explaining employment gap in cover letter

An Example Cover Letter Explaining a Gap in Employment

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

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

How Long is Too Long of an Employment Gap?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be Direct When a Gap in Employment is Objectively Positive

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

Some Gaps Can Be Ignored

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

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

Add The Gap in The Closing Paragraph as a Power Move

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

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

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

Never Give Too Much Information

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

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

Employment Gap Cover Letter Sample in .docx Format

Download example (Word version)

Example Cover Letter Explaining a Gap in Employment – Text Format

Dear Ms. Wilkerson, 

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

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

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

Thanks for your time,

Jeffrey Ninja

How To Address a Gap in Employment? More Examples!

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

Explaining a Gap in Employment Due to Family 

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

Explaining a Gap in Employment Due to Mental Illness

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

Explaining a Gap in Employment Due to Covid-19

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

How Do You Explain Gap Year in Cover Letter?

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

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

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

How to Explain Gaps in Employment Due to Disability?

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

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

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

Final Tip: Keep it Brief, Yet Direct

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

Other Cover Letter Samples

Sample cover letter for engineering internship, a serious security guard cover letter example, cover letter examples for high school students, an office assistant cover letter example with quick writing guide.

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

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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.

• Career Blog

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.

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How to Fill in Employment Gaps on Resume & Cover Letter

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

Explaining Gaps in Employment

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

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

Reasons for Employment Gaps – Examples

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

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

Tips for Explaining Gaps in Employment on a Resume

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

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

How to Include Gap Year Experience on a Resume

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

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

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

How do You Address an Employment Gap in a Cover Letter

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

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

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

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

Sample Cover Letter Explaining a Gap in Employment

Dear Hiring Manager

An Introduction With Impact

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

A Powerful Body

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

Sample of How You Could Explain an Employment Gap

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

A Strong Conclusion

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

Sincerely, Your Name

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

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

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

1). Do employers care about gap years?

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

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

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

3). Why is the gap in employment bad?

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

4). How to explain a lengthy employment gap?

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

Related Resume & Cover Letter Articles

How to Explain Gaps in Employment in Your Resume, Cover Letter, and Interview

Employment gaps are periods in your professional career when you weren't formally employed. You'll need to explain gaps in your resume, cover letter, and job interview.

Abi Tyas Tunggal

Find your dream remote job

If you have a gap in your employment history, know that you're not alone. The majority of people have been unemployed at some point in their working life.

There are three places where you'll need to explain a gap during your job search: your resume, cover letter, and during the job interview. While there are ways to minimize the impact of employment gaps, you still need to be honest and forthcoming when explaining them.

This article outlines everything you need to know about explaining gaps in your employment history, including where to explain employment gaps and a list of good reasons.

What are employment gaps?

Employment gaps are periods in your professional career when you didn't have formal employment. An employment gap can range from a few months to several years and occur voluntarily or involuntarily.

How to explain employment gaps on your resume

Recruiters and hiring managers form their first impression of you from your resume and cover letter. Employment gaps on a resume can be a red flag if you don't explain the reason for your gap and the experience you gained during that time. Addressing employment gaps in your resume is essential to ensuring the gaps don't harm your chances of landing an interview.

Knowing how to include employment gaps is a positive as it can help you create a great experience section in your resume.

Follow these steps to explain gaps in your employment history on your resume:

1. Invest your unemployed time preparing for your next job

The best thing you can do to explain employment gaps on your resume is to invest the time you are unemployed preparing for your return to work.

You can do this by using the time for professional development through online courses, continuing education courses, going to events, volunteering, freelancing, or contracting.

Staying active during unemployment gives you positive experiences to fill employment gaps when writing your resume.

2. Determine whether you need to include an employment gap

You don't need to include every job on your resume. If your employment gap occurred early in your career, it might not be necessary to include the job you had before your gap in employment.

As a rule of thumb, you only need to include your most recent and relevant employment experiences in the employment section of your resume.

3. Remove small gaps by committing the month

If the gaps in your employment history are small, you can omit the month from the date of each role. List the years each position employed you.

This method only works if the gaps in your employment were less than a year and you worked in each position for more than a year.

For example, if you were employed as a marketing manager from August 2019 through January 2021 and didn't begin your next job until March 2021, you can disguise this employment gap by listing the dates of your first job as 2019 - 2021 and the dates fo your next job as 2021 - Present.

Keep in mind this can help you get past the initial screening, but the interviewer will still ask you about specific dates during the interview, so prepare an answer ahead of time.

4. Use a functional resume format to make the gap less obvious

A functional resume format focuses on your skills and achievements over experience. Functional resumes make employment gaps less evident than chronological resumes.

In a functional resume, you include sections such as a career summary statement and critical accomplishments to make the positive experiences the focus of your resume.

Then, you can include your employment history toward the end of the resume. You can even combine a functional resume format and the commission of months to minimize the risk of short employment gaps.

Be sure to check out our guides on how to write a remote job resume and cover letter . Even if you're not looking for a remote job, our resume guide includes recruiter-approved resume templates in the functional resume format, chronological resume format, and combination resume format.

5. List longer employment gaps as a job with a reason

If you have an employment gap that is longer than a year, you will need to address it in your resume, as it will be obvious even if you only list years and use a functional resume format.

The best way to overcome this is to include what you were doing in your experience section as if the gap was a job.

Keep the entry brief, so it doesn't distract from your more relevant experience. For example, if you spent four years as a stay-at-home parent until your child was in preschool, you could include the following on your resume:

Full-time parent, 2019 - 2021 Took time away from my career to raise a child

6. Include the relevant experience gained during the gap

Try to relate the knowledge you gained during your employment gap to the position.

For example, if you took three years off to care for your child and you're applying for a remote customer success job, the employment gap entry in your resume experience section may look like this:

Full-time parent, 2019 - 2021 * I took time away from my career to raise a child * Managed household with daily tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and laundry * Ensured my child was developing and happy

How to explain employment gaps in your cover letter

Your cover letter is a great place to explain significant gaps in employment as it lets you go into detail about how you used the time to prepare for your return to the workforce.

Explaining resume gaps in your cover letter also shows hiring managers and recruiters that you're honest and trustworthy, which can help you stand out from other candidates.

For example, you might include a short section in your cover letter that reads as follows:

During the gap in my employment from 2017 to 2019, I traveled through Africa. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experinece that helped me understand more about two parts of the world that are growing rapidly. I really think that they'll be important markets in the future and I think what I've learnde will fit extremely well with your marketing manager position from EMEA.

However, you should be careful dedicating too much to unemployment gaps in your cover letter, as you'll want to use most of your cover letter to emphasize your passion for the role and company.

It's best to use cover letters to dive deeper into your relevant skills, work experience, and expertise.

Think about it this way: Your resume focuses on your qualifications and achievements, and your cover letter expands on those achievements, showcases your personality, and explains why your experience makes you a good fit for the company and role.

Example cover letter explaining a gap in employment

Dear [Hiring Manager Name], My name is Jian Yang, and I'm applying for a software engineering position at Hooli. I'm excited about Hooli's mission to change the world, and I'm passionate about your tech stack that includes Python , Java , React , and Scala . All languages that I have used in the past. I recently took a year-long hiatus to help my friend Erlich Bachman launch a startup accelerator called Aviato. You might be familiar with one of the companies Aviato has backed, Pied Piper. I learned quite a bit about business strategy and going from zero to one while working on a very stringent budget. I know that I can turn those skills into new products for Hooli. I'm ready to jump back into the game and restart my career as a software engineer. I'm confident that I'm the perfect person to lead your middle-out engineering team. Let's meet to discuss further Thanks for your time, Jian Yang

How to explain employment gaps in a job interview

There are a few guidelines you should follow when addressing gaps in your employment history during an interview:

1. Prepare to talk about it

Having a gap on your resume won't prevent you from moving through the interview process, but potential employers will expect an explanation.

Invest time before the interview to develop an answer that shows why you're a valuable employee.

2. Be honest

Honesty is the best policy, but don't go into unnecessary detail.

Your answer could follow this template: "I [reason you were not employed]. During that time, I [what you did during the gap]. Returning to work over that period was my primary focus, and I'm ready for a new job."

Below are examples you can use based on your situation:

If you left the workforce to be a caretaker

"We had a new family member, and I spent time as the primary caretaker. During that time, my focus was on caring for my child, but I always knew I didn't want to be away from work for an extended period. Now that she is in preschool, I'm ready to return to work."

Your previous employer laid you off

"My former employer restructured and eliminated my position. It was a difficult time for me. I love working. But I left with confidence that the job market had recovered and the new skills I had developed would help me land a new role. I'm looking forward to applying what I learned in my next job."

Your previous employer fired you

"My prior employer and I had different definitions for success. Reflecting on it, I could have done a better job clarifying success. I learned a lot from the process, and I'm excited to get some more work experience."

If you took time off for personal reasons

"I was lucky enough to save some money in my 20s, so I could take a career break when I turned 30. I spent the last year traveling and doing volunteer work at nonprofits that matter to me. I'm incredibly excited about your mission, and I hope that I can work with you for a long time."

If you were training for a new career

"I took time off to get my MBA. I realized that while I was a good software engineer , I didn't have the skills of my peers, and I preferred business problems. I believe that this unique set of skills positions me perfectly for this remote product manager job ."

Volunteering

"I took a year off in 2017 to volunteer at a nonprofit. I was responsible for every aspect of the software development process, including recruitment and project management. I managed over 100 volunteers and read books like High Output Management , which solidified my project management skills."

Personal medical leave

"I had to take two years off for a medical issue. Luckily, the treatment was successful, and I'm back to full health. While I was recovering, I spent a lot of time reading books like Good to Great and 7 Powers , which have given me a fresh perspective on work."

"My partner recently got a promotion, which required us to relocate to Singapore. Since then, I've been looking for the right company to join. While I'm new to Singapore, I'm not new to sales, and I know that my skills in sales development could help you."

3. Fill the gap

While you don't need to detail what caused your resume gap, outline how you spent the time, if you've been sitting around for months doing nothing, it could be a red flag for the hiring manager.

Mention things you read to keep up with the industry, how you stayed in touch with colleagues or online courses you've done to prepare for your re-entry. Also, bring up any freelance, volunteer, or community work you did, events you attended, or anything else that could help you stand out from other job seekers.

The aim is to convey you've been engaged with your career while unemployed.

4. Answer briefly and be prepared for other interview questions

People take time off for many reasons. Some of these reasons are personal, and you may not want to provide them.

Once you've addressed the gap in your work history, explain what you did during your time off, then steer the conversation back to your ability to do the job and your passion for the company and its mission.

You can do this by asking the hiring manager a question after answering. Be sure to check out our guide on the best questions to ask during an interview .

If the interviewer continues to ask about your employment gap, you can say: "I'd prefer not to go into more detail. I'm happy to talk about my work experience."

From there, you can use the STAR method to highlight a situation from your work history that makes you qualified for the job.

You can even end the interview by saying: "I'm not comfortable with where our conversation is heading, so I'd like to end the interview. Thank you for your time."

List of good reasons for employment gaps

When explaining an employment gap on your resume or in an interview, you want to provide a good reason. Several good reasons include:

• Lay off: There are many reasons why a company lays off employees. It could be to cut costs, eliminate positions, or because of market conditions.
• New management: When new managers come in, they may restructure, fire previous employees, or change the company culture.
• Merger: Losing a job because of a merger or acquisition can be challenging, but don't be ashamed.
• Starting your own business: Startups don't always work out. The good news is that you would have learned a lot!
• Medical issue: Getting treatment or recovering from an illness is valid for a career gap.
• Caregiver: If a parent, sibling, or partner falls ill, you might need to take care of them. Chances are, you developed as a person during this time too. Talk about it if you're comfortable.
• Parenting: Most people take time off to raise their children, learning a lot during that period. Emphasize what you learned.
• Relocation: It takes time to settle and find a new job when you move cities or countries.
• Volunteering: Giving your time to a cause that matters to you is fantastic, and there are things you learned during your time that you could bring to your next job.
• Travel: Be proud of your sabbatical. You likely learned a lot about different cultures to bring to your next workplace.
• Education: People often take time off to pursue a higher degree or retrain to transition to a new career path.

The most important thing is that you explain how you spent your time while unemployed, and how you present it is usually more important than the reason for your gap in employment. Focus on the positives you gained from your unemployment gap.

Tips for explaining employment gaps

Explaining gaps in your employment can be stressful, but it's essential to prepare. Below are several tips you can use:

• Mentally prepare to address the gap.
• Don't lie about your employment gap.
• Be concise and don't go into too much detail.
• Don't fret over every gap. Anything less than six months is usually fine, and "job-seeking" will cover it.
• Don't be apologetic.
• Explain how it was a one-time incident and is unlikely to happen again.
• Explain what you learned from the gap that will help you professionally. Such as learning a new language, volunteering, personal growth, exposure to new cultures, travel, or new skills.
• Emphasize your eagerness to work.

Mistakes to avoid when explaining employment gaps

Avoid these mistakes when explaining your employment gap:

• Not having a pre-prepared answer.
• Being negative about an old company, boss, or colleague.
• Blaming others.
• Forgetting to explain the gap on your resume or cover letter.
• Not emphasizing what you learned during the gap.
• Lying or changing dates to cover it up.

Possible follow-up questions

• Describe your work ethic
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
• Why did you leave your last job?
• Why do you want to work here?
• Why are you the best person for this job?
• Tell me about a time you made a mistake
• What can you bring to the company?
• Why do you deserve this job?
• Do you have any questions for me? Read our guide on the best questions to ask in an interview .
• What is your greatest weakness?
• Behavioral interview questions . Be sure to use the STAR method when answering.

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

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

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

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

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

13 Best Ways to Explain Employment Gaps

• Good Reasons for an Employment Gap

Sample Resume with Employment Gap

And more! So let’s dive right in! 

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

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

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

6 Ways to Explain an Employment Gap on Your Resume

#1. be honest .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#3. Explain the Gap

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

Take the following example:

Work Experience

Digital Marketer  Airfield Baumax  02/2012 - 04/2015

Marketing Assistant  Walmart 05/2007 - 07/2009 

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

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

Here’s an example that does it right:

07/2009 - 01/2012

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

#4. Take Advantage of a Different Resume Layout

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

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

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

#5. Use Your Time Away Effectively 

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

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

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

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

#6.  Show That You Never Stopped Learning 

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

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

06/2012 - 09/2013

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

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

3 Ways to Explain Employment Gaps in Cover Letters

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

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

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

Here are the best ways to do it:

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

4 Ways to Explain Employment Gaps in Interviews 

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

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

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

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

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

7 Good Reasons For an Employment Gap

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

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

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

7 Other Resume Resources

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

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

FAQ on Employment Gaps 

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

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

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

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

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

#2. Is an employment gap bad?

That entirely depends on the reason behind your employment gap. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key Takeaways 

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

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

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

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How to Address Employment Gaps in Your Cover Letter

By: Sean Fitzpatrick

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

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

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

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

Express your employment dates in years.

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

Mention non-family-related gaps directly.

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

Keep family-related gaps to yourself.

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

Highlight your mid-life career shifts.

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

If you really were fired, be careful.

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

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

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Confidently Explain Employment Gaps on Your Resume (Examples)

By Status.net Editorial Team on November 9, 2023 — 12 minutes to read

• Understanding Employment Gaps Part 1
• Types of Employment Gaps Part 2
• Best Practices for Explaining Gaps in Employment Part 3
• How to Explain Short Term Gaps Part 4
• How to Explain Long Term Gaps Part 5
• Explaining Gaps Due to Personal Reasons Part 6
• Addressing Gaps Due to Job Searching Part 7
• How to Address Employment Gaps due to COVID-19 Part 8
• Dealing with Gaps due to Freelance or Contract Work Part 9
• Explaining Gaps Due to Sabbatical Part 10

Part 1 Understanding Employment Gaps

Employment gaps can happen for various reasons, such as personal issues, health problems, or unexpected layoffs. It’s essential to know that gaps in your career history aren’t necessarily negative. When writing your resume, explaining these gaps in a positive and honest way can help potential employers understand your situation better.

• One way to address employment gaps is by highlighting your experiences and achievements during those periods. For instance, if you went back to school, mention the degree or certification you earned. Similarly, if you volunteered during your time off, emphasize the skills you developed in that role.
• Another tactic is to use a functional or skill-based resume format instead of the traditional chronological one. In this approach, you focus on your skills and experiences rather than listing your work history chronologically. By doing so, you can draw attention to your abilities and minimize the spotlight on your employment gaps.
• When listing dates on your resume, consider using only the years and not the months. This strategy makes transitions between jobs appear smoother and can help to draw less attention to gaps. Besides, some career experts believe that employers are more concerned with your skills and accomplishments than your employment timeline.

In your cover letter, you can address longer gaps proactively by providing context and expressing your enthusiasm for returning to the workforce. Remember to emphasize your relevant skills and the ways you’ve stayed up to date in your industry.

Here’s an example:

During my time off, I decided to pursue my passion for graphic design. I took online courses, honed my skills, and even completed several freelance projects. This experience not only allowed me to explore a new field but also taught me valuable time-management and client-communication techniques. I’m eager to bring these newfound skills and my renewed motivation to a position at your company.

Part 2 Types of Employment Gaps

Recognizing the type of employment gap you have is the first step in addressing it effectively. Let’s take a look at some common types of gaps in your work history:

1. Layoffs or downsizing: If you were let go due to company-wide layoffs or downsizing, this is a common situation that hiring managers will understand. Be ready to explain the circumstances in a concise manner.

2. Personal choice: Choosing to take a break to fulfill a personal goal, like traveling, pursuing a hobby, or focusing on family can be explained in a positive way. Be sure to highlight any skills or experiences you gained during this time.

3. Health issues: If you had to take time off due to an illness or medical issue, make sure to explain your recovery and eventual readiness to return to work. There’s no need to disclose private medical information, but assuring the employer that you’re now in good health is key.

4. Going back to school: Showing an investment in your education and development is generally seen as a positive move. Just emphasize how the new knowledge and skills you gained will benefit your future employer.

5. Freelance or contract work: If you’ve been working on a project-by-project basis, your resume may appear to have gaps. Make sure to clarify that you were still active in the job market, and if possible, list notable projects to demonstrate your professional experience.

Part 3 Best Practices for Explaining Gaps in Employment

Focus on the positive.

When addressing gaps in your resume, frame your explanation around your strengths and acquired skills. Highlight any relevant experiences and achievements during your time off, like volunteering, freelance work, or professional development courses. Maintain a confident and positive outlook throughout your explanation, keeping the focus on your professional growth.

Honesty is the Best Policy

Be straightforward and honest when explaining your employment gap. You don’t need to provide every single detail, but giving a clear and concise reason is better than evasion. Employers appreciate sincerity, so avoid creating fictional stories or excuses. Simple explanations such as taking care of a family member, personal health, or traveling the world can suffice.

Show You’ve Been Productive

Demonstrate how you’ve stayed productive during your time away from work. Examples could include learning new skills, earning a certification, or joining a professional organization. Prove that you’ve used your time productively and are now ready to apply your enhanced skillset in the workforce.

Tailor Your Explanation

Consider the specific job you’re applying for and tailor your gap explanation accordingly. Align the skills or experiences you gained during your time off with the requirements of the job position. This demonstrates to the employer that even in your absence, you’ve managed to stay relevant and valuable to the industry.

Part 4 How to Explain Short Term Gaps

Skill building during short-term gaps.

When you have short-term gaps in your employment history, it’s helpful to highlight any skills you’ve gained or improved during that time. Employers appreciate candidates who take the initiative to stay productive even when not employed. Include any online courses, certifications, or self-learning projects you’ve completed during the period.

For example, if you had a 3-month gap and completed a coding bootcamp, mention this in your resume or cover letter. Briefly describe how the newly acquired skill can be valuable to the company, demonstrating that you have put your time to good use and are a functional asset.

Example of Explaining Short-Term Gaps

Here’s an example of how to explain a short-term gap in your employment history in the cover letter of your job application:

“Between May and August 2022, I found myself between jobs in the graphic design field. However, I took advantage of this time to further develop my skills and stay updated with the industry’s latest trends. I completed an online course on UX/UI design, and I’m excited to bring these newly acquired skills to your team. This experience has expanded my expertise and can greatly enhance my contributions as a graphic designer.”

By addressing the gap in a positive and honest manner, you show potential employers your ability to adapt, learn, and grow even when facing challenges in your career path.

Part 5 How to Explain Long Term Gaps

Mention relevant activities during long-term gaps.

When addressing long-term gaps in your resume, focus on highlighting any relevant activities you participated in during that period. These might include freelance projects, volunteering, attending workshops or conferences, or taking online courses. By showcasing these efforts, you demonstrate to potential employers that you stayed active and continued to develop your skills despite the gap.

For example, if you took a two-year break to raise a child but completed an online course in project management, you can mention this in your resume or cover letter. This way, you’re emphasizing the transferable skills you acquired during your time off, making your gap less of a concern for recruiters.

Example of Explaining Long-Term Gaps

Here’s an example of how you can craft an explanation for a long-term gap:

“From 2019-2021, I stepped away from the workforce to focus on my family. During this time, I was dedicated to staying current in my industry and strengthening my skills. I completed an online course in project management and volunteered at a local nonprofit, where I managed their social media accounts. These experiences have honed my ability to multitask and communicate effectively, and I’m excited to apply these skills in my next role.”

Part 6 Explaining Gaps Due to Personal Reasons

Coping with health issues.

If you’ve taken time off to deal with health issues, it’s important to be honest but also tactful when addressing this on your resume. You don’t need to reveal specific details about your medical condition. Instead, you can simply state that you took time off for personal health reasons and focus on the skills, qualifications, and accomplishments you’ve achieved during your career.

Raising a Family

When explaining a gap in your resume due to raising a family, be straightforward, but also highlight any relevant skills or experiences you gained during this time. Emphasize transferable skills, such as time management, organization, and problem-solving, that would be valuable in the workplace. Mention any volunteer work or part-time jobs you had while caring for your family.

Example of Explaining Personal Gaps

Let’s say you took a two-year break to raise your child. On your resume or cover letter, you could write something like:

“From 2020-2022, I took a hiatus from my professional career to focus on raising my child. During this time, I honed my skills in time management, multitasking, and problem-solving, and volunteered as a committee member for my local parent-teacher association. I’m now eager to return to the workforce and utilize these skills in a professional environment.”

Part 7 Addressing Gaps Due to Job Searching

If your employment gap was due to a job search, mention it briefly but confidently in your cover letter. You can write something along the lines of, “I took time off to explore new opportunities and ensure that my next role would be a good fit for my skillset and career goals.”

Focus on the positive aspects of your job search. Even if you didn’t have a full-time job during the gap, you likely gained valuable skills and experiences. Highlight volunteer work, freelance projects, or courses you took during your job search. These activities can demonstrate your commitment to self-improvement while reinforcing that you remained active and engaged during your time off.

Part 8 How to Address Employment Gaps due to COVID-19

COVID-19 has caused unprecedented disruptions in many industries, leading to substantial employment gaps for many workers. To address this, you can briefly mention the pandemic as the reason for the gap by including a note on your resume or discussing it in your cover letter. Employers are usually understanding of circumstances caused by the pandemic.

Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a six month gap in my employment history between March 2020 and September 2020. As many businesses were required to shut down or drastically reduce operations during this time, I was temporarily laid off from my role as an administrative assistant. I have stayed active by volunteering in my community and pursuing online courses to develop new skills.

Part 9 Dealing with Gaps due to Freelance or Contract Work

Presenting freelance work.

When you have gaps in your employment history because of freelance or contract work, don’t worry! You can include it on your resume in a way that showcases your skills and experience. You can create a section named “Freelance and Contract Work” on your resume. List the projects you have worked on, the clients you have worked for, and your achievements in these assignments. This way, you demonstrate your relevant skills and show that you have been actively working during those gaps.

Example of Explaining Freelance Gaps

Here’s an example of how to present your freelance work in your resume:

Freelance and Contract Work (2017-2019)

Web Designer / Developer

• Worked with five clients to design and develop websites, resulting in increased web traffic and improved user experience.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to provide customized web solutions for small and medium-sized businesses.
• Utilized HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create responsive websites that adapt to different devices and browsers.

In this example, you are emphasizing the skills you gained during your freelance work and presenting them as valuable experiences. Make sure to include any significant accomplishments or projects you completed during this time, so employers can see that you’re a flexible and adaptable professional.

Part 10 Explaining Gaps Due to Sabbatical

Taking a sabbatical can actually be a positive aspect in your professional life. When explaining this gap on your resume, focus on the skills and knowledge you gained during your time off. Emphasize how these experiences contribute to your growth as a professional and can benefit future employers. For instance, if you traveled, learned a new language, or volunteered, mention how such experiences enhanced your creativity, adaptability, or leadership abilities. Furthermore, be honest about your reasons for taking a sabbatical, as transparency will make it easier for potential employers to appreciate your journey.

Example of Explaining Sabbatical Gaps

Here’s an example of how you can frame your sabbatical on a resume’s cover letter:

During my time away from the workforce, I took a six-month sabbatical to explore new cultures and learn a new language. This enriching experience not only allowed me to gain fluency in Spanish but also provided me with valuable insights into different work environments and business practices. With this knowledge, I am confident that I can bring fresh perspectives and increased adaptability to the team at (Company Name).

Remember to tailor your explanation to the specific job you’re applying for and how your sabbatical experiences relate to the role. This way, you can effectively turn your employment gap into a strong selling point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common reasons for employment gaps.

There are various reasons people may have employment gaps in their career. Some common reasons include layoffs or company downsizing, personal health issues, family caregiving responsibilities, time off for personal growth or travel, and furthering education or professional development.

What’s a good way to explain a career break for parenting?

Many people take career breaks for parenting, and it’s perfectly acceptable to explain this in your resume or cover letter. Be honest about your reasons and focus on the skills and experiences you gained during this time, such as time management, multitasking, and problem-solving, which can translate well to your professional life.

Is a short gap in employment considered negative?

A short gap of few months is typically not considered negative by most employers. Job search and transition periods are expected. However, if you have several short gaps, focus on demonstrating consistency in your career and highlighting your skills, experiences, and achievements to minimize any potential concerns.

How can you use a cover letter to address employment gaps?

A cover letter provides an opportunity to address your employment gaps by offering context and explaining the reasons behind those gaps. Briefly discuss the reason for the gap, mention any skills or experiences you gained during that time, and express your enthusiasm for getting back into the workforce. Showcasing your commitment and eagerness to contribute can help alleviate any concerns an employer may have.

Which resume format works best for covering employment gaps?

A functional resume format is often recommended for those with employment gaps, as it emphasizes skills and accomplishments, rather than listing work experience chronologically. Group your skills based on the type of work you’re applying for and include any relevant experiences or projects that showcase those abilities. This format can help shift the focus away from the employment gaps and towards your qualifications and value as a candidate.

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Career Gap on Your Resume? Here’s How to Explain It.

Have you been away from the workforce for six months? Six years? Even longer? Well, explaining your career gap may not be as difficult as you think.

What Counts As a Career Gap?

A career gap is time spent away from the workforce. Common career gap reasons include taking care of family, going to school to change careers, taking a sabbatical or being laid off. Contract work, launching a new business, or pivoting your career and then returning are not considered part of a career gap.

That’s because over the past several years, hiring managers and recruiters have been seeing career gaps in resumes with greater frequency, minimizing what once were considered red flags.

Regardless of this shift, it’s still important to artfully address it head on, no matter the length of your career gap.

Why Career Gaps Are No Longer Seen as Red Flags

Career gaps were once an on-going concern for employers, often viewed as potential red flags.

They could signal a prospective employee could be a short-timer or someone who was not focused on their career, Yuletta Pringle, an HR advisor at the Society for Human Resource Management , told Built In.

Or, they’d wonder how the job candidate spent their time while they were out of the workforce and whether they are ready to resume work, Amy Mangan, vice president and branch director at recruiting firm Robert Half , told Built In.

But since the pandemic hit, employers have become more accepting of career gaps because they are now increasingly viewed as part of life, said Tracy Stone, director of diversity, equity and inclusion in tech at fintech company Intuit .

“In an economic downturn or market where there are more layoffs, career gaps can be seemingly more common.”

During the pandemic, employees left in droves for a number of reasons, including to take care of family members , to reevaluate their career choices or to go back to school.

Massive layoffs have also helped normalize career gaps.

In the past month alone, tech companies have slashed an estimated 60,000 jobs , according to CBS News . The tech industry also bore the brunt of layoffs last year, with 97,171 job cuts — up a whopping 649 percent from the previous year, according to a recent report from outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

“In an economic downturn or market where there are more layoffs, career gaps can be seemingly more common,” said Jason Buss, vice president of talent acquisition at game development platform company Roblox .

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How to Explain a Career Gap in a Resume

When putting together a resume or updating it, ensure you include a start month and year and end month and year for each time period you were in the workforce, which is considered a standard format. You should also include the start and end dates for any career gaps if they lasted six months or longer.

These periods when you were working and not working should be laid out in chronological order on your resume under your professional experience, Mangan said. Include any relevant activities, experience or skills you may have picked up during your career gap and tie them to the job you are seeking.

“As the six-month mark approaches, I would start to think about what you can add to your resume to show you weren’t just sitting at home.”

By accounting for any type of career gaps on your resume, recruiters and hiring managers can quickly understand the sequence of events.

“It really goes a long way to prompt folks to say, OK, I get it. I can see what they were up to and how they’re ready to go back to work, great,” said Mangan.

For current job seekers, if you have the luxury of time to update your skills, volunteer for industry organizations, mentor, sit on a board or engage in activities that could potentially tie into the future work you wish to do, it’s a step worth taking.

“As the six-month mark approaches, I would start to think about what you can add to your resume to show you weren’t just sitting at home,” Mangan told Built In. “Did you sit on a board? Were you involved in an industry networking group? All of these could be included in your resume.”

Resume Examples

Cloud Security Student and Volunteer        January 2018-August 2018 Attended cloud security courses at ISC(2) and became a Certified Cloud Security Professional. Volunteered at the RSA Conference for programs on cloud security and worked with high school students on cybersecurity best practices.                 

PTA President and Caregiver                       March 2020-November 2021 Organized and ran the PTA at my child’s school and collaborated with 45 parents to hold fundraising events and other programs, while also devoting time to my child’s online schooling.   

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How to Explain a Career Gap in a Cover Letter 

Although addressing a career gap in a cover letter is optional, it can provide a vehicle and additional space to share insights and information about the reasons for your career gap and the activities you performed while out of the workforce if they are relevant to the position you are currently seeking. 

This information in your cover letter can play a greater importance if you don’t mention your career gap in your resume. 

For example, maybe you spent six months or more focused solely on finding a job and have nothing else to list for that time period on your resume. You can address it in your cover letter with a simple sentence that states you spent that time as a job applicant. 

And in cases where you spent time out of the workforce due to recharging your batteries, helping your family members, or traveling, it too can be noted in your cover letter. 

Other activities can also be noted in your cover letter in a single sentence or paragraph, depending on how relevant they are to the position you are seeking. Make sure to couch your words in a positive tone that shows you are eager to address your next opportunity. 

Cover Letter Example

During the pandemic, I paused my career to assist my children with their online schooling. I also formed a virtual school co-op to support my children and their classmates. I organized, collaborated and led activities and programs for the children with the help of other co-op parents and developed a shared resource system to address student needs. I am very interested in applying these skills and my past software engineering experience to the team lead software engineering role at your organization.

How to Address a Career Gap in a Job Interview

So, you’ve successfully addressed your career gap in your resume and cover letter. Now it’s time to tackle it in your job interview. Ask friends or family to conduct a mock job interview with you in the days leading up to your interview. Or, at a minimum, record yourself practicing how you would respond to an interviewer’s questions, including an inquiry about your career gap. 

An interviewer may ask questions like, “Can you walk me through your work history” or “I noticed this gap in your work history, can you tell me about it?” These types of questions come from their curiosity and aren’t designed to put you in a hot seat.

There is also a chance you may not be asked about your career gap during the job interview and you should not feel compelled to discuss it unless you wish.

“A break sounds more definitive but framing it as a pause can be helpful ... It’s a very positive way to frame it and own it. I love it when I hear people talk about it that way.”

If it does come up, Intuit’s Stone advised calling your career gap a pause during the interview. Careers are long and ever changing, so think about your career as chapters with a pause in between, she said. Briefly explain why you left and how, after your pause, you are looking forward to your next chapter.

“A break sounds more definitive but framing it as a pause can be helpful,” Stone said, offering an alternative word choice that sounds softer to the ear. “It’s a very positive way to frame it and own it. I love it when I hear people talk about it that way.”

You do not need to go into great detail about why you have a career gap, but rather address it briefly, with transparency and confidence, she added. Answer the question about your career gap directly, rather than sidestepping the question with a vague response.

After you briefly touch on your career gap, you should then segue into your interest and enthusiasm for the job you’re interviewing for.

Example Job Interview Responses

• If you were laid off: I was part of a reduction in force that laid off 10 percent of the workforce. I would be very excited to have an opportunity to leverage my experience at your organization for this role. 
• If you left for caregiving: My child needed additional attention and support with their online schooling and I took a pause from work to assist. But with school now returning to in-person sessions, I am eager to return to the workforce and your opportunity is especially appealing.
• If you took some time to reset: Due to some changes in my life at the time, I decided to take a pause from the workforce. Those changes no longer require my time and I am very interested to learn more about this opportunity and your company.    

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Consider Upskilling

If you are just leaving the workforce or are someone who has been out for months or years and has a plan to reenter, consider devoting some time to updating your skills.

This step would serve two purposes. One, it can help account for some of your career gap on your resume. And secondly, it can further update your skills , making you an even stronger candidate.

Roblox’s Buss said there are a number of things people can do while waiting for their next job. They include continuing education, like classes at Udacity or bootcamps at Fullstack Academy , to fill the skill gaps you have for those positions you are most interested in.

Tech courses and certifications, like Built In’s Learning Lab , are another way to enhance your skill set. And there are a number of programs available based on industry sector. For example, trade association (ISC)2 offers cybersecurity certifications, the Blockchain Council provides blockchain certifications, and Coursera offers AI certifications.

Regardless of a career gap, if a person has kept their skills current, whether it’s getting Google Career Certificates training or doing something like LinkedIn Learning , that is going to separate them from someone who has not updated their skills and only has had a consistent job without ever taking time off, Mangan said.

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6 Ways to Address an Employment Gap on Your Resume

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

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

1. Acknowledge the Gap With a Brief Explanation

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

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

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

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

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

2. Use a Different Resume Format

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

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

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

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

3. Highlight Relevant Training or Education

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

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

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

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

4. Emphasize Transferable Skills

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

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

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

5. Leverage Personal Projects

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

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

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

6. Elaborate on the Gap in Your Cover Letter

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

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

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

Overcome the Employment Gap and Land Your Dream Job

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

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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