Gaps in a CV (also commonly called a resume) are fairly common these days and are nothing to worry about.
Here are some ideas on how you can explain a gap in your professional experience in your CV:
- Honestly explain why you weren’t working for that period
- Be confident in your answer
- Assure the hiring manager that you have excellent work ethic
- Explain what you learned or gained from your experience while you were having a break
Having an employment gap on your CV is not a deal-breaker. Employers understand there are plenty of good reasons to take time off from working and won’t hold it against you as long as you explain your situation.
For example, any of the following are legitimate reasons for a gap in your CV:
- Caring for a sick or elderly family member
- Raising a child, or God forbid, homeschooling
- Going back to or continuing study
- Being laid off from your last job or furloughed (like half the planet during 2020)
- Personal physical or mental health issues you wanted to get on top of
- Working on a personal project or starting a business venture
- Traveling for an extended period
- Devoting time as a volunteer to an organisation you are passionate about
All of these reasons for gaps in your CV can be explained in a positive manner and enable you to showcase your resilience, work ethic, positive attitude, strong family and community values, and ability to make tough decisions, all of which will only make you more attractive to a potential employer.
