Got Employment Gaps? How to Explain Gaps in Your Work History to Potential Employers

Job seekers, keep in mind that if you have gap(s) in your work history, you will need to be able to explain them to a potential employer at some point during the interview process.  Perhaps you are concerned that an employment recruiter will view this as a negative.  Not to worry! If you can provide reasonable explanations as to why you were not working for an extended period(s) of time, as displayed in your resume…you can come out a winner.  Employers just need to know that you are a reliable candidate for the position that you are applying for. Understand that lengthy gaps in your employment history can be reflected as a red flag and is certainly questionable by a recruiter and hiring manager. That’s why…in most cases it’s easier to get hired if you are currently working. Also, employers are more comfortable with hiring candidates who have a steady job history.  Nevertheless, just go to your interview prepared to truthfully explain your situation, whether it was by choice or circumstances beyond your control. 

 In the meantime, you can format your resume so that it detracts from gaps in your work history. For example, instead of listing month/year for the job(s) you’ve worked, just list the year you started-followed by the year your employment ended, e.g. (2000-2001) with the company. You can also use your cover letter to explain any extensive gaps in your work history.  This way, the employer will have advanced knowledge as to why you were unemployed repeatedly or extensively. Depending upon the inconsistencies in your work history, explaining your situation in your cover letter may also prevent an employer from discarding your resume all together.  You will also need to showcase your skills and prior career experience in your resume as to make a positive impression upon the readers.  The functional resume works best when highlighting your talents and experience rather than a chronological style.









Keep in mind that some voluntarily and involuntarily reasons for employment gaps are common.  Listed are possible reasons for inconsistencies in employment that are usually tolerable by employers.  If you can justify employment gaps in your resume to potential employers, you can go to your interview with poise and confidence!

Volunteered

If you did volunteer work in your field or related discipline while you were unemployed, you can certainly list this in your resume. Perhaps you acquired some valuable work experience as you volunteered your services.

Internship

If you did an internship while in college or after you graduated from school, this counts as valid unpaid/ or low pay work period and you should list this in your resume.  Functionally format your resume to display your education and internship towards the beginning of your resume if you are a recent college graduate.

Full-time student

If you were unemployed while furthering your education, this will look impressive on your resume, especially if you graduated and received your diploma in a certain discipline.  Some employers search for fresh college graduates to hire.

Career Sabbatical

Maybe you took time off from your career due to personal reasons and you don’t know how to list this on your resume.  We’ll you wouldn’t list this on your resume but can give an account for this time by explaining that you needed time off for personal reasons (no need to give too much detail) but you are now ready to move forward with your career. Hiring managers may be sympathetic to your reasons and be willing to give you a chance.

Full-time parent

If you took time off from the workforce temporarily to raise and nurture children you will more than likely have the sympathy of the hiring manager.  Most employers understand and are sympathetic to former stay-at-home parents (female or male) who are trying to get back into the workforce.

Career Transition

Perhaps you took time off from the workforce to change your career.  Whether you were enrolled in school part-time or full-time…you will need to explain this to the hiring manager.  Actually, this wise decision demonstrates ambition and success on your part and can be deemed quite impressive to a hiring manager.

Working on a temporary basis

Perhaps you are currently unemployed due to involuntarily reasons and you are signed up with a temp agency hoping to get back into the workforce on a permanent basis.  Or maybe you chose to work temporary for one reason or another but are now actively looking for a permanent job.  You can list the agency that you work for, along with any newly acquired skills in your resume.

Illness

If you were off from work temporarily due to illness or if you were caring for a sick love one, you will need to explain this, without giving too much detail if you’re not comfortable, to the recruiter or hiring manager.

Laid off from work/ actively looking for work

And finally, in today’s economy, many individuals have been laid off from their jobs due to company downsizing, mergers, or because the company folded.  Just explain your situation to the hiring manager, but add that you are actively and aggressively looking for work on a daily basis. Your main goal is to try to direct her/his attention to your transferable skills, education, and experience during the interview.

Tips:
If possible, you should bring any supporting documents- listing dates and reasons for extensive unemployment gaps with you to your interview.  Such as medical or other mishaps that warrant explanation.

Warnings:
Were you away from the work force due to imprisonment or house arrest? If you have ever been convicted of a crime or other misdemeanor, you should explain your situation to the recruiter and hiring manager at some point during your interview. This information will eventually surface once they proceed with a background check on you anyway. Depending upon the nature of the offense, some employers may be reluctant to hire you. But don’t give up…continue on with your job search and you will find suitable work if you believe in yourself.