How to Explain Job Gaps
- 1). Use fonts to your advantage. Bold the job titles and organizations so they stand out and put the dates in a smaller font without bold.
- 2). Prepare to answer questions on any gaps in the interview. Sounding vague and stumbling over the issue may raise concerns.
- 3). Answer questions honestly. Lying will be found out and could result in your dismissal and even legal proceedings for fraud.
- 4). Cover small gaps by blurring dates, unless specifically asked for full dates. Use months and years only, or even just the years instead of full dates. However, be aware your references are likely to state actual dates. Fortunately, it is reasonable to take a vacation or spend time with family between jobs.
- 5). Bring a lot of short term jobs with gaps in between under a single heading such as "Consultancy" or "Contract Work" instead of job title and employer. Include the main organizations you worked for in your description and focus on key achievements rather than individual jobs. If you did agency work with gaps in between then name the agency as your employer.
- 6). Fill any gaps with one or more genuine positive activities, for example: housewife, volunteer, job seeker, family carer, travelling, studying, self-employed, freelance or agency worker. Try to tailor your resume to the specific job you're applying for and explain how your activities relate to the job. Avoid negative statements such as "Unemployed" or "Out of Work." Keep language positive.
- 7). Include your reasons for leaving jobs only if specifically required to do so if a gap was owing to dismissal from your previous job. If possible, negotiate with your last employer before you leave about what will be said in references and what your colleagues will be told regarding the reason for going.
- 8). Show dismissal in a positive light without making light of the situation if you are asked about it. You accept you made a serious error; however, you learned from it and have grown as a result. Explain how you have applied the learning to your work and life. If you were not at fault explain the circumstances but avoid looking as if you are only trying to shift blame away from yourself.
- 9). Take advice from any professionals still involved with your case such as a parole officer or social worker if your gap was owing to time spent in prison. There are organizations that specialize in helping ex-offenders back into work. If it arises in interview, explain how you spent the time in terms of education, community work, reading and developing skills, and focus on your achievements, not the crime.
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