself unemployed, consider engaging in consulting or volunteering activities.

While it’s advantageous if these opportunities are related to your primary skills, any type of work can provide you with valuable experience, skills, and references.

By staying active in the workforce, you can maintain momentum in your career and minimize the impact of potential gaps on your resume.

Consider a Cover Letter

Do I need a cover letter  if I’ve got gaps in my resume?

Some experts say yes.

For instance, consider this brief sample cover letter addressing a gap in employment. It emphasizes that the gap will not recur and highlights a relevant achievement.

“I am writing to express my interest in the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) position at your organization. During a recent career break, I seized the opportunity to deepen my understanding of international development by volunteering with local NGOs in various countries. This hands-on experience enhanced my analytical skills and honed my ability to collect and interpret data effectively. I am now eager to bring this expertise to your team and contribute to your organization’s impactful projects. My commitment to excellence and passion for M&E make me a strong candidate for this role…”

However, our expert advises against relying solely on cover letters to explain gaps in employment. Instead, he suggests leveraging your resume to showcase your ability to generate revenue, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency, thereby demonstrating your value to potential employers.

• Google search a company you want to work at + department name + “resume” + “-apply”.
• Click the images tab. You’ll see resumes from people who worked there.
• Contact some of them and have a chat. You’ll get a great sense of the issues in that department.
• Map those issues against your past accomplishments and put them in your resume.

Our expert suggests that if you use this targeted approach with 12 or 20 companies, you’ll likely secure interviews with at least seven of them.

As for the gap in your resume, by the time you’ve implemented this targeted strategy, the hiring manager is likely to overlook it.

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Four Good Reasons for Employment Gaps

Here are some compelling reasons for employment gaps, along with explanations of how you won’t repeat them:

Pursued further education

I took time off to pursue additional education, enhancing my skills and knowledge. I am now fully committed to applying this newfound expertise in my career.

Cared for a family member

I dedicated myself to providing care for a family member in need. While this was a significant responsibility, the circumstances have changed, and I am now ready to fully focus on my career.

Travelled for personal growth

I embarked on a journey of personal growth and exploration, which allowed me to gain valuable insights and experiences. I have returned with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to my professional endeavors.

Volunteered for a cause

I dedicated time to volunteer work, contributing to meaningful causes and making a positive impact in my community. Now, I am eager to channel that same passion and dedication into my career.

Key Takeaway

Here’s a recap of how to explain gaps in employment so they don’t torpedo your job search:

• Be honest when explaining employment gaps to dispel negative assumptions and reassure hiring managers.
• Avoid volunteering unnecessary details that could harm your job search.
• Shorter gaps (less than six months) generally require less explanation, while older gaps (7-10 years ago) are less concerning.
• Job hopping, though not ideal, is often tolerated by employers if you can demonstrate value and commitment.
• Prepare to explain employment gaps in interviews by addressing the reason, reassuring the hiring manager, and highlighting the value gained.
• Link your gap experiences to the job offer and emphasize relevant achievements to enhance your candidacy.
• Prevent gaps by engaging in consulting or volunteering activities related to your skills.
• Use your resume to showcase value rather than relying solely on cover letters to explain gaps.
• Targeted job search strategies can lead to interview success despite employment gaps.
• Valid reasons for gaps, like education pursuits or caregiving responsibilities, can strengthen your candidacy when explained effectively.

Do you need guidance on addressing employment gaps in your resume? Unsure about highlighting your achievements effectively? Feel free to reach out in the comments! Let’s work together to help you land your dream job.

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How to Explain Gaps in Employment: Best Examples & Tips

In today’s society, the job market is ever-changing, and gaps in employment have become increasingly common. Whether due to personal or professional reasons, explaining these gaps can be a daunting task. This article aims to provide the best examples and tips for explaining gaps in employment effectively.

Explaining gaps in employment is essential to avoid misunderstandings and misinterpretations by recruiters, hiring managers, and potential employers. Recruiters often consider employment gaps negative traits, leading job seekers to face unwanted questions and rejections. Clear and concise explanations of employment gaps demonstrate honesty, transparency, and reliable employment history. Additionally, they showcase personal and professional growth during gaps in employment, highlighting one’s potential to be an asset to an organization.

In the following sections, we will explore various examples and tips that can help job seekers explain gaps in employment effectively.

Reasons for gaps in employment

The reasons for gaps in employment can vary from person to person and can be either voluntary or involuntary. As a professional, it is essential to know how to explain your gaps effectively, as it may reflect on your work ethic and reliability. Here, we discuss the different reasons for gaps in employment to help you identify and explain them accurately.

A. Voluntary Reasons

1. personal issues.

Personal issues can range from mental health concerns to personal relationships. Unfortunately, these issues can significantly impact work performance, making the idea of working at the time unbearable. In such cases, employees may choose to take some time off to deal with these issues, and there is nothing wrong with that.

2. Education or Training

Many times employees will take a break from their employment to pursue educational ventures. This decision can be driven by a desire to acquire new skills or return to school to secure a degree or certification. In these cases, it is essential to communicate the value of the education or training achieved and how it will benefit the company.

3. Pursuing Entrepreneurship

For some individuals, entrepreneurship is an opportunity that they can’t pass up. These individuals may take a break from their current job to pursue their ideas, create products, or launch a business. This decision shows initiative and the drive to achieve something great, as long as you can convince your employer of that.

B. Involuntary Reasons

1. layoffs or downsizing.

Companies are often forced to make tough decisions such as layoffs or downsizing when things are not going as planned. In such cases, it is not uncommon for employees to experience gaps in employment due to no fault of their own. If you have been affected by layoff or downsizing, it is imperative to communicate this information appropriately and be prepared to talk about the steps you have taken since the incident.

2. Health Issues or Disability

Health issues can arise unexpectedly and can have a significant impact on one’s ability to work. In such situations, employees may need to take extended medical leaves or focus on their health entirely, leading to a gap in employment. It is crucial to communicate how the medical issue has been addressed and what steps have been taken to mitigate its impact going forward.

3. Family or Caregiver Responsibilities

The current society’s demands can be overwhelming, and some individuals might need to take time off from their career to focus on family or caregiving responsibilities. This decision shows the individual’s dedication and ability to prioritize the family as long as it does not negatively impact the work-life balance. In such cases, it is essential to be transparent about the reason behind the gap in employment and the steps taken to manage the situation.

Gaps in employment can occur due to a variety of reasons, and it is crucial to identify the reason and communicate it in a constructive manner.

Importance of Addressing Gaps in Employment in a Resume and Cover Letter

When it comes to job searching, a gap in employment can be a daunting obstacle. It can create doubt in the mind of the recruiter or hiring manager and can lead to their hesitation or even refusal to consider a candidate. However, addressing gaps in employment can be a positive aspect if approached with honesty and transparency.

A. Presenting Resume Gaps in a Positive Light

The key to presenting employment gaps in a resume is to spin them in a positive light. Candidates should focus on the experiences and skills gained during their period of time off, and how it can be an asset to the position they are applying for. For example, if an individual took time off to care for a family member, they can highlight their caretaking skills, patience, and empathy.

Additionally, if the employment gap was used to take on new experiences, such as travel or volunteering, candidates should include those experiences on their resume. These experiences can showcase their adaptability, willingness to learn, and passion for different cultures and communities.

B. Impact of Gaps in Employment on the Job Search

Ignoring gaps in employment can hurt a candidate’s chances of being considered for a job. A recruiter or hiring manager might assume that the individual has lost valuable skills or is not committed to working. Therefore, it is essential to address and explain the gap in employment to avoid assumptions and negative connotations.

However, if a candidate presents the gap in the right way, it can also be an opportunity to showcase their character and work ethics. Employers appreciate honesty, transparency, and the ability to articulate a situation well.

C. Importance of Honesty and Transparency

Honesty and transparency are essential when addressing resume gaps. Candidates should not be tempted to lie or exaggerate skills and experiences during the gap periods to avoid hindering their chances of securing a job. Lying about dates or creating false experiences can damage their reputation and future opportunities.

Instead, candidates should explain the gap truthfully without excuses. If the reason for the gap was due to personal or health reasons, they should mention that in a professional and straightforward manner. Candidates can assure the employer that they are committed and ready to contribute their skills to a new role.

Addressing gaps in employment can be both challenging and rewarding. Candidates should focus on presenting the gap positively, showcasing their skills, and staying true to their experiences in their resumes and cover letters. Honesty and transparency are crucial, and addressing the gap can ultimately lead to a successful job search.

Strategies for addressing gaps in employment on a resume

When it comes to gaps in employment on a resume, it’s important to remember that there are strategies you can use to address them. By being proactive and addressing these gaps head-on, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you’re self-aware, responsible, and capable of facing challenges. Here are four strategies you can use to bridge gaps in your employment history:

A. Alternative resume formats

One strategy for addressing gaps in employment on a resume is to consider alternative resume formats. For example, you could use a functional resume format instead of a chronological one. With a functional resume, you can highlight your skills and experience without focusing on the dates of your previous employment. This can be particularly helpful if you have gaps in your work history that are difficult to explain.

B. Focused on Skills rather than dates

Another strategy is to focus on skills rather than dates. Instead of listing your employment history in chronological order, you could create a skills-based resume that highlights the skills and experiences you have that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. This approach can be especially effective if you’ve been out of work for a prolonged period of time, as it allows you to emphasize your strengths rather than your employment gaps.

C. Incorporating transferable skills and experiences

If you’ve had gaps in your employment due to a career change, you can incorporate transferable skills and experiences into your resume to demonstrate your versatility. For example, if you’re transitioning from a career in finance to a career in marketing, you could highlight the transferable skills you have, such as data analysis or project management. This can help to bridge the gap between your previous work experience and your new career goals.

D. Addressing the gap directly

Perhaps the most direct strategy for addressing gaps in employment on a resume is to address them directly. This could mean including a brief explanation of the gap in your cover letter or resume. For example, if you took time off work to care for a sick family member, you could briefly explain this in your resume or cover letter. By addressing the gap directly, you demonstrate honesty and transparency, which can help to build trust with potential employers.

There are several strategies you can use to address gaps in employment on a resume, including alternative resume formats, a focus on skills rather than dates, incorporating transferable skills and experiences, and addressing the gap directly. By being proactive and transparent about your work history, you can demonstrate your value as a potential employee and increase your chances of landing your next job.

Strategies for Addressing Gaps in Employment in a Cover Letter

If you are in the middle of job hunting with employment gaps, you may feel unsure about how to approach the issue with your potential employer. The key is to focus on strategies that showcase your strengths, positive attitude, and potential. Here are some effective strategies for addressing gaps in employment in a cover letter:

A. Highlighting Relevant Achievements and Experiences

When you write a cover letter, it’s important to highlight your relevant achievements and experiences to demonstrate your skills and value to the company. This way, the employer can see how you can immediately contribute to the success of their team. Focus on the skills and experiences you gained during your employment gaps, such as volunteer work, freelance jobs, or personal projects that showcase your talents and passion for the industry.

B. Addressing Gaps in a Positive and Confident Manner

Don’t let your employment gaps hold you back from potential employment opportunities. Instead, address the gaps in your cover letter in a positive and confident manner. Emphasize how you took advantage of the time and turned it into an opportunity for personal growth, professional development, or career exploration. Use positive language and phrases that convey your optimistic outlook and willingness to learn and grow.

C. Explaining the Gap and Why It’s No Longer an Issue

It’s important to explain the gap in your employment history and clarify why it’s no longer an issue. Be honest but concise when explaining what happened during the gap and how you resolved it. Focus on what you learned from the experience and how you’re now ready and excited to get back into the workforce. For example, you might have taken time off to care for a family member or experienced a health issue. You can explain how you handled the situation and what you learned from it.

D. Focusing on Future Potential

Finally, showcase your future potential by highlighting your transferable skills, relevant experiences, and enthusiasm for the role and company. Describe why you’re passionate about the industry and how you plan to excel at the job. Use positive language that conveys your initiative, creativity, and commitment to success.

By following these strategies, you can confidently address gaps in your employment history and focus on showcasing your strengths and potential to potential employers. Remember, an employment gap doesn’t define you, it can actually make you a more dynamic and valuable candidate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Explaining Gaps

Explaining gaps in employment can be a tricky subject to navigate during a job interview. It’s important to be honest and transparent about your employment history, but it’s equally important to avoid common mistakes that can hurt your chances of landing the job. In this section, we’ll discuss the four common mistakes to avoid when explaining gaps in employment.

A. Apologizing or making excuses

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is apologizing or making excuses for their employment gap. This can make you come across as defensive or unprofessional. Instead, acknowledge the gap and provide a brief explanation for it. Employers appreciate honesty and a positive attitude, so keep the focus on what you learned during your gap and how it connects to the job you’re applying for.

B. Over-explaining or providing too much detail

It’s important to strike a balance between providing enough information about your employment gap while also not oversharing. Going into too much detail can distract from your overall strengths and qualifications. Stick to the facts and keep your explanation brief and to the point. Remember, the goal is to show how you can add value to the company, not to explain every aspect of your employment gap.

C. Dwelling too much on the negative experiences or emotions

It’s natural to feel discouraged or frustrated about an employment gap, but dwelling on these negative experiences or emotions can be a turn-off to potential employers. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of your gap, such as how you took the time to acquire new skills, travel, or volunteer. Emphasize how this gap has allowed you to grow and become a stronger candidate.

D. Ignoring or downplaying the gap

Candidates may be tempted to ignore or downplay their employment gap altogether. However, this can raise red flags for employers and suggests that you’re not being honest about your previous work experience. It’s important to acknowledge the employment gap and provide a brief explanation for it. Show how you’ve used this time to grow and become a stronger candidate. The key is to stay positive and confident in your abilities.

Explaining employment gaps is an important part of the job search process. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make a positive impression on potential employers and increase your chances of landing the job. Remember to stay positive, focus on your strengths, and be honest about your employment history.

Tips for Explaining Gaps in Job Interviews

If you have gaps in your employment history, it can be a daunting experience to explain them to potential employers. However, with some preparation and a positive attitude, you can turn this situation to your advantage. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate job interviews with ease:

A. Practice Explaining the Gap

Before going for a job interview, take some time to reflect on the reasons why you have gaps in your employment history. This may be due to personal circumstances, such as health issues, family commitments, or a career break. Whatever the reason, it is crucial to be prepared and articulate when asked about gaps. You should focus on explaining the situation in a concise and compelling manner that demonstrates your ability to overcome challenges and stay productive.

B. Remain Positive and Confident

During your job interview, be sure to maintain a positive attitude and exude confidence, even when discussing gaps. Avoid appearing apologetic or defensive, as this may give the impression that you are unreliable. Instead, highlight the skills and experiences you gained during this time, such as volunteering, studying, or freelancing. Emphasize how these activities have added value to your career and made you a more well-rounded candidate.

C. Emphasize Relevant Skills and Experiences

When discussing gaps in your employment, it is essential to focus on the skills and experiences that are relevant to the position you are applying for. This will demonstrate to potential employers that you have been productive during your time away from work and that you have kept your skills up to date. Also, it will help you to stand out from other candidates, who may not have such experiences.

D. Be Honest About the Gap

Honesty is always the best policy when explaining gaps in your employment history. You don’t want to mislead your potential employer, and you don’t want to create a situation where you may be caught out. Instead, own the gap and explain it as a natural part of your life journey. Be honest about what you have learned from the experience and how it has contributed to your personal and professional development.

Explaining gaps in employment history can be challenging, but it is not impossible. With the right approach and mindset, you can turn this situation into an opportunity to showcase your skills, experiences, and adaptability. Remember that being honest, positive, and confident is key when discussing gaps with potential employers.

Examples of Best Ways to Explain Gaps in Employment

When it comes to addressing gaps in your employment history, it’s important to be honest and transparent with your potential employer. Here are some examples of ways you can explain gaps in your work history:

Example 1: Personal Issues

If you had to take some time off due to personal issues, such as a family member’s illness or a divorce, it’s important to be honest about this. You can simply state that you took a break from work to deal with personal matters, but you are now ready to re-enter the workforce.

Example 2: Voluntary Pursuit of Education or Training

If you took time off to pursue additional education or training, this can be a great way to explain a gap in your employment history. You can highlight the skills and knowledge you gained during this time, and explain how they make you a stronger candidate for the job.

Example 3: Involuntary Reasons such as Health Issues

If you had to take time off due to an illness or injury, be honest about this. You can explain that you needed to take some time off to focus on your health, but you are now fully recovered and ready to return to work.

Example 4: Caregiving Responsibilities

If you took time off to care for a child or other family member, this can be a great way to explain a gap in your employment history. You can highlight the skills you gained during this time, such as time management and multitasking, and explain how they make you a stronger candidate for the job.

It’s important to be honest and transparent when explaining gaps in your employment history. By highlighting the skills and knowledge you gained during your time off, you can show potential employers that you are a valuable asset to their team.

Sample Cover Letter and Resume for Explaining Gaps in Employment

Many job seekers tend to struggle with explaining gaps in their employment history. However, using a strong cover letter and resume can help showcase your skills and confidence to potential employers. Here are some samples to help you get started:

A. Sample Resume Highlighting Skills in Place of Work History

[Full Name] [Address] | [Phone Number] | [Email Address]

Objective: [Insert your objective here]

• [List your key skills in bullet points here]
• [Use keywords relevant to the job you’re applying for]
• [Name of degree] from [University name], [Date]

Work Experience:

[If there are gaps in your employment history, focus on your achievements and key skills rather than the companies you worked for. Add bullet points describing your accomplishments and how they can add value to the role you’re applying for.]

B. Sample Cover Letter Addressing Gaps Positively and Emphasizing Skills

[Today’s Date]

[Employer’s Name and Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. Although my work history indicates gaps in employment, these experiences have equipped me with valuable skills that can contribute to your organization.

During [Gap in Employment period], I took the opportunity to focus on personal and professional growth. I completed courses in [Specific course or skill] and volunteered at [Organization name] where I gained valuable experience in [specific skill or task]. These experiences enhanced my skills in [list skills relevant to the job] and I am now eager to apply them to contribute to your company.

My previous experience includes [Job Title] at [Previous company] where I was responsible for [Task 1, task 2, etc.]. Additionally, I led a team of [Number] and successfully completed major projects [Project name 1, project name 2, etc.]. I am confident that I can bring these skills and experiences to your organization to achieve continued success.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my skills can contribute to your team.

Strategies for Addressing Gaps in Employment During the Application Process

Nowadays, most job applications are done online. Although this method is convenient, it can also pose a challenge to candidates with gaps in employment history because online applications often require specific dates and periods of employment.

Here are some strategies for navigating online employment applications if you have gaps in employment:

1. Use the cover letter

The cover letter provides an opportunity for you to explain any gaps in your resume. Be honest about your situation and use this space to highlight your skills and experiences that are relevant to the job posting.

2. Customize your resume

Tailor your resume to the specific job application. Focus on the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position, rather than your chronological employment history. You can also consider using a functional resume format, which highlights your skills and experiences, rather than your job history.

3. Include relevant experience

If you engaged in volunteer work, freelance jobs or other activities during your employment gap, include them in your job application. This experience can show that you remained active and committed to developing your skills during the gap.

4. Address the gap directly

If your gap in employment could not be explained in your cover letter or resume, consider addressing it head-on in your job application. Explain the situation, but focus on the positive steps you have taken to overcome the situation.

5. Be positive

Always remain optimistic about your chances of getting hired. Don’t let a gap in employment history define you or limit your job prospects. Emphasize your skills, experiences and accomplishments, and show how they are applicable to the job posting.

By utilizing these strategies, you can increase your chances of success in online job applications, despite any gaps in your employment history. However, it is important to remember that honesty and transparency play a crucial role in building trust with potential employers. So, be truthful about your work history and acknowledge any gaps, but also make sure to demonstrate your capabilities and suitability for the job.

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Employment Gap on a Resume - 13 Simple Ways to Explain It

Employment gaps are not uncommon, yet they’re quite scary. Mainly, that’s because recruiters assume the worst when they see them on a resume. 

In most cases, however, employment gaps are nothing to be scared of. There can be many justifiable reasons why someone has an employment gap, from going back to school and deciding to travel to taking time and caring for their growing children. 

So what we’re getting to here is this: employment gaps are not a big deal, as long as you know how to explain them well on your resume

To learn how to explain an employment gap on a resume, we’ve put together this guide for you. Here’s what we’ll cover:

13 Best Ways to Explain Employment Gaps

• Good Reasons for an Employment Gap

Sample Resume with Employment Gap

And more! So let’s dive right in! 

During your job hunt , you’ll have three separate chances to explain an employment gap:

• On your resume
• On your cover letter
• During your interview

To best convey the employment gap (and reasons behind it), you’ll need to touch on it in all 3. So below, we’ll explain the best way to explain an employment gap on your resume, cover letter, and during an interview:

6 Ways to Explain an Employment Gap on Your Resume

#1. be honest .

Your resume is the first thing that recruiters check, so it’s crucial that you’re honest! 

After all, you don’t want to omit a two-year-long employment gap from your resume, for example, only to have it be revealed during your interview. 

As such, it’s super important that you’re honest about your employment history - or lack thereof - right there on your resume. 

What’s important here is to understand that potential employers will find out about your employment gap - especially if it was a lengthy or recent one. As such, trying to hide it will only damage your application and give recruiters even more reason to believe you have something to hide. 

And, if you’re feeling anxious about it, remember that recruiters are also humans and will probably be understanding if you are straightforward about your employment gap - and about what caused it! 

#2. Remove the Employment Gap (If It’s Outdated)

Here’s some good news: if your employment gap is old, you can safely omit it from your resume entirely.

Say, for example, your employment gap is from 10 years ago. Chances are - especially if you’re a seasoned professional - that you won’t even be including jobs from 10 years ago on your resume. After all, you want your resume to be as relevant as possible (and stay within the recommended 1-page resume length). 

As such, it’s totally OK to omit employment gaps that stretch long before your recent employment history (or that are quite short, like 6-month-old employment gaps while you were between jobs). 

#3. Explain the Gap

When it comes to resumes, simply writing down the dates of your employment gap won’t cut it - it would only leave things open to recruiters’ interpretation. 

Take the following example:

Work Experience

Digital Marketer  Airfield Baumax  02/2012 - 04/2015

Marketing Assistant  Walmart 05/2007 - 07/2009 

The only thing that this candidate makes clear to recruiters is that he was not working for a 3-year period. Apart from that, recruiters have no way of knowing whether the employment gap was due to a valid reason or because the candidate decided to be a couch potato for some years.

This is why it’s better to actually write out the exact reason for the employment gap in-between your work experience entries.

Here’s an example that does it right:

07/2009 - 01/2012

From September 2009 to January 2012, I backpacked through Europe and East Asia. This had long been a goal of mine to achieve before turning 30.

#4. Take Advantage of a Different Resume Layout

If your employment gap is longer than just a few short months, you could benefit from using a different resume layout altogether. 

For example, the functional resume format and the combination format put more emphasis on your skills and competencies rather than on your work experience, which is a great way to shift focus from your employment gap. 

That said, taking advantage of a different resume layout does not mean you should omit the employment gap from your resume altogether . Lying is never the right way to go here, and will always end badly for you (even if you manage to get the job).

#5. Use Your Time Away Effectively 

If you’re suddenly in between jobs and are worried about how this will reflect on your future job applications, get proactive! 

Instead of simply explaining your future employment gap as a “career break” or “job searching,” start a personal project and create something more valuable to put on your resume. 

For instance, you can join one or more online courses related to your profession while you’re on a break from work, or start that project you always wanted to work on but never had the chance to! 

That way, you’ll have much more to talk about than simply stating you were looking for jobs or taking a self-discovery break and you’ll be effectively showing recruiters that you’re constantly growing - even outside the office!

#6.  Show That You Never Stopped Learning 

Highlighting your skills and acquired knowledge is also a great way to cover past employment gaps. Sure, you might’ve not been working, but you could’ve still been working on developing yourself as a professional or individual.

You could, for example, mention something like this on your resume to address your employment gap:

06/2012 - 09/2013

Took a year off my career to focus on personal and professional development. Over the duration of the year, I managed to:

• Start my own marketing blog.
• Read 20+ books about digital marketing.
• Attended 5+ networking events.

3 Ways to Explain Employment Gaps in Cover Letters

Want to go more in-depth into your employment gap? Your cover letter is your chance to do so. 

Unlike your resume, which barely leaves you 2-3 sentences worth of space to explain yourself, you can be way more comprehensive in your cover letter . 

Specifically, you can use the body of your cover letter to give more details about your employment gap.

Here are the best ways to do it:

• Give a valid explanation. The whole point of mentioning your employment gap on your cover letter is to justify it the best way you can. For example, if you had an accident, writing “took 1 year off work because of injury” won’t be as convincing as writing “took 1 year off work after a car accident that required me to do intense physiotherapy sessions to fully recover.” 
• Highlight new skills . Additionally, it’s super important to highlight any new skills acquired during your time off. The good thing about the cover letter is that you have a better chance of explaining the skills and what motivated you to acquire them (e.g. “due to organizational changes, I was laid off from my previous job. However, I used the time it took me to find a new job to catch up on industry-related trends and readings, get online certifications, and network with professionals in the field.”) 
• Don’t overshare. Last but not least, it’s important to know that just because you have more space on your cover letter it doesn’t mean you should overshare the details of your employment gap. If, for instance, you took a one-year break to deal with burnout , you don’t have to give too many details about how that went. So, instead of writing, “took a year off to recuperate from burnout, during which time I consulted 3 different therapists and several support groups,” you can just write “took one year off work to deal with work-related burnout and re-asses my professional goals.” If you think it’s important to share more information, talk about how you grew professionally not about what you went through personally. 

4 Ways to Explain Employment Gaps in Interviews 

If your resume and cover letter make a good impression, chances are you’ll be called for an interview. And, even if you have already explained your employment gap, there’s nothing keeping recruiters from asking you again about it. 

Here’s what you can do to address an employment gap during your interview effectively:

• Rehearse in advance. Your best bet is assuming that you will be asked about your employment gap. That way, you can take the time to prep your answer in advance and won’t be taken back if recruiters actually ask the questions during the interview . 
• DON’T badmouth your former employer. If your employment gap is due to getting fired, bashing your former employer won’t help you get a new position - if anything, it might make you look immature. Instead, try to highlight all the steps you took to bounce back from getting fired and show recruiters why you’re the ideal candidate for this position.
• Focus on what you did right. Now, if you lost your job unjustly (or due to reasons outside of your control), the way to make a great impression is to focus on how you were a stellar employee before the employment gap! That way, you can shift recruiters’ attention to your strengths, instead of simply telling them you lost your job and there wasn’t much you could do about it.
• Be confident. Sometimes, how you say things is just as important as what you say. If recruiters ask that you elaborate on your employment gap and you suddenly get super nervous about it, you’ll probably raise some serious red flags. So, make sure to polish your communication skills in advance and start your interview with a show of confidence. 

Here is an example of how you can address your employment gap during an interview:

Unfortunately, I lost my job due to cuts within the company. During the time I was looking for jobs, I took online courses to hone my skills, stayed updated with all industry trends and developments, and focused on my mental wellbeing. I am now in perfect shape to put all I learned into practice throughout my new endeavors. 

7 Good Reasons For an Employment Gap

There can be countless reasons behind an employment gap and, as long as it’s not related to something like, say, jail time, it shouldn’t hinder your chances of getting employed.

That said, here are some great examples of good reasons for an employment gap:

• Family reasons. Family is super important and most recruiters are guaranteed to be understanding if your employment gap is due to family-related issues. What’s important here is to show that whatever family reason you had for taking time off work, it’s over now (e.g. if you took time off to raise your kids, make a point explaining they’re all grown up and off to school now).
• Self-discovery. Did you take some time off work to redefine your life path and career choices? That’s totally OK - as long as you can convince recruiters that you now have your answers and won’t be leaving this job again after a year or two.
• Illness. Any illness you may have suffered that’s hindered you from working is a totally legitimate reason to explain your employment gap. Just make sure to mention you’re recovered and fully able to work.
• Injury. Just like with illnesses, injuries that render you incapable of work are perfectly fine reasons to explain an employment gap, so mention them without hesitation.
• Failed business or initiative. You may be hesitant to mention a failed startup or business initiative as the reason behind your employment gap, but there’s no reason to! If anything, it shows you have initiative and aren’t scared to act on it. So, as long as you show recruiters how you bounced back, you shouldn’t hide this valid reason.
• Burnout. The World Health Organization defines burnout as an occupational phenomenon that can take a serious toll on someone’s physical and mental health. As such, don’t hesitate to tell recruiters that you took some time off to improve your well-being after experiencing burnout in the workplace .
• Education. No one minds an employee who’s always looking to expand their knowledge, so if you took a break from work to get another degree, go ahead and mention that on your resume.

7 Other Resume Resources

Building a strong resume is hard enough without having to explain an employment gap. Struggling with other aspects of building a resume? Check out some of our top resources: 

• How to Write a Resume . The ULTIMATE beginner’s guide on how to make a resume in 2024. Includes tops of tips, resume examples, and more.
• Free Resume Templates . Want to avoid the hassle of formatting your resume from scratch? Just pick one of our 8 free resume templates and get started with your resume within minutes.
• Career Change Resume . Is your employment gap due to a career change? Learn how to write an awesome career change resume with these 9+ examples.
• What to Put on a Resume . Here are the most important sections to put on your resume and win the job.
• Resume Tips and Tricks . This article covers every single practical resume tip you’ll ever need to create a compelling CV.
• Essential Resume Skills . Want to stand out from other applicants? You’ll need to include the right skills on your resume. This article covers the most in-demand skills in 2024.
• Resume Examples . Struggling to write a resume for your field? This article covers resume examples for almost all popular roles in 2024, including jobs in IT, marketing, healthcare, and more.

FAQ on Employment Gaps 

Do you still have some questions on everything employment gap-related? Find your answers below!

#1. How long is too long of an employment gap?

Any employment gap on your resume that you can’t explain to recruiters can cast a shadow on your job application. 

That said, shorter periods of employment gaps (e.g. time between jobs, illness or injury recovery, etc.) are much more acceptable than, say, 3-year-long gaps in your recent work history. 

So, while there is no specific time limit for a super long employment gap, the longer it is, the harder it will be for recruiters to ignore it.

#2. Is an employment gap bad?

That entirely depends on the reason behind your employment gap. 

If your employment gap is due to illness, failed business, family emergency, and the like, then an employment gap is definitely not bad! All you need to do is be honest with the recruiters and prove that you’re a trustworthy employee. 

That said if your employment gap comes from less socially acceptable reasons, like serving time for a crime or being away in rehab, your employment gap will be more difficult to explain - and, in turn, can be more harmful to your job application.

#3. How do you explain a gap in employment due to being a stay-at-home parent?

Taking time off work to be a stay-at-home parent falls under family-related reasons for an employment gap. 

The best way to explain such an employment gap is to write down the exact period you were off, titling it as a “planned career break.” Underneath, you can include one or two sentences on why you took it (e.g. took three years off work to care for my growing children, who are now in elementary school). 

On top of that, you can also mention any personal projects or other work-related experiences you had over that period. For example, if you took some online classes or started a personal project, that’s a great way to inform recruiters that you weren’t completely idle during your employment gap.

#4. How do you explain a gap in employment due to COVID-19?

The COVID-19 pandemic cost 114 million people to lose their jobs over 2020. So, if you were infected and quarantined due to COVID-19 (or if you were unlucky and had more severe health issues due to the virus), then note that on your resume as an “illness-related employment gap” or simply due to COVID-19.  

In one or two sentences, you can explain you had to take a break from work due to COVID-19 and that you’re now fully recovered and ready to work again.

Similarly, if you were working for a business that got impacted due to COVID-19 (such as an airline company) you can, in one sentence, mention you were laid off due to the impact of the pandemic and mention what you did in the meanwhile to find a job or hone your skills. 

#5. Why do employers not like gaps in employment?

Employers don’t like gaps in employment when said gaps are due to criminality, abuse or addiction, or simple laziness. In such a case, employers assume you’re not a reliable employee and that you may demonstrate the same patterns of behavior while working for them.

On the other hand, if there is a reasonable explanation for your employment gap, employers won’t think twice about hiring you, as long as you’re a good fit for the job.

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! By now, you should know everything about employment gaps and how to tackle them so they don’t hurt your job application.

Before you go, here are the main points covered in this article:

• There are three places where you can explain an employment gap: on your resume, cover letter, and during your job interview. 
• To explain an employment gap on a resume, be honest, elaborate on the gap, show that you never stop learning, or use a different resume layout to remove the gap altogether. 
• Explain an employment gap on your cover letter by highlighting new skills and offering a valid explanation as to why you took it. 
• If you have to explain your employment gap during your interview, rehearse in advance, show confidence, and don’t badmouth your former employer. 
• Some valid reasons for an employment gap are family reasons, illnesses, and injuries, taking time to discover yourself or pursue your education, and even a failed business.

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How to Fill in Employment Gaps on Resume & Cover Letter

A flawless resume is every professional’s dream. A fulfilling and laurel-filled stint at a reputed company followed by a meteoric rise at another organization… who doesn’t want their resume to include such glories to make them the most eligible candidate for that next job opening? However, it is equally true that most of us, at some point in our careers, end up taking a break… a gap in employment if you will. The reason could be anything: need for some personal time, caring for a sick family member, having and raising children, or simply wanting to travel the world. The question is, how does one explain gaps in employment or periods of unemployment on a resume?

Explaining Gaps in Employment

When you are applying for a new job, you are bound to mention past work experience in your resume and cover letter. While you are at it these gaps in employment will be hard to gloss over. And gloss over you mustn’t. The best approach to explaining gaps in employment in a resume is by being honest about it.

• For starters, you could gear up by providing some well-structured explanations for that employment gap. Briefly explain why you were unemployed during that period of time and emphasize how this time off work helped you grow as an individual and what skills you got to hone apart from some practical experience you might have garnered.
• Don’t shy away from revealing the real reason why you’d taken that break. Most recruiters appreciate honesty; especially given the number of candidates who try to beat around the bush and glorify their time off work. If you took a couple of years off to raise your kids or look after an ailing parent let it be known. If you were traveling, gaining valuable life experiences, more power to you. If you were freelancing or trying your hand at something new, let your recruiting manager know; it is a sign of your proactive nature. If you were studying or adding certifications to your cartel of achievements, even better.
• Whatever the reason for your gap in employment, an open and honest approach without going into too much detail is your best bet. You don’t have to be apologetic for taking the time off. Don’t forget to highlight the new skills you have added and the valuable lessons you learned during your time off work.
• Ensure you explain the situation clearly, but do not give away a tonne of personal information. The recruiter is really not looking to go into the nitty-gritty of it. Facts will suffice. While you are at it, assure your prospective employer that you aren’t going to take off again; they do not have to worry about losing an employee to flights of fancy. You should be ready to work for them… for the long haul.

Reasons for Employment Gaps – Examples

As mentioned earlier, the reasons for the gap in one’s employment history could be many. Here are a few that hiring managers find acceptable.

• Raising your children.
• Caring for an ailing family member.
• Pressing health issues, or a surgery followed by a long recovery period.
• Going back to school for higher education or expanding your knowledge with certifications and professional training.
• Attempting to launch your own business or exploring a career as a freelancer or consultant.
• Taking time off to travel and explore the world while broadening your perspective.
• Being laid off when your previous company was downsizing. Utilizing the time to find yourself another job that you were the right fit for.

Tips for Explaining Gaps in Employment on a Resume

While honesty is the best approach when it comes to explaining gaps in employment when applying for a new job, there are ways to make them less glaring on your resume. The key is to craft a resume that takes the focus off the gap years and instead turns the light on your achievements and impressive skillsets.

• Don’t go into Details : While you do owe a potential employer honesty when it comes to divulging facts about your professional past, you do not owe them minute details. If your employment gap was to care for a sick relative, you do not need to get into the details of who it was and what the ailment was. Similarly, if you had taken time off to recuperate from an ailment yourself or work on your mental health, the details are yours and yours alone.
• Change the Format : The reverse chronological way of resume writing is one of the most common formats chosen by job seekers. You could instead opt for a format that makes the gaps in your employment less visible. Use a functional format instead if you are more comfortable with it. This format highlights skills and abilities when compared to the chronological format. Here you can list your gap year under the Experience section. Since the end objective is to get a recruiter to focus on your skill sets, this might not be such a bad idea.
• Camouflage the Gap with Dates : Oftentimes candidates, in a bid to provide as much information as possible, tend to include dates and months in their resume when listing their past jobs. You could instead only mention the years of employment in a bid to make a gap less obvious. For instance, stick to 2010-2015 and 2015 to present, to take the attention away from an employment gap.
• Experience Matters : Although you might not have been a part of the active workforce during the time you decided to step back from a full-time career, there is no denying the fact that you did end up garnering valuable experiences and life lessons. Use these to your advantage when crafting your resume. For instance, if you used your sabbatical from a full-time job to freelance or consult, do mention the experience that you gained from your endeavors. It counts. Even if it was helping out on a farm to earn boarding and lodging during your travels.
• Leave Some of it Out : If you’ve been in the workforce for more than a couple of decades, it is all right to leave out a couple of jobs here and there. Especially, if you are applying for a managerial position. In most cases, it is acceptable to limit your years of experience on a resume to 15 years for these positions.
• Be Well Prepared : While it is easy to translate all of this in writing on a resume, do gear up for possible questions on these gaps in employment during the interview rounds. Your best approach here would be to go well prepared to avoid fumbling or seeming apologetic for the gap.

How to Include Gap Year Experience on a Resume

Just because you took a gap year does not mean you discount any of the skills you honed during the time. It is quite likely that you gained valuable experience during your time off and there is every reason why you should highlight, not just include, it in your resume.

If you’re using a functional resume format then you could just as easily slot any experience gained during this gap year under the ‘Experience’ section. If you volunteered during your time off, taught, or worked in a completely different field it should figure on your resume. Your gap year is a testimony to your risk-taking nature, ability to toe the line, and independence, qualities most organizations look for in candidates. All you need to do is dress it up in your resume using some action-oriented terms to quantify your achievements .

If you decided to stick to a chronological resume format, then you could always choose to highlight this gap year experience as international experience or volunteer experience. Recruiters and hiring managers are bound to sit up and take notice.

How do You Address an Employment Gap in a Cover Letter

While there is no reason to fear a gap in employment when applying for a new job, a cover letter explaining gaps in employment will be an added bonus. Chances are you picked up some new skills during your employment gap that wouldn’t otherwise figure in your resume. You could use your cover letter to convey this to your hiring manager instead.

You don’t have to have a flawless career history. As long as you offer a proper explanation in your cover letter there is no reason why you shouldn’t be judged by the same yardstick as other applicants. Remember, being honest and upfront is the key here.

If you took a break to travel and explore the world, make a compelling pitch about it in your cover letter explaining how you benefited from it and what you can now bring to the table as a result of it. If the break was to raise your children and you probably did some freelance work in the meantime, say it in your cover letter. Highlight any achievements gained during the time. If you decided to take some time off following a layoff, explain that the previous organization had to let you go due to downsizing while highlighting your skills and abilities to a prospective new employer.

How you say it, is how it will be perceived.

Sample Cover Letter Explaining a Gap in Employment

Dear Hiring Manager

An Introduction With Impact

(Try and make this as creative as you can to catch a recruiter’s attention. But don’t forget to include important details such as who you are, your area of expertise, how you came across the job posting, and why you want to apply).

A Powerful Body

(The body of a cover letter should describe how your employment history, experience, and skillsets will fit the bill for the current job opening. Don’t forget to include phrases and terms from the job description when you do this. You can also make a bulleted list with your accomplishments. Don’t forget to add numbers in these bullet points to quantify your claims. Explain how you can work towards helping the company achieve its goals and vision. Reiterate why you might be the right fit for the position they are looking to fill).

Sample of How You Could Explain an Employment Gap

(After working for 10 years as a journalist, I decided to explore a new area and devoted time to complete a certification course that I had long been wanting to undertake. During my time away from an active workforce I undertook some freelance writing and editing assignments for various publications and websites. While these were starkly different from the work I had been doing in the last decade, they did provide me the opportunity and exposure to newer avenues while encouraging me to hone my skills as well as work on my own terms).

A Strong Conclusion

(Here, inform the hiring manager that you’re keen on getting interviewed and that you will reach out within a given period of time in case you don’t hear from them. Leave your contact information and thank them for perusing your application).

Sincerely, Your Name

If the thought of explaining gaps in employment while looking for a new job is leaving you dismayed then step back and take a deep breath. Do not discount the skills and positive attributes you are now able to offer a potential employer.

Gaps in employment are fast becoming a rather common feature in most people’s professional pasts and employers are a lot more accustomed to them that you might give them credit for.

While explaining gaps in employment you might have had in both your resume and cover letter without obsessing over them or sounding apologetic. Explain it confidently and be well prepared to answer any related questions when you go for job interviews.

1). Do employers care about gap years?

Yes, they do. However, most employers are quite accustomed to dealing with candidates with gaps in employment and are a lot more accepting as well. You do need to have a strategic explanation in place to convince them of your devotion to your job and how you might have benefitted from your break. Not to forget, you also have to find a way to assure them that these gaps will no longer be a regular feature that they need to worry about.

2). How long of an employment gap is too long?

Three months. Anything less than that will not need to be explained. But anything longer than three months usually has recruiters and hiring managers seeking answers explaining these gaps.

3). Why is the gap in employment bad?

A gap in employment usually raises red flags with recruiters. One of the first thoughts to cross many minds is that the gap was a result of being sacked. This is why it is important to provide a satisfactory explanation in both your resume as well as the cover letter, apart from being prepared to field numerous questions regarding this break during a job interview.

4). How to explain a lengthy employment gap?

Emphasize why you took a step back from a full-time career in the first place. Keep it positive when it comes to explaining the motivation behind your decision to quit. Highlight any activities or courses you might have undertaken during your time off from the workforce and how these have shaped you in the last few years.

Related Resume & Cover Letter Articles

We transform work lives

How to Address Employment Gaps in Your Cover Letter

By: Sean Fitzpatrick

Use your cover letter to explain the employment gaps in your work history and allay any concerns your potential employers may have about your readiness for the job.

If you’ve been in the workforce for a while, chances are you’ve probably experienced at least one employment gap in your work history. Legitimate events may have kept you out of the workforce for some time. You may have been laid off, experienced an illness, taken care of a family member, traveled, or changed careers.

If you have gaps in your employment history, your potential employers might have some questions about these gaps. Their skepticism is reasonable. Most employers would rather avoid candidates who seem to be “job hoppers” or who have a history of job loss due to poor performance. If you’ve spent some time on the sidelines, they’ll want to know why.

Use your cover letter to address the employment gaps that may show up in your resume. Here’s how.

Express your employment dates in years.

In your “work experience” section of your resume, list the start and end years only, not the months or days. This will spark fewer concerns that you’ll need to explain away.

Mention non-family-related gaps directly.

In your cover letter, directly address that gaps that you’re comfortable discussing. For example, if you left your job to start a business, but it never got off the ground, share this proudly. A bold move like this showcases your willingness to take risks and try new things. The same applies to overseas volunteering, artistic endeavors, and other career side-trips that might showcase your strengths as an employee.

Keep family-related gaps to yourself.

While you may openly address your professional gaps in employment, it’s best to keep your personal gaps to yourself. For example, if you left the workforce to raise your children, you don’t have to share this with anyone. In fact, the law protects you from employers who ask during an interview. In cases such as these, keep the conversation focused on your qualifications and skill sets.

Highlight your mid-life career shifts.

If your employment gaps took place when you decided to switch career paths, build your cover letter around this narrative. Explain the reasons behind your decision. Outline the details of your journey from one field to the next. If your new career involved any kind of study or training that took the place of full-time work, state this clearly. Again, be proud of the risks you’ve taken and the accomplishments you achieved by leaving the workplace for a while.

If you really were fired, be careful.

If you did leave the workforce for a while due to performance or unreliability, tread carefully. In this case, it’s best to refrain from mentioning your employment gap in your letter (and in your interview) until you’re directly asked about it. When that happens, be ready to shed a positive, diplomatic light on the incident and explain what you learned during the process.

For more on how to explain your work history to potential employers, rely on the tools and guidelines from LiveCareer .

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How to explain gaps in your resume: what mature workers should know.

Aug 18, 2022

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Key Takeaways

Periods of unemployment happen to all kinds of people for all kinds of reasons, whether it’s an unexpected layoff or extended illness.

Do employment gaps matter? Sometimes, they do—but you can frame them in a positive, purposeful way.

Get tips that can help show you how to explain employment gaps without hurting your chances of getting the job.

Is it ok to have gaps in your resume ? This is a natural concern for older adults who are looking for a job after spending some time out of the workforce. You may worry employers will look at you differently than other candidates or doubt your ability to perform. You wonder if your resume will be shuffled to the back of the pile.

Do employment gaps matter?

Employers do—and should—care about large gaps in employment . Since they invest major time and resources in screening, onboarding, and training new employees, companies must be selective about who they hire. A resume gap could signal you had trouble finding a new job after a job loss, or that you have difficulty making a commitment. They may wonder what you were doing while unemployed and whether you're trying to hide something. If you have gaps in your resume, hiring managers want to know the “why” behind that period of unemployment. More importantly, they want to be sure your absence from the workforce doesn’t imply behavioral patterns or attitudes that might make you a risky hire.  

What is considered a big gap in employment? According to Indeed.com, any break over six months is considered significant.

The good news is this: gaps in your resume don't have to be a job-search dealbreaker. Many older adults have gaps in their work history for a variety of reasons—such as company downsizing, extended illness, caring for a sick loved one, or going back to school. These reasons usually have nothing to do with a person’s ability to perform the job at hand.

Whether you’ve been out of work for six months or 10 years, the key is being prepared for employers’ questions.

Below are some strategies for easing hiring managers’ concerns and asserting yourself as the best person for the job.

How to explain employment gaps

• Be honest. It can be tempting to conceal gaps in your work history when you’re trying to present yourself in the best light possible to employers. But lying on your resume is never a good idea. Since they review so many of them, hiring managers are skilled at spotting inconsistencies and other red flags on resumes. Most verify work history and may even perform background checks. If you’re untruthful about employment dates, it’s likely you’ll be found out eventually—and you could even lose your job over it. Honesty is always the best option.
• Don’t include your entire work history. When you’re an older job seeker, there’s no need to share all of your work experience. Instead, list only those you’ve held over the last 10 to 15 years and stick to positions most relevant to the job you're applying for. This means you don’t have to worry about employment gaps that fall outside of this timeframe. Limiting your work history this way can also help prevent age discrimination.
• Downplay smaller gaps by leaving out the month. While being out of the workforce for years is not something you can cover up, you don't have to shine a spotlight on every gap. If you were unemployed for a year or less, you can soften the impact simply by leaving out the month when you list your employment dates. For example: "Sales Associate, 2021 to 2022." This allows you to be transparent about employment dates without emphasizing short breaks. Another thing to keep in mind is the formatting of your resume. Using bold font or a smaller font can draw attention to employment dates—so you’ll want to avoid those practices.
• Explain employment gaps in your cover letter.  In general, there's no dedicated place on your resume to detail the reasons you were out of work for an extended period. This is where your cover letter comes in handy. Address resume gaps proactively by calling them out in your cover letter. Summarize the reasons for your hiatus—one or two straightforward sentences will do. Don’t get too wordy, since you want to keep the focus on your relevant experience and attributes and why you’re the right choice for the job. If additional details are needed about any work history gaps, the hiring manager will ask during the interview. What you do want to emphasize in your cover letter is your drive, determination, and willingness to learn new things. It’s also important to convey you’ve kept up to date on industry trends and skills. If you have gaps in your employment, your resume must work extra hard to illustrate the value you bring to a potential employer.
• You volunteered for your community food bank.
• You went back to finish your degree.
• You brushed up on your technology skills by taking a course.
• You were the sole caregiver to an ailing family member.
• You pursued a side project important to you.
• You traveled extensively and explored new cultures.
• Consider any transferable skills or perspectives you gained and how they make you a stronger candidate for the job. For instance, maybe you came up with a successful fundraising idea for a charity you volunteer for. Or you managed the event committee at your church and gained valuable leadership skills. Don’t hesitate to think outside of the box!

Get set up for job success with SCSEP and NCOA's Job Skills CheckUp

Searching for a new job? Or returning to work after a break? NCOA recently launched its new employment tool,  Job Skills CheckUp , to help older adults get tips on how to succeed as a mature worker.  All you have to do is tell us about your goals, describe your current employment situation, and the Job Skills CheckUp will create a personalized plan to help you find job openings, build a professional network, prepare for job interviews, and more.

In addition, the  Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)  provides qualified older adults age 55+ with on-the-job training and job placement.

When the pandemic began, Tuan, age 68 , was laid off from his job as a cashier. The uncertain job climate that followed—combined with the language barrier—made it difficult for him to find another position. That’s when Tuan turned to  SCSEP .

SCSEP matched him with an on-the-job training opportunity at Boat People SOS, a nonprofit focused on Vietnamese-American civic and political activism. Today, Tuan works there full-time as a Community Health Project Coordinator. He’s excited to be back in the workforce and following his passion for helping others.

With SCSEP, you can earn money in a community-based service position while building valuable skills and self-confidence. You must be at least age 55 and have low income to take part in SCSEP. If you’d like to apply, find your local SCSEP office .

Funding for This Program Made Possible By Our Partner

Get help to land the job you love.

Searching for a new job? Or returning to work after a break? Get tips on how to succeed in your career and make a plan to get there with NCOA's Job Skills CheckUp.

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6 Ways to Address an Employment Gap on Your Resume

A seamless employment history is often considered the holy grail of a great resume. But, it is not uncommon to encounter employment gaps on resumes today. Regardless of the reason, these gaps create a sense of uncertainty for job seekers.

The good news is that addressing an employment gap in your resume doesn't have to be a roadblock to your career aspirations. In this article, we will explore effective ways to help you confidently navigate and overcome this hurdle.

1. Acknowledge the Gap With a Brief Explanation

One of the first steps in addressing an employment gap is to acknowledge it openly and honestly. Instead of leaving potential employers guessing about the gap, take the proactive approach of addressing it.

Employment gaps are generally categorized into two types: long-term and short-term. According to Statista , long-term unemployment counts for six months or more.

Long-term work gaps need more detailed explanations. For example, if you took a break to care for a family member, pursue education, or for any other reason. Ensure to explain why you took the time off and what you gained from the experience.

For short-term gaps, you can focus on the reason for the gap without going into excessive detail. For example, if you took time off to care for a family member, you can state, "Career break to provide caregiving support to a family member."

While explaining the gap, shift the focus to positive outcomes or experiences gained during that time. For instance, if you volunteered for community work, discuss how it shaped your character and work ethic.

2. Use a Different Resume Format

While the traditional chronological format works well for many job seekers, it may not be the best choice if you have an employment gap. Exploring other resume formats allows you to highlight your qualifications and shift the focus away from the gap.

One alternative format that you might consider is a functional resume. In functional format, your resume focuses on skills and areas of expertise instead of your work experience. You can find some free templates for functional resumes on Resume Genius and Resume.io .

Another option you can try is a hybrid resume. One of the advantages of making a hybrid resume is you can minimize your career gaps. As the name suggests, this format combines elements of both the chronological and functional formats. It can particularly work well as it allows you to draw attention to your relevant experience while demonstrating your skill set.

Further, thinking outside the box and opting for a unique format can showcase your creativity and innovative thinking. You can explore the best alternative resume formats to showcase your resume in creative ways.

3. Highlight Relevant Training or Education

If you pursued any training or education during your employment gap, highlight it on your resume. It helps showcase your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

Create a dedicated section on your resume highlighting relevant training and education. Mention the courses, workshops, certifications, or seminars you have completed and related to the job you are applying for.

Simply listing the courses you attended isn't enough. Take it further by describing the expertise you acquired through these educational experiences. For example, if you took a coding bootcamp during your employment gap, mention the programming languages you learned and any projects you worked on.

You can also consider a visual format that helps employers quickly grasp your qualifications. Consider creating a skills matrix or visual representation of your training and education. Use a chart or graphical format to showcase the different areas of expertise you have developed through your training.

4. Emphasize Transferable Skills

Even without formal employment, you probably must have gained valuable transferable skills from other activities or experiences. Transferable skills include project management, communication, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability.

Demonstrating transferable skills on your resume can be relevant to potential employers. They are often interested in candidates who can bring a diverse set of skills to the table. Showcase these skills and their applicability to the position you are applying for.

Group your transferable skills into clusters to demonstrate your skills in various areas. Create subsections in your resume dedicated to specific skill sets. It could be leadership, project management, problem-solving, or any other skill. Under each cluster, list relevant examples that show how you've utilized those skills in different areas.

5. Leverage Personal Projects

Next, did you engage in any personal projects during your employment gap? Maybe you started a blog, created an online portfolio, or developed an app. Your independent endeavors can show employers what you're capable of.

You may want to include any noteworthy personal projects on your resume. When listing your personal projects on your resume, emphasize the skills you gained or used. For example, if you designed and developed a website, highlight your web design and development skills. You can also include your ability to manage a project, problem-solving, and communicate effectively.

Whenever possible, quantify the impact or results of your personal projects. Did your project gain a significant number of followers, receive positive feedback, or generate revenue? Did it solve a specific problem or address a need in the community? It helps employers understand the significance of your projects and the outcomes you achieved.

6. Elaborate on the Gap in Your Cover Letter

Your resume provides a concise overview of your qualifications. However, your cover letter can help you elaborate on your employment gap in a more personal and nuanced manner.

Explain why you took a break from work, why you want to work again, and what you've done to stay up-to-date. If you have not crafted a cover letter before and need a little help, here's how to write a cover letter .

After elaborating on the gap, bring the conversation back to the position you're applying for. Connect the skills or experiences you gained during the gap to the job requirements, demonstrating how you can make a positive impact.

Overcome the Employment Gap and Land Your Dream Job

Addressing an employment gap can certainly feel intimidating. However, ignoring it won't benefit your job search in the long run. Using the above-mentioned strategies, you can effectively address and minimize the impact of the gap. By presenting yourself as a qualified candidate, you can increase your chances of getting the job you want.