No matter how skilled or experienced you may be, we all have those circumstances in life that could lead to a career gap. So often it’s something outside your control or a blip you don’t care to share, but oftentimes rather than address it head-on, you hand them your CV, knowing they’ll eventually ask the dreaded question: “Can you explain this gap in employment?” The panic sets in: Instead of panicking, here’s how you can skillfully navigate this question in an interview.
Anything less than the truth has the potential to resurface and expose your efforts to conceal events from the past. This is never a good look, and it is always beneficial to give employers transparency. Start developing a relationship that’s built on trust from day one, and be honest about the gap in your resume.
Don’t wing an answer to the question. You owe it to yourself and your potential employer to give a thoughtful, intentional response to an employment gap question. Rehearse how you’ll respond and anticipate follow-up questions.
Even if the answer is less than flattering, it likely has little to no bearing on your actual skills or expertise. This is not an obstacle you can’t overcome, and maintaining positivity when talking about the experience will, in turn, give employers an optimistic look at your resume. Speak with confidence and demonstrate that it’s not something you hide.
Many skills and experiences could work in your favor here. Think of life skills, charity work, classes, certifications, or anything that shows you value personal, professional, or charitable investments. Anything that shows you’re a professional but also a human, and what you bring to the table can’t always be quantified with dates and numbers.
If you have a career gap, you can’t hide it, but you don’t have to shine a spotlight on it. Restructure your CV or resume to highlight work experience, achievements, skills, outcomes, and your strengths, rather than a timeline of your work history.
Don’t rely solely on the strength of your resume. Build meaningful connections with colleagues, managers, industry partners, vendors, leaders, friends, etc. This is a mission-critical effort before, during, and after a career break.
We specialize in matching skilled talent with desirable roles, and we can help you prepare your CV for optimal impact. Connect with an IDR recruiter today and let’s start strategizing!