Gaps in Employment: Tips and Strategies for Effective Communication to Prospective Employers
By Business Services Team Members Patty McDonald, Latrice Lewis, Wes Leatherman, and Max Dougé
Explaining employment gaps on your resume can and should be done in a positive and transparent way. Here are a few strategies you can use, depending on the reason for the gap:
1. Be Honest and Brief
Example: If you took time off to care for a family member, you could say, "Took time off to care for a sick family member, during which I enhanced my organizational and time management skills."
Tip: Keep your explanation brief, without going into too much personal detail.
Tip: Use cover letter to address gap (personal care, health condition, education, etc.)
2. Highlight Growth During the Gap
Example: "During my career break, I completed an online certification in data analytics, which allowed me to strengthen my analytical and technical skills."
Tip: Emphasize any upskilling, volunteering, or freelance work you did during the break.
3. Reframe the Gap as a Transition
Example: "Took a planned sabbatical to travel and gain international cultural experiences, which improved my adaptability and global perspective."
Tip: Frame the gap as a purposeful transition, focusing on the skills or personal growth you gained during that period.
Tip: Practice explaining your gap. What did you learn (if anything)?
4. Address Health or Personal Reasons
Example: "Took time off to recover from a health issue, during which I maintained focus on professional development through relevant reading and research."
Tip: Be honest without diving into too many personal details, and highlight your commitment to staying updated in your field.
5. Return to Workforce Explanation
Example: "After a period of personal leave, I am eager to re-enter the workforce with renewed energy and focus, and I am excited to apply my skills in this new opportunity."
Tip: Emphasize your enthusiasm for returning to work and what you bring to the role.
By being concise, positive, and emphasizing growth or skills gained during the employment gap, you can reassure potential employers and keep the focus on your qualifications.
Explaining Employment Gaps from a Period of Incarceration
Explaining an employment gap due to incarceration can be challenging, but it’s important to approach it honestly while focusing on your growth and readiness for the future. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Be Honest but Brief: Acknowledge the gap without going into unnecessary detail. You don’t need to explain the entire situation; a simple statement will suffice. For example:
"During [time period], I was addressing personal challenges which included a period of incarceration."Show Growth and Accountability: Employers value candidates who demonstrate personal growth and responsibility. Acknowledge that you’ve learned from the experience and outline the steps you’ve taken to improve.
"This time allowed me to reflect, take responsibility for my actions, and work on improving myself."Highlight Rehabilitation Efforts: If you participated in any educational programs, vocational training, or community service during your time away, mention these. They show initiative and commitment to personal development.
"During this period, I completed courses in [skill/education] and participated in [training/volunteering], which helped me grow both personally and professionally."Focus on Future Goals and Skills: Shift the conversation to your qualifications, skills, and enthusiasm for the job at hand. Emphasize how you are ready to contribute and make a positive impact.
"Now, I am eager to apply my skills and experience to contribute positively to [Company Name], and I’m committed to making the most of this opportunity."Prepare for Follow-Up Questions: Employers may ask for more details, so be prepared to answer follow-up questions without becoming defensive. Maintain focus on your rehabilitation and future goals.
Offer References if Possible: If you’ve worked with mentors, supervisors, or others who can vouch for your character and work ethic post-incarceration, offer to provide references. This helps reassure employers of your reliability.
Being open and demonstrating that you’ve learned from the past while focusing on your potential will help to build trust with potential employers.