How to Explain Gaps in your Resume

Well, gaps are pretty common in a resume. Periods of unemployment happen to all kinds of people for all kinds of reasons, whether it’s an unexpected layoff, caring for a loved one or an extended illness. This is a natural concern for folks who are looking for a job after spending some time out of the workforce. You may worry employers will look at you differently than other candidates or doubt your ability to perform. Having a good rationale for any gaps will help you eliminate any negative effects during the job search process. 

Historically, gaps on resumes have been seen as red flags to some recruiters and hiring managers. There might be a concern that the time away leaves the candidate with technological gaps or a need for more time to acclimate back into their role, or there’s a fear that they aren’t serious about returning. Previous research also showed that hiring managers discriminate against candidates who have a break in their resume. That puts some folks at a greater disadvantage (such as folks who have to take a break to care for children or family). This can lead to a scarring effect as those out of the labor force take longer to return or are hired at lower levels, and they lose out on earning potential and career growth in the long-term. 

But in a new study, researchers found resumes that listed years of tenure at an employer, rather than the actual dates of employment, were more likely to get a callback for a job. For example, instead of saying you worked for a company from January 2018 to January 2023, you would simply list your length of tenure as 5 years.

Researchers were focused on seeing the impact for working mothers and tested resumes with no career break, resumes with an unexplained career break, and resumes with a break and brief explanation that they left the labor force to care for children. In each case, though, resumes with just length of experience listed received more invitations to interview than those with dates, with or without a gap. This isn’t to say that people shouldn’t include dates of employment - it’s just one indication that hiring managers are looking for long-term employees who will be committed and dedicated to their company. 

How to Explain Gaps in your Work History

Explaining gaps in employment can be intimidating, but there are a couple of effective methods you can use.

• Be honest. It can be tempting to conceal gaps in your work history when you’re trying to present yourself in the best light possible to employers. But lying on your resume is never a good idea. Since they review so many of them, hiring managers are skilled at spotting inconsistencies and other red flags on resumes. Most verify work history and may even perform background checks. If you’re untruthful about employment dates, it’s likely you’ll be found out eventually—and you could even lose your job over it. Honesty is always the best option.
• Don’t include your entire work history. There’s no need to share all of your work experience. Instead, list only those you’ve held over the last 10 to 15 years and stick to positions most relevant to the job you're applying for. This means you don’t have to worry about employment gaps that fall outside of this timeframe.
• Remain optimistic and show you are motivated to work. A pivotal shift from explaining employment gaps is letting the employer know that the situation has ended and is no longer a factor. Now, you are ready and eager to get back to work. This way, they will know you are motivated, responsible, and reliable. Then shift the focus back to your interest in the position, why you want it, and how qualified you are for it.
• Be prepared and confident. Study your reasons, imagine the probable questions, and plan your course of action. Be completely confident in yourself and your explanations. Your legitimate reasons for taking a break are nothing to hide, or feel ashamed or apologetic for. State your reasons calmly and confidently. There could also be valuable skills that you learned in a role outside of the workplace.
• Be proactive. Highlight what you did accomplish while out of work. You may have been out of the workforce for a bit—but that doesn't mean you sat around twiddling your thumbs. If you took on any unpaid roles or noteworthy projects during that period, be sure to say so on your resume. This shows you stayed active and engaged even though you weren’t formally in the workplace. Volunteer or community roles should be listed on your resume just like a paying job. Any degrees completed or courses taken can be noted in the Education section of your resume.

For example, if you’ve been a Caregiver or someone who took care of a sick family member - you likely picked up certain skills throughout that experience: scheduling and administering medication, coordinating doctor's appointments, ensuring your family member was fed and clean, etc. Think through how that could translate to project management, prioritization and managing deadlines. In addition to soft skills you developed such as patience, empathy, flexibility & resiliency.

Other examples:

• You volunteered for your community food bank.
• You went back to finish your degree.
• You brushed up on your technology skills by taking a course.
• You were the sole caregiver to an ailing family member.
• You pursued a side project important to you.
• You traveled extensively and explored new cultures.

Final Thoughts on Gaps in your Work History

Remember, whatever your career break entailed, it’s all relative.

A few months out a couple of years ago will probably be ok. However, if you’re talking years out of employment, then planning is key. It’s not unusual to have a gap in your employment history and it’ll only stand out if you don’t explain it. The main thing employers want is for you (1) have a plausible or reasonable explanation and (2) to demonstrate your enthusiasm and readiness to re-enter the workforce. For other tips on how to craft a solid resume, read this blog post. 

Finally, confidence and honesty are desirable qualities for any interviewee. Approaching the situation with the right degree of both will speak volumes about your personality.