sample cover letter with employment gaps

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.

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Written Samples

10 sample cover letters explaining gap in employment.

In the contemporary job market, gaps in employment are not uncommon. However, effectively explaining these gaps in cover letters remains a challenge for many job seekers.

Whether the gap is due to personal reasons, educational pursuits, or unforeseen circumstances, it’s crucial to address it in a way that is both honest and professional. This article provides ten sample cover letters, each tailored to different situations and reasons for employment gaps.

Sample Cover Letters Explaining Gap in Employment

These samples aim to guide and inspire job seekers in crafting their own compelling cover letters that transparently and effectively communicate their unique situations.

Sample 1: Personal Health Issue

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Where You Found the Job Posting]. My professional background in [Your Field/Industry], combined with my commitment to personal growth and development, makes me a strong candidate for this role.

I would like to address a gap in my employment from [Start Date] to [End Date], which occurred due to a personal health issue. During this period, I focused on my health and recovery, ensuring that I could return to the workforce with renewed vigor and dedication. This time away also allowed me to engage in various online courses and workshops related to [Your Field/Industry], keeping my skills and knowledge up-to-date.

I am now fully recovered and eager to bring my enhanced perspective and capabilities to your team. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experience and skills will be beneficial to [Company Name].

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Sample 2: Family Care Responsibilities

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With a strong background in [Your Field/Industry] and a proven track record of [Specific Achievement or Skill], I am prepared to make a significant contribution to your team.

Before delving into my professional qualifications, I wish to clarify the gap in my employment history from [Start Date] to [End Date]. This period was dedicated to providing essential care for a family member undergoing a serious health challenge. While this was a time of personal commitment, it also afforded me the opportunity to develop valuable skills such as time management, empathy, and resilience, which I believe are beneficial in any professional setting.

Now that I am returning to the workforce, I am eager to apply these skills, along with my professional expertise, to the role of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. Thank you for considering my application.

Sample 3: Educational Pursuits

I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as listed on [Where You Found the Job Posting]. My background in [Your Field/Industry], along with my recent educational advancements, positions me as a strong candidate for this role.

I would like to highlight the gap in my employment from [Start Date] to [End Date], which was due to my decision to further my education in [Field of Study]. During this time, I completed [Degree or Certification] at [Institution Name], which has significantly enhanced my skills in [Specific Skills or Areas]. This academic pursuit was a strategic step to deepen my expertise and broaden my capabilities within [Your Field/Industry].

With my updated qualifications and renewed passion for [Your Field/Industry], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] and achieve [Specific Company Goals or Projects].

Sample 4: Volunteering and Travel

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to apply for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. My experience in [Your Field/Industry], coupled with my commitment to personal and professional growth, makes me an ideal candidate for this position.

I would like to address the gap in my employment from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During this time, I engaged in a combination of volunteering and travel. My volunteer work with [Organization Name] in [Location] allowed me to develop [Specific Skills or Experiences], while traveling provided me with a broader world view and an appreciation for diverse cultures and practices. These experiences have enriched my professional abilities, particularly in areas such as [Relevant Skills or Perspectives].

I am now eager to apply these enriched skills and perspectives to the role of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. Thank you for considering my application.

Sample 5: Starting a Business

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. My extensive experience in [Your Field/Industry] and my entrepreneurial background make me a unique and valuable candidate for this role.

I wish to explain the gap in my employment history from [Start Date] to [End Date], during which I pursued an entrepreneurial venture by starting my own business in [Industry/Field]. This experience was immensely valuable, equipping me with skills in [List Relevant Skills, e.g., leadership, financial management, strategic planning]. While the business eventually closed, the lessons learned and skills acquired are directly applicable to the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my unique blend of traditional employment experience and entrepreneurial spirit to your team. Thank you for considering my application.

Sample 6: Mental Health Break

I am interested in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] and am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience in [Your Field/Industry] to your esteemed organization.

In the spirit of transparency, I would like to address the gap in my employment from [Start Date] to [End Date]. This period was a necessary mental health break, allowing me to focus on personal well-being and self-improvement. During this time, I engaged in activities that enhanced my professional competencies, such as [List Activities or Skills Developed, e.g., online courses, volunteer work].

Fully rejuvenated, I am now eager to re-enter the workforce and apply my refreshed perspective and skills to the role of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. Thank you for considering my application.

Sample 7: Pursuing a Personal Project

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With a solid background in [Your Field/Industry] and a passion for continuous learning and development, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.

I would like to bring to your attention the gap in my employment from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During this period, I dedicated myself to a personal project in [Describe Project or Area]. This project not only honed my skills in [Specific Skills], but also provided me with a deeper understanding of [Relevant Industry/Area Knowledge]. The experience has equipped me with unique insights and competencies that I am excited to bring to the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].

I appreciate your consideration of my application and look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my unique experiences can benefit your organization.

Sample 8: Dealing with a Personal Loss

I am applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], confident that my professional experience in [Your Field/Industry] aligns well with the demands of this role.

I would like to address a gap in my employment history, which occurred from [Start Date] to [End Date]. This period was marked by a significant personal loss, which necessitated time away from work to focus on personal matters and healing. Throughout this challenging time, I maintained my commitment to professional development by engaging in [List Any Relevant Activities, e.g., part-time courses, freelance projects].

As I return to full-time employment, I bring not only my professional expertise but also a renewed sense of resilience and emotional intelligence. I am eager to apply these qualities to the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].

Sample 9: Career Transition

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With a diverse background in [Previous Field/Industry] and now transitioning into [New Field/Industry], I bring a unique perspective that can add substantial value to your team.

I would like to explain the gap in my employment from [Start Date] to [End Date], which was a strategic career transition phase. During this time, I focused on upskilling and retraining for [New Field/Industry] through [List Training, Courses, or Certifications]. This deliberate move was aimed at aligning my career with my passions and strengths, and I am now well-equipped with [List Newly Acquired Skills or Knowledge] relevant to the [Job Title] role.

I am enthusiastic about bringing my combination of experience and new skills to [Company Name] and contributing to your success.

Sample 10: Sabbatical for Personal Growth

I am eager to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. My extensive experience in [Your Field/Industry], coupled with my recent sabbatical for personal growth, positions me well for this exciting opportunity.

I would like to discuss the gap in my employment from [Start Date] to [End Date], which was a purposeful sabbatical devoted to personal growth and exploration. This time allowed me to engage in activities such as [List Activities, e.g., volunteering, travel, studying], each of which has contributed significantly to my personal and professional development. These experiences have enhanced my abilities in areas such as [List Relevant Skills or Qualities, e.g., cross-cultural communication, adaptability, creative problem-solving].

I am now ready to re-enter the workforce with a refreshed perspective and a wealth of new ideas that I am excited to apply in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. My unique journey during this period has provided me with invaluable insights and skills that I am eager to bring to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to [Company Name] and achieving new heights together.

In summary, when explaining gaps in employment in cover letters, it’s important to focus on the positive aspects of what you learned or how you grew during that time. Whether it was personal development, acquiring new skills, or overcoming challenges, these experiences can be valuable in the workplace.

The key is to communicate this effectively and professionally, as demonstrated in the samples above. Remember, every gap in employment is an opportunity to showcase resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

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Sample Cover Letter Content That Explains Employment Gaps

February 7, 2018 By Teena Rose

If you’ve struggled with it, know that you’re normal. Yup. 100% human … I’m presuming, of course. 😉

Cover letter writing experts agree. Addressing employment gaps in a cover letter can create the biggest headache. 

Many jobseekers believe that date gaps in a work history are equivalent to wearing a scarlet letter … or, so it seems.

But, no matter how painful, addressing unfavorable work situations can be tricky.

To help, below are a few tips (and content samples) to help you address an employment issue. Not knowing your EXACT situation, I covered different situations. One of these examples should fit your current situation.

When you’re employed, there’s nothing to explain. There are  good reasons for changing employers. For example, higher pay, better benefits, new horizons, and better working environment.

Sometimes, the reasons can be awkward to explain in a cover letter. For example, when a jerk boss causes you to resign or get fired. [Editorial Note: When fired, check out this in-depth guide on what to do before and after a layoff or firing .]

Fired? Should You Still Explain The Employment Gap in Your Cover Letter?

The truth is, getting fired isn’t an end of the world (even though it might feel like it). The cover letter shouldn’t get the task of explaining what happened at your last employer.

This is why you may not want to explain a firing in your cover letter.

Despite your best instinct, try to ignore your need for explanation. Explaining employment gaps in the cover letters you write isn’t that critical.

Should You Use Cover Letter “Fudge”?

You could make THIS all go away with a few clicks of a mouse.

Hiding a gap in your employment can be a quick fix.

But, you don’t need me to tell you about the fudge factor, right?

The truth is, there are many great solutions for handling employment gaps.

For example, think about using a different resume format. For example, a combination resume format versus a combination format. And, with your cover letter, don’t talk about the gap … at least for the time being.

This might sound counterintuitive …

A big issue with some employment gaps is when the person doesn’t learn anything from the experience.

Were you fired? Who was at fault, you or them? Be honest. If you, what did you learn? If you screwed up, learn your lesson, take your lump, and move on. Whether you’re 20, 40, 60, or 80 years old, you’re going to screw up and learn more lessons.

Life works that way.

We’re all getting heaping, healthy servings of lessons and lumps. 🙂

Were you let go due to a layoff, merger, departmental downsizing, or heck, you left because your boss was a jerk?

Shit happens!

I’d tell you to get over it; but hey, we’re all pigheaded, not only you. 😉

Did you leave your job to be with your kids or ailing parent for a while? 

People understand.

I’m going to tell you something you can’t tell anyone else . Ready?

Okay, here we go … human resources and bosses have kids and ailing parents too.

But, there is a dark side …

Do employers REALLY care about gaps in your work history?

It seems unreasonable that employers obsess over gaps in employment — particularly in light of the economic situation over the past few years. Nonetheless, there are some in American culture that presumes someone who’s experienced a period of unemployment is probably lazy , unproductive or has some character defect . It seems unfair and inaccurate, but it’s an unfortunate fact.

In short, don’t draw undue attention to this in a cover letter .

In fact, unless it’s a gap of over a year — to recover from a long illness, care for a sick relative, take care of young children, or retrain for a new career, for instance — there is no reason to explain it at all.

That is information better left for the interview.

HERE’S A RECAP:

So, in short, your reasons for leaving or wanting to leave a job shouldn’t by default be included in your cover letters .

FREE DOWNLOAD: Click here to get your copy of Professional Cover Letter Examples for Managers & Executives . Available via download.

Let’s say you’re not listening to me. And, you want to explain the employment gap anyway.

Okay, I understand that.

Sometimes we just feel the need to explain the WHYs, if only to make ourselves feel better.

Below I’ve outlined 3 writing examples that explain an employment gap.

Use the one that works best for you:

Sample Cover Letter Content Explaining Gap in Employment

Are you wondering if your cover letter should use the same header as your resume? Here’s a quick how-to cover letter guide to help you with this.

Writing Ideas #1 & #2:

“After working in systems administration for 7 years, I decided to pivot to a new area and took time out from my career to complete a data science master’s degree. An internship with Company X during my studies convinced me that this field is the perfect match for my skills and interests.”

“After completing my master’s in accounting, I worked for 8 years as a senior auditor for Organization Y while also obtaining my CPA license. Following a five-year career break to raise two children, I am now searching for a challenging job in a small- to medium-sized firm. Over the past four years, I have held volunteer jobs as a treasurer and tax advisor for two community organizations.”

Writing Idea #3:

“I was employed for four years as a shift manager in steel manufacturing before my job was eliminated due to large-scale corporate downsizing. In addition to engaging in an aggressive job search, I have been completing an online certificate in (subject) and volunteering as a team coach for a high school softball team.”

As you can see, cover letters can sometimes be useful tools to clarify issues in your employment history.

Just remember when to provide an explanation and when not to.

About Teena Rose

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.

Comments are closed.

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• Job Search Advice
• How to Explain Gaps in Employment (Resume & Cover Letter)

How to Explain Gaps in Employment (Resume & Cover Letter)

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Got gaps in employment? You’re probably terrified . Whatever it was: raising your children, going back to school, traveling—that hiatus must have been for a good reason. But now you’re left with an employment gap on your resume you'll have to explain…

I asked three bestselling career experts for their best employment gap explanations. Turns out, gaps on a resume are not that much of a red flag after all.

This guide will show you:

• Why managers hate employment gaps and how to explain a gap in employment.
• How to do an end-run around resume gaps to avoid writing a bad resume.
• Where to find value in a gap in a resume employers love.
• Good reasons for a gap in employment that managers will understand.

Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here .

Sample resume made with our builder— See more resume samples here .

Two formats work great for resume gaps. The combination resume and the functional resume focus on relevant skills. See our guides for gaps in resumes and job hoppers:

• Combination Resume Template: Formatting Guide with Examples
• Functional Resume Template: Formatting Guide with Examples

Now let’s look at advice from career experts for how to explain resume gaps.

1. How to Explain Gaps in Employment

Why are employment gaps so bad?

Because of what employers fear is hiding in them.

Without explaining gaps in employment, the hiring manager may assume the worst.

According to Orville Pierson, author of The Unwritten Rules of the Highly Effective Job Search , honesty is key.

“People have great imaginations,” says Pierson. “If employers see a gap in employment, they might assume you were incarcerated, an addict, or just plain lazy.”

“That’s the #1 reason not to display any gaps in your resume. The moment you explain the real reason, the imagined worst-case goes away.”

Employment Gap Explanation Example

March 2015–June 2016

I was seriously injured in automobile accident. After several rounds of surgery, I completely recovered and returned to all of my activities, including jogging and softball.

Don’t Fret EVERY Gap in Employment

“You have to be honest,” says Pierson. “But you don’t have to sabotage your own job search by volunteering things that will hurt you.”

• What is an employment gap? Anything less than six months is generally OK. You still need to explain it, but “Job seeking” will cover it.
• Is your resume gap old? Don’t sweat gaps in employment 7-10 years ago. Again, you may need to explain, but an old gap isn’t serious.
• Job h opping isn’t a gap in a resume. Leaving a job in less than a year isn’t gr eat. Sill, more than half of all employers hire job hoppers anyway.

Be Prepared

If you’ve got a gap in your resume, it will come up .

When it does, stammering like a high school freshman on a first date is not an option.

So—have an employment gap explanation ready. Then, like a fireman or a warrior in battle, fall back on your training.

• Explain why you’ve got gaps in your resume.
• Reassure the hiring manager why you won’t be doing it again.
• Share the value you picked up along the way.
• Keep your explanation short. Have a finish line so you don’t trail off into embarrassed silence.

Need to know exactly how to explain gaps in employment so you don’t write a bad resume? I’ll give you some surprising answers next.

Steve Dalton, author of The 2-Hour Job Search , has a unique way of patching a gap in employment:

“If I have a job-seeker with a gap in their resume,” says Dalton, “I encourage them to overcome it with a referral.”

Referrals create instant liking.

“Once I like you, you’d basically need to tell me you committed a felony to change my mind.”

To get referrals:

• Find the companies you most want to work for.
• Contact employees at those companies.
• Turn them into advocates by A) having a conversation and B) being a good listener.

“Interested is interesting,” Dalton says. “The #1 factor in charisma is how well you’re perceived to be listening.”

Pro Tip:  Are you a job hopper? That’s worse than a resume gap, but it doesn’t mean you’ll write a bad resume.  Many managers actually like to hire job hoppers, as this Forbes article explains .

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a  professional resume template here for free .

When you’re done, our online resume builder will score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.

Are you coming out of a gap in your employment and into a new career? Afraid you might face an employment check? See our guide: Career Change Resume: Sample and How-To-Guide

Plus, if you want to check what the best answer to the "Why did you leave your last job?" question is, read our guide: Reasons for Leaving a Job: Best Explanation for This Interview Question

2. A Solid Plan to Explain Gaps in Employment

Imagine you’re in an interview.

Across the conference table sit three hiring managers.

On the wall behind them is a poster of an eagle that says, Leadership.

Then they ask the dreaded question:

“What’s this job gap here?”

The skin behind your ears begins to burn. Did you write a bad resume?

How should you explain gaps in employment in an interview?

Prove You Won’t Do it Again

A bad hire costs a company $50,000 to $100,000.

One of the hiring manager’s biggest fears? One gap in employment means you may do it again.

“Let’s say you have a resume gap because you were in a bad car accident,” says Pierson. “You must tell them it’s completely resolved. Otherwise they might wonder if you're fully capable of work.”

Find the Value

Were you a ski bum during your gaps in employment? Maybe you did some ski instruction.

“That’s a reputable part-time job,” says Pierson.

Being a stay-at-home mom is respectable work, too. One of Pierson’s clients added value by volunteering at a church where she managed 30 other volunteers. That was real managerial experience and she put it on her resume.

Look for Relevant Achievements In:

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

Match Your Resume Gap in Employment to the Job Opening

Your employment gap explanation should prove you weren’t idle.

But linking gaps in employment to the job offer is masterful.

A ski bum who did ski instruction is a match for jobs requiring training skills, communication, or experience with children.

The real trick?

Read the job offer carefully. Find the qualities it’s looking for.

Then examine the gap in your resume. Find achievements that prove you have those qualities.

Shorten Your Job Gap Now

What’s better than explaining gaps in employment?

According to Pierson, the best strategy is avoiding having a resume gap in the first place. As soon as you’re unemployed, start consulting or volunteering.

It’s best if it’s related to your primary skills, but any work at all gives additional experience, skills, and references.

Consider a Cover Letter

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

Some experts say yes.

For example, see this shortened sample cover letter explaining a gap in employment. It explains that the gap won’t repeat. It also lists a relevant achievement.

During the gap in employment from 2014 through 2016, I traveled South America and Africa, kayaking Class V rivers. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that helped me find my big, audacious career goal. I also picked up a unique set of logistics skills I think will fit extremely well with your executive assistant opening...

However, Pierson cautions against explaining unemployment gaps with cover letters. He prefers to save the cover letter for more supplemental information.

David Perry, author of Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters , lays out a great plan to explain gaps in employment. Namely, don’t sweat the employment gap explanation.

“Instead,” says Perry, “use your resume to show: 1. How you can make them money, 2. How you can save them money, 3. How you can boost their efficiency.”

• 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.

“If you target 10 or 20 companies that way,” says Perry, “you won’t get past #7 without an interview.

What about the resume gap? The hiring manager will barely notice it by then.

Need some tips to write a cover letter that explains your gap in employment? Looking for some letter of explanation samples? See our guide: How to Make a Cover Letter for Any Job in 8 Simple Steps

3. Four Good Reasons for Employment Gaps

Need some good example reasons for gaps in employment?

Here’s a short list. Make sure to explain why you won’t repeat the gap.

A Failed Business

Did the gaps in your resume come from a failed startup?

A failed business doesn’t mean a bad resume.

In fact, career experts encourage showing a failed business .

Even a failed attempt conveys a whole raft of information about your competency level.

Find achievements from the business that fit the current job. Then add them to your resume as bullet points .

Family Reasons

Starting a family—or family troubles—are excellent reasons for gaps in employment.

As with any gap, show closure. The divorce is final. Or you went to counseling and are now in love. Or the kids are now in school.

Most employers know family is important. They’ll be reassured it wasn’t drugs, jail, or something equally as frightening.

Finding Your Way

Did your employment gap come from needing a break?

Hiring managers will generally understand, as long as you can prove you’re done.

In a crucial interview, I had to explain to the Dean of Admissions at Colby College why I’d spent two years out of school.

“You had a C average too,” he said. “What’s my guarantee you won’t do it again?”

My answer? I finally understood I wanted to be a writer. Colby was the perfect next step.

He smiled and shook my hand. Two years later, I graduated with a writing degree, high honors, and a post-graduate fellowship.

Injuries and illnesses explain resume gaps in employment.

Just make sure to show it’s in the past.

You can leave it as, “I had an illness, but I’m 100% recovered with no chance of a relapse.”

In the U.S., employers can’t legally ask questions about an illness-related gap in employment.

Pro Tip: How much worse is job-hopping than an employment history resume gap? There are pros (upward mobility) and cons (a reputation as a quitter) as this RobertHalf survey shows.

Need achievements from your gap in employment to prove your skills? See our guide: Achievements to Include on a Resume (30+ Examples)

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here.  Here's what it may look like:

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key Takeaway

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

• Come up with an employment gap explanation.  Without one, employers will assume the worst. Be honest. An employment check will catch you if you’re not.
• Prove you won’t do it again.  Tell your story to show why the resume gap will not recur.
• Find the value.  Identify achievements in the gap in employment that fit the job offer like Isotoners.
• Make an end-run around the gap in your resume. Work to get a referral from a company employee. Do some research to find out what the company needs. Then show matching achievements on your resume.  

Do you have questions on how to explain gaps in resumes? Not sure how to find the right achievements? Give us a shout in the comments! Let's get you in that dream job.

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Major Tips and Tricks to Writing a Cover Letter Explaining the Gap in Your Employment

• Career Advice
• Industry Insights

Posted On 20 Apr 2023

Employment gaps have been a huge fear in the workforce. For many years, having a gap in your work history was frowned upon. However, recruiters are generally more understanding of applicants these days. Job seekers now have the opportunity to show why they’re still hirable in various stages of the recruitment process, including writing a cover letter explaining the gap in their employment.

These days explaining a job gap is easier as professional cover letter writing services become more accessible. Resumeble, for instance, has an arsenal of skilled writers and industry experts that know how to write an effective letter that covers your bases. But is a cohesive resume and a well-written letter enough to win recruiters over?

In this article, we talk about what a cover letter should look like for job seekers returning to the workforce:

Cover Letter Writing: Should I explain things in the cover letter?

The short answer is yes.

Cover letters are usually a hit or miss–without professional help. The truth is many people don’t know how to write a cover letter . Of course, that doesn’t mean that these are utterly useless. In fact, with the right letter, recruiters are more likely to give an applicant a chance.

Let’s assume you’re already crafting your letter for this scenario. You’ve put in the essentials and ensured you have a favorable cover letter length . Is it really okay to explain why you have employment gaps in your cover letter?

Yes, as long as you don’t dwell on it too much. A cover letter isn’t there just so you can explain the gap, so it’s important not to make it the only topic in your letter. A brief explanation is more than enough as long as you are upfront, honest, and positive in your tone. Paired with an excellent functional or combination resume, a well-written cover letter will boost your chances regardless of the gap.

Explaining the Gaps in My Cover Letter

It’s true that employment gaps can raise red flags for recruiters, but that’s because they don’t know what you’ve been doing during the gap. This is why a cover letter that explains the gap in your employment assuages their fear and gives you more credit.

When writing a cover letter to explain the gaps, here are some basic principles you need to keep in mind:

Follow the optimal cover letter structure

There is little difference between creating a cover letter for returning to the workforce and a regular cover letter. In both cases, your letters should showcase your best traits and what makes you a strong candidate.

Keep your employment gap justification brief and direct to the point in your cover letter so it doesn't become the main point. Remember, you're simply writing the letter with an additional explanation, not the other way around.

Here's a good general structure to follow when writing a letter:

• Greetings (Dear Mx/Sir/Ma’am:)
• Opening Paragraph (Introducing yourself)
• Second General Paragraph
• Third General Paragraph (Employment gap explanation)
• Closing Paragraph

Be upfront and honest

A good rule of thumb to follow: never lie during the employment hiring process.

Whether it’s your resume, cover letter, or interview, it’s always best to be upfront and honest with recruiters. After all, it’s their job to do background checks on you–and they will always certainly find out about employment gaps.

Generally, it’s best to briefly mention the gap in your employment history. It saves recruiters time and allows them to focus on what you did during the gap. Of course, be prepared to answer questions but never lie about why the gap happened.

Do not over-explain

While it’s essential to make recruiters know that there are gaps in your employment history, you don’t have to share everything! If you’re writing a cover letter explaining gaps in your employment, striking the perfect balance is key. After all, you want to be hirable–not a liability.

Here are some things that you can share in a cover letter:

• Travel Reasons
• Caring for Family
• Medical Reasons
• Being laid off

These are all perfectly acceptable reasons why you have an employment gap, but you don’t need to dwell on them too much. The last two points, in particular, will create too much doubt in an application if you explain them in excruciating detail. Mention the general details, assure potential employers that you’ve managed to overcome the circumstances, and focus on your accomplishments and skills instead.

Another thing to remember is that everything doesn’t need to be explained. Some employment gaps are irrelevant and excusable. These gaps need not be mentioned in your resume or cover letter.

Some of the things that you don’t need to mention include:

• Gaps that happened more than seven years ago, especially if you’re currently employed
• Gaps because you’re a fresh graduate
• Gaps that were less than six months

Highlight your value as an individual

The most important thing to add to a cover letter for returning to the workforce is what you bring to the table. What have you done during the times you weren’t employed? Did you learn a new skill, go into consultancy, or manage your household? Make sure to highlight the values you have as you write your letter.

Getting a job with an employment gap isn’t just won with letters and documents but by your presence and even your connections. At the end of the day, your skills and trustworthiness are more valuable than any piece of paper. This is why you must make other considerations during the hiring process.

Here are some things to consider when applying for a new job:

Be confident

Confidence is key!

A hiring manager will feel more comfortable with an applicant that presents themselves with assurance and confidence. Of course, confidence doesn’t mean being boastful. Know your skills, worth, and accomplishments and talk proudly of them, but balance them out with your interest in the job and your willingness to learn.

Get a referral

Referrals build trust, and that’s something that you’ll want if you have an employment gap. If you know someone in the company, ask them for a referral. Another way to do this is to build connections and ask those connections for job opportunities and referrals within the company.

Sample Cover Letter Content Explaining Gap in Employment

Here are some samples of cover letter content to effectively explain employment gaps:

Gap Due to Being Laid Off

Ten months ago, AstraTech Services made the tough decision to cease operations, and as a result, I am currently available for immediate employment. I am eager to pursue a career in game development and was thrilled to discover the position because it is a wonderful match for my qualifications and career objectives.

Gap Due to Medical Leave

After taking some time off from work to recover from surgery, I left Brimstone Corp. to concentrate on my healing. As I regained my strength, I enrolled in relevant online classes to stay current in the field. Now that I have fully recovered, I am eager to return to the workforce and am certain I will be an asset to your team.

Gap Due to Caring for Family

I put my career on hold to look after a senior family member. My family opted to employ a full-time caretaker after a year, so I am no longer required to be there during the day. I am eager to start working again, and I was thrilled to see your job posting because it is a fantastic fit for my skills and aspirations.

Explain Cover Letter Gaps Seamlessly with Resumeble

Employment gaps are understandably nerve-wracking, but that doesn’t mean they’ll make you lose a job opportunity. You can easily open doors and get your dream role with the right cover letter explaining the gap in your employment. All you have to do is be confident and trustworthy at the end of the day.

With Resumeble, we can help you write the perfect cover letter to land your dream job today. Contact us now for more information on our professional packages.

• 7 seconds: this is how long your resume has either to impress or be ignored by the recruiter 
• 300+: average number of applications one corporate job opening posted online receives 
• 3%: number of sent resumes that result in interviews 

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How to Write a Cover Letter After a Gap in Employment

For many, an extended leave from the workforce can make the job application process especially daunting. Without recent experience, it can be difficult to build a convincing argument for why you are a better fit for your position of choice than other candidates. Knowing how to write a cover letter that effectively presents your skills and professional experience in this situation is critical.

More often than not, a traditional cover letter template will suit your needs—even if you’re not a professional writer. Before we examine tips on how to explain gaps in employment, let’s go over the basics of how to make a cover letter.

Create a simple cover letter outline.

Regardless of your current employment situation,  there are a few general guidelines all good cover letters should follow . These documents should be 3–4 paragraphs long and include a short introductory paragraph followed by 1–2 body paragraphs providing details on your skills, qualifications, experience, and achievements. Finally, you should conclude your cover letter with a short closing paragraph that includes your preferred phone number and an invitation to call you to discuss the opportunity further.

For a more detailed cover letter outline and additional guidance, check out our companion articles, “ Cover Letter Writing Dos and Don’ts ” or “ A Cover Letter That Works ,” which also includes a cover letter template you can use to create your own.

Stand Out With iHire's Cover Letter Generator Tool

This cover letter builder automatically creates a cover letter for you based on information you provide.

Decide if you need to mention your employment gap.

This may be one of the more complicated choices you make with regards to your cover letter. Opinions vary widely on whether you should include an employment gap explanation or if you need to clarify why you have been unemployed for an extended period of time, but in the end there are two major factors to consider:

1. Is it relevant?  If you discovered a new passion for healthcare while attending to a sick relative, mentioning it will give your letter a personal touch that can set it apart from the rest. However, unless the reason for your gap in employment is directly related to the position you are applying for, consider leaving it out of your cover letter. If employers are interested in knowing your reasons, they can ask during an interview, when you will have the opportunity to explain the situation more fully.

2. How extensive is the gap?  Another point to consider when deciding if or how to explain gaps in employment is the length of time you were out of work. A few months of unemployment can be discussed in an interview without taking up precious real estate in your letter. By contrast, if you have been out of work for several years, you’ll need to  give details on your absence from the workforce within your resume  and should at least mention it somewhere in the body of your cover letter (“After caring for my ailing parents over the past four years, I am eager to return to the workforce and utilize my newfound skills as a patient advocate”).

What to avoid:  Take care not to focus on the unemployment itself. Even if it led to a time of self-discovery and/or you were raising a family, this information doesn’t need to be the primary focus of your cover letter. You also should not feel the need to apologize for your employment gap. If you choose to talk about why you left the workforce, keep it brief (no more than a sentence). The person reading your cover letter cares about your qualifications and future value to the company more than anything about your time spent between jobs.

Instead of justifying why you should be offered an interview  despite  your jobless period, concentrate on the skills and/or background you have that will positively influence the organization.

Research how to make a cover letter that speaks directly to your prospective employer.  

Examine the company’s website, social media presence, and job ad, and reach out to any contacts you might have within the organization to find out more about its culture and values . Strategize how to write a cover letter that exemplifies these qualities while highlighting your talents and achievements. If possible, specify how your experience will be helpful for particular processes or efforts within the organization; it will prove just how motivated and invested you are in this opportunity!

What to avoid: It can be easy to dismiss professional achievements if they occurred far enough in the past, but passing these up for a more recent—but less relevant—activity would be a mistake. Likewise, you shouldn’t feel like you must only highlight examples from your experience in the field. A mix of both can give your cover letter balance and offer broader insight into your capabilities. The key is to make the best case for why the prospective employer should interview/hire you.

Don’t ignore your past work experience. An achievement from earlier in your career can still have a place on your cover letter, especially if it’s directly relevant to the position you’re pursuing.

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Highlight the ways you have maintained and enhanced your skills.

Employers are most concerned with what you can bring to their organization. When choosing what to highlight in your cover letter, consider any volunteering you have done recently (are you active in the PTA? Do you serve your community as a volunteer firefighter?) or extra training/workshops you have participated in while unemployed. Did you add new skills or expand your expertise in ways that would benefit your future employer? For example, “As room parent, I organized events for classes of 18–24 children and their parents, coordinating with the PTA Treasurer and teacher for scheduling and budget planning.”

What to avoid: Even if you don’t offer a specific employment gap explanation, the person reading your application will likely notice it. Don’t ignore that time in your life or try to sweep it under the rug; make sure you include at least one example of how you’ve kept your skills sharp. Make it clear that you are prepared to rejoin the working world and contribute to the company. And if you haven’t been engaged in any volunteer efforts or continuing education, start now! It will prove that you are motivated and proactive.

No matter how you choose to approach your employment gap on your cover letter, the most important thing is to highlight the ways you can help a prospective employer. A big part of knowing how to write a cover letter is customizing the document for the specific position. Many employers are willing to look past a gap in employment for a candidate that has the right attitude and the skills needed for the open position.

Keeping this information in mind will help you write a good cover letter to explain your employment history. For more tips on how to write a cover letter, check out our Job Seeker Resource Center , or create an account and use our automated cover letter builder.

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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.

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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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Navigating Gaps in Your Resume, Cover Letter, & Interview

People lose their jobs, have health problems, go traveling, or simply decide to quit. Gaps in your employment history are nothing to be ashamed of. At the same time, if you go a long period without working, it’s only natural employers will want to know the reasons.

With the right mind and the actionable tips and advice included in this article, you can transform what might initially seem like a setback into a competitive advantage in the job market.

You’re going to learn how to create a strategic approach that addresses gaps in each part of the application process.

From adopting the right resume format to avoid highlighting them, to using a  resume builder  to create a professional first impression, or to rehearsing difficult questions to be relaxed during the interview.

Let’s dive in!

Should You Mention Employment Gaps on Your Resume or Cover Letter?

It’s worth considering whether you need to include the gap on your resume or cover letter.  You’re not obliged  to include your entire employment history.

If you’ve been working for over a decade there’s no need to include a pause in your work history from more than 10-15 years ago. This means that  if the gap was long enough ago  there’s no need to mention it.

If the gap was in the last 5 years, it is more difficult to conceal, so you should mention  any recent hiatus . The last thing you want to do is  lie to a potential employer .

It will probably come back to bite you, considering  research from CareerBuilder  found that 75% of recruiters claim to have spotted a lie on a resume.

However, short gaps, typically less than three months, may not be worth including in your resume or cover letter for a few reasons.

Let’s explore why this might be the case:

• Keeps focus on the positives:  Including short gaps could divert attention away from your achievements and take up valuable space that could be used to feature your qualifications.
• They’re common place in modern job markets:  In today’s fast-paced job market, short employment gaps are increasingly common. Employers understand that candidates may experience brief periods of unemployment or job transitions. As a result, they may not view such gaps as significant or worth explaining.
• Brief gaps are often self-explanatory:  Short hiatuses are often due to temporary circumstances, such as personal or family-related issues, short-term projects, or other life events. In most cases, employers can deduce these reasons without further explanation and are unlikely to view them as problematic.
• Reduces clutter and maintains readability:  By omitting short gaps, you can keep your documents focused and easy to read, allowing employers to quickly assess your suitability for the position.
• Preserves professionalism and relevance:  Since short gaps are often not pertinent to your qualifications, including them could detract from the overall professionalism of your resume or cover letter.

Reframing Career Pauses: Valid Reasons Behind Employment Gaps

There are numerous reasons for gaps, many of which can be framed positively to  demonstrate your growth and adaptability .

When addressing these reasons, it’s important to  focus on the skills, experiences, and personal growth  you gained during this time.

By framing them positively, you can effectively demonstrate your adaptability, resilience, and commitment to professional development.

Look over the list below to  understand what specific points to address  when mentioning your professional hiatus if you were out of work for any of the following reasons.

• Further education or professional development:  Mention you were committed to learning and personal growth by attending courses and certificate programs during your employment gap.
• Volunteering or community involvement:  Engaging in volunteer work or community projects demonstrates your dedication to social responsibility, teamwork, and leadership – all valuable qualities that employers often seek in candidates.
• Parental or family leave:  Taking time off to care for a newborn, children, or family members shows a strong sense of responsibility and work-life balance, which can be an asset in the workplace.
• Travel or cultural experiences:  Traveling or immersing yourself in other cultures can enhance your adaptability, communication, and problem-solving skills, making you a more well-rounded candidate.
• Starting or managing a business:  Entrepreneurial ventures, even if short-lived or unsuccessful, can provide valuable insights into business management, strategic planning, and leadership.
• Freelancing or consulting:  Working as a freelancer or consultant during an employment gap highlights your ability to adapt to different work environments, manage multiple projects, and maintain a strong professional network.
• Health or personal reasons:  Taking time off to address health or personal issues can demonstrate resilience and self-awareness, two important qualities for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• Being laid off or fired:  If you were laid off, focus on how you used the opportunity to expand your skill set, network with other professionals, or take on personal projects. If you were fired, be honest about the situation, but also highlight any lessons learned or abilities gained from the experience.

Ways to Address Gaps in Your Resume

It’s not always how you say it, it’s what you say. It’s critical to understand  how to write a resume  correctly and take emphasis away from the gaps.

To make the gaps seem less important you can use the following techniques on your resume.

Be Enthusiastic

To show your enthusiasm for a job, it’s essential to  do your research  on the company, customize your application, use positive language, and demonstrate your motivation.

Be specific about what motivates you  and explain why you are passionate about the work in the  resume objective  or summary statement.

Discuss the company’s mission and values, show your excitement for the job, and explain how the job fits into your long-term career goals.

Look at the example below for reference:

Detail-oriented and meticulous Laboratory Assistant seeking to re-enter the workforce after a family caregiving gap. During this time, I sharpened my problem-solving and interpersonal skills, while actively engaging in online courses related to laboratory safety protocols. Eager to apply these enhanced capabilities in a Laboratory Assistant role, contributing to the success of [Company name].

Only Use Years as the Dates

By not including months when listing dates on your resume you can close small gaps. Employers may not ask you for  more specific dates  but be ready if they do and be honest.

Change the Resume Format

There are also  resume formats  that draw less attention to  resume gaps . Using a format that focuses on your skills over experience would be the better choice.

Since you don’t want hiring managers to pay too much attention to your gap,  a functional format  is better suited to emphasize your skill set.

Examples of How to Write a Resume With Employment Gaps

You may have been laid off, travel, or simply decided to take a course, whatever the reason, you’ll need to  make your time between jobs look productive .

These examples demonstrate different approaches that you can take in writing a resume with an employment gap,  depending on your specific situation .

Use them as a guide to craft your own resume with confidence.

Travel Experience | 2019

• Traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and South America
• Developed cultural awareness and adaptability through exposure to diverse customs, languages, and social norms
• Enhanced problem-solving and communication skills by navigating unfamiliar territories and interacting with people from different backgrounds

Full-time caregiver | 2014 – 2015

• Provided full-time care for a family member and volunteered for a local non-profit organization
• Strengthened time management and organizational skills by effectively balancing caregiving duties with personal responsibilities

How to Include Employment Gaps in Your Cover Letter

When recruiters see gaps in an application, they may have several concerns.

For example, is the candidate up-to-date with the latest technological advances? Or how will the applicant handle a large workload? Will they be able to adapt?

There are  effective ways to address such concerns  and turn the situation to your advantage:

• Show your commitment to continuous education:  Mention any courses you took to your qualification and knowledge of the industry during your hiatus, as it highlights a proactive approach to self-improvement and a dedication to developing new skills.
• Feature your ability to adapt:  If you spent time traveling, you’ve demonstrated an ability to adapt to new environments and a passion for exploring. Make sure you point it out in your cover letter! It features your willingness to step out of your comfort zone and explore new opportunities.
• Highlight the values and skills you’ve gained:  Taking care of a family member and volunteering are excellent opportunities to develop transferable skills, such as time management and problem-solving. They also showcase responsibility, and empathy, qualities that employers often highly value in candidates. Emphasize it!

Ultimately, your ability to present these experiences positively and confidently will help you stand out as a versatile and adaptable candidate, prepared to contribute meaningfully to your future employer’s success.

Sample Cover Letter for Gap in Employment

This section provides a sample cover letter explaining a gap in employment that demonstrates how to address it in a  positive and professional manner .

Create your own cover letter that reflects your specific situation using this  sample as a guide .

Hiring Manager’s name Company name Company address Date

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am excited to apply for the teaching position at [school]. I have over ten years of experience in teaching students of various age groups and backgrounds, including supervising student activities, managing classrooms, and overseeing curriculums.

As you will see on my resume, I took a one-year sabbatical to travel and volunteer in different countries. Although it was a challenging decision to take a break from my teaching career, it was also an opportunity to develop important abilities in adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and communication. These skills have given me a renewed focus on the importance of creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment and have helped me develop a student-centered teaching style.

During my sabbatical, I made it a priority to stay up-to-date with the latest teaching methodologies, technologies, and regulations relevant to education. I took online courses, attended workshops, and read industry publications to keep my knowledge and qualifications current.

I am excited to bring these abilities to your school and am confident that I can excel in the teaching role. I am well-versed in using modern teaching tools and techniques, and have experience in creating and implementing lesson plans that cater to the needs of individual students.

Thank you for considering my application. I would be thrilled to meet with you to discuss how I can contribute to your school’s success and support students in reaching their full potential.

Address Phone number Email address

Our  cover letter writing guide  can make the  process easier for you . Take a look and create your letter with confidence and ease.

How to Justify Gaps in an Interview

Explaining gaps in employment can be tricky. As a  UCLA study shows , unemployment bias is quite real in the world of recruitment.

However, with the right approach and preparation, you can give a confident, honest answer which will  convince the interviewer . Here are some tips to help you prepare:

Be Prepared

If you haven’t prepared an answer, it will be  immediately obvious  to the interviewer. Stuttering and stammering, while you rack your brains for an answer, is exactly what you want to avoid.

This gives the impression that you’re hiding something or, at best, that you’re  badly prepared for the interview . Anticipating the interview questions, and preparing answers is key to a successful interview.

Be Confident

Practice answering questions  about why you’ve got a  gap on your resume . Ask a friend or family member to give you a mock interview. Remember that  gaps in employment  happen. Life happens. There’s no reason to feel embarrassed about the gaps, so  confidently explain  why they’re there.

Be Positive

Always talk enthusiastically about past positions. If you left a job, avoid criticizing past colleagues or bosses, as this can give the impression that you’re difficult to work with. Similarly, when talking about the gap in your resume,  focus on the constructive aspects .

Focus on any projects, freelance work, traveling, or hobbies you’ve spent time on. Employers want positive workers. If you can  avoid negativity  during difficult questions it will give a fantastic impression.

While it’s important to explain your career gap, you  don’t focus too much  on it. A brief explanation respects the employer’s time and allows you to  address the most important information .

By getting straight to the point and highlighting the skills and experiences gained during your career gap, you can show the employer why you are a valuable candidate.

Explaining gaps in your employment history can be a challenging aspect of the job application process, but with the right approach, it’s  possible to turn it into a positive .

Remember to  be honest, concise, and positive  in your explanation, and use your cover letter and resume to showcase your strengths and qualifications for the job.

You’ll also need to be confident and avoid being negative during your interview.

If you struggle with nerves during the job interview, there are  techniques you can use to calm your nerves  and  stay in control  when meeting with the hiring manager.

By being  proactive and strategic  in your approach, you can successfully navigate any gaps in your employment history and land the job you’re looking for.

Struggling with Resume Writing?

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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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Is a Cover Letter Necessary in 2024?

Published: April 03, 2024

Writing a cover letter can be daunting.

I’ll never forget my college career coach, who made writing a cover letter look easy. Even with her tips, I’ve always found it incredibly difficult to talk about myself and hype up my accomplishments.

While it acts as a letter of introduction, I’ve wondered if a cover letter is necessary in 2024. To find out, I spoke with two recruiters and gained insights on how to write the best cover letter for any job application.

How important is a cover letter?

Is a cover letter necessary, when to skip a cover letter, when to include a cover letter, tips for writing a cover letter, what if the cover letter is optional.

Cover letters are short letters of introduction that you include with job applications.

Typically, they are your chance to go into deeper details about your accomplishments that you might not have highlighted or had room to mention on your resume.

Tiffany Hall, a professional resume writer and founder of Resume911 , says cover letters are an important part of the job application process.

Hall says, “Cover letters can be very important. It’s supposed to sell why you, of all applicants, should get the job. The issue is that applicants use them to regurgitate what’s on their resume, and that’s not what it’s for. It should speak to what isn’t easily explained with your resume.”

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For example, if your resume says you’re skilled at building web pages, your cover letter is a great place to name-drop companies that you’ve worked for to create their websites.

Matthew Muehleisen, a corporate recruiter , thinks a cover letter is also a great place to show you’ve done your homework and researched a company.

Muehleisen says, “It can be what sets you apart from other candidates and applicants and is a good opportunity to show that you’ve done research on the position and company to further showcase your interest in the role.”

Knowing the importance of a cover letter still begs the question: Is a cover letter necessary in 2024?

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While a cover letter can help demonstrate your knowledge of the company you’re applying to and highlight more of your achievements, both Hall and Muehleisen agree that a cover letter isn’t entirely necessary.

Muehleisen says, “Unless it’s a requirement of the application, I wouldn’t say it’s necessary to include a cover letter. There are some roles (usually in content creation and marketing) that will ask for a cover letter as a form of a writing sample. In these instances, make sure your letter is polished and focused.”

If Hall had her way, she would eliminate the cover letter entirely, focus more on the resume, and ask for a link to an applicant’s LinkedIn profile.

According to Hall, “Most cover letters either repeat the resume or they speak to why the applicant isn’t a good fit. Neither is the purpose of a cover letter.”

Nevertheless, 74% of hiring managers still prefer applications to include a cover letter. So, it is definitely worth considering including one — even if the application says it’s optional.

If you’re looking for a new role, writing a cover letter can be time-consuming — especially if you take the time to personalize every letter you send to a hiring manager.

Although a cover letter does serve a legitimate purpose, and 83% of hiring managers read it, there are a few situations where you shouldn’t include a cover letter. Let’s take a look at those scenarios.

If You Only Have a Template of a Cover Letter

I get it. Writing an effective cover letter takes a significant amount of time.

But consider not sending one if you only have time to plug your information into a cover letter template without personalizing it before hitting submit on an application.

Don’t get me wrong. A cover letter template is a great starting point to write your cover letter. Templates often remind you to include pertinent information like the hiring manager’s title, name, and your contact information.

However, if you don’t take the time to edit the body of the cover letter and personalize it with research and your relevant experience, you risk sending the same letter as another candidate.

And considering that 48% of hiring managers spend anywhere from 30 seconds to two full minutes reading each cover letter, the chances are high that your hiring manager can spot a form letter a mile away.

Don’t send it if you don’t have the time to personalize a cover letter.

If Your Cover Letter Is Full of Critique

A cover letter is meant to explain why you’re the best candidate for the open position. However, a cover letter is not a place for you to share your ideas of how the company can improve.

Sure, every company likely has areas of improvement, and the job you’re applying for might be the role that gets a say in that, but a list of improvements might read as a critique.

You don’t want to potentially offend a hiring manager before you even get an interview. A bad cover letter can hurt a strong candidate, according to 33% of hiring managers .

Before you submit your cover letter, read through it several times to make sure it’s not a critique. If it does sound like a critique, throw it out.

If It’s Not Required

There are other instances where you shouldn’t send a cover letter. For example, if the application’s instructions specifically state that you do not need to submit a cover letter for consideration for the job.

In fact, sending a cover letter anyway can signal to the hiring manager that you don’t follow instructions. Not following instructions is also a great way to land your application in the trash bin.

The bottom line is this: If the application specifically states not to send a cover letter, don’t send it.

Of hiring managers, 74% prefer to see job applications with a cover letter apart from the resume. Knowing this, if you have the time to include a cover letter with your job application, don’t skip it.

Here are three instances when you should send a cover letter with your application.

Send a cover letter if you’re very interested in the role.

Think of your cover letter as your time to shine. Use it as a place to highlight your experiences and the qualifications that make you a great fit for the position.

Hall says, “If you can speak to why you’re a good candidate without copying your resume in paragraph form, include a cover letter.”

In other words, don’t use bullet points in your cover letter to describe your previous employment history.

Instead, talk about what you learned on the job and how your skills will help you excel in the role you’re applying for.

Send a cover letter when there’s a gap in your resume or you’re transitioning industries.

If you’re looking to transition to another industry, you should definitely include a cover letter with your application.

Speaking from personal experience, if I had only submitted a resume to my school district when I applied to be a Spanish teacher, the hiring manager would have just seen my experience in Public Health and would not have known about my skills and success in tutoring students in Spanish.

Muehleisen puts it this way, “If you’re looking to transition to a new industry or if there is a position and company you’re really excited about pursuing as an opportunity, these are the best instances to include a cover letter so that you can possibly give yourself an advantage.”

A cover letter can also help explain any gaps in your resume — especially if the gap in your employment history is beneficial to the role you’re applying for.

For example, maybe you volunteered in South America, and the role you’re applying for is for a position in Global Operations.

It never hurts to include positive, pertinent information in your cover letter.

Send a cover letter when it’s required.

The most obvious time to include a cover letter with your application is when it is required. Just like not including a cover letter when it’s not required, it shows you can follow directions.

Include a cover letter when the application asks you to submit one, which shows you can follow directions.

Plus, if the application asks for a cover letter, you can bet the hiring manager will look for it. If no cover letter is included, well, you’re sabotaging your chances of getting an interview.

Only 13% of hiring managers will consider giving a candidate an interview if they don’t attach a required cover letter to an application.

Writing a cover letter is not as painful as it sounds. There are great templates you can use as a starting point for your cover letter.

The trick with a template, though, is to make sure you always personalize the letter to your own experiences and qualifications.

Here are five expert tips to write a winning cover letter.

1. Tailor your cover letter to the job description.

When writing a cover letter, especially if you use a cover letter template, you should tailor the letter to match the job description and meet the requirements of the application.

For example, if the application asks you to attach a short cover letter, keep it brief. Your best bet is one to two short paragraphs detailing why you’re a great fit for the position.

You’ll also want to reference keywords from the job description in your cover letter. Many recruiters use applicant tracking systems that scan application packets for the best fit.

Often, hiring managers review the applications that match the keywords first.

Now, that doesn’t mean to stuff your cover letter with keywords. Instead, use them in a natural way as you discuss your qualifications.

2. Be personable with your greeting.

You might have seen the advice telling you to use “To Whom It May Concern” instead of the hiring manager’s name. This is good advice, but only if you do not know the hiring manager.

Before resorting to a generic greeting to start your cover letter, take the time to look on the company’s website and LinkedIn to find out who makes hiring decisions.

If you have contacts in your network who are familiar with the company, ask them. Taking the time to research the hiring manager and the company shows you care about the details — a quality many hiring managers look for in a candidate!

If you’re still unsure after researching the company, consider using “Dear Sir or Madam” as your greeting.

3. Be yourself.

While a cover letter is a formal introduction of yourself to a potential employer, it doesn’t need to be lacking in personality. Hall suggests sprinkling your personality in your cover letter to spark connections with the hiring manager.

Hall says, “Be your best professional self. I’m a foodie and will include references to food on my LinkedIn, and I’ve done it in a cover letter. I’ve had managers reference them, and we had a chuckle. I am also very clear about aligning myself with companies whose mission and goals I respect and can contribute to. I make sure to speak to that in the cover letter.”

Take Hall’s advice. Showcasing your vibrant personality in your cover letter can help break the ice in your interview!

4. Proofread your cover letter.

Once you’ve written your cover letter and before you hit “send,” double-check that it is free from spelling and grammar errors and that the company you referenced is the company you are applying to.

Muehleisen says skipping proofreading your cover letter is a big mistake — and it could cost you the job!

Muehleisen says, “Make sure that you are proofreading prior to sending. If the cover letter feels like it is a simple cut/paste or if the job title and company name are incorrect, it may do more harm than good. So, be sure that what you’re sending is pertinent.”

5. Be cautious of AI.

AI tools, like ChatGPT or Claude, are great for helping draft content. You might be tempted to ask generative AI to write your cover letter for you. However, both Hall and Muehleisen say to proceed with caution when it comes to AI.

Hall says, “AI is coming along in amazing ways, so it may come as a surprise that my best tip didn’t include AI. I tell my clients when they’re stuck to look to their peers. You can search people by job title on LinkedIn. See how they describe themselves and pull from there. Or, hire a resume writer or career strategist to help you.”

Muehleisen agrees with her. He says, “I would hesitate to use a tool or service for a cover letter as the point should be to show your authenticity. If you are going to use AI for assistance, make sure to put your own words in as well.”

However, when you write your cover letter, whether using a template or generative AI, personalizing it is key to standing out from the competition.

If the job description says a cover letter is optional, should you send one, or can you get by without it?

That can be tricky, considering 72% of recruiters still expect a cover, even if it’s optional.

According to Muehleisen, sending a cover letter is not a bad idea. He says, “I’ve never heard of a cover letter hurting an applicant’s chances; just make sure the one you’re including is specific to the job description and posting.”

Check out these cover letter examples for more inspiration.

Experiment With Your Cover Letters

Writing a cover letter is a breeze once you get the hang of it. With today’s challenging job market, sending a cover letter with your application can make a difference in whether you get called for an interview.

I can’t make promises that your cover letter will dazzle hiring managers each time, but for the right position for you, it will.

Remember Hall and Muehleisen’s advice when you craft your cover letter. Personalization is key to success!

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