Career potholes: How to explain gaps in your CV
Check out our examples to help you explain the gaps in your CV
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Check out our examples to help you explain the gaps in your CV
From time to time, you might find yourself out of work. When this happens, itâs important to address longer periods of unemployment in your CV. Employers donât like to see gaps in your employment without an explanation.
So check out our guide (and examples) to explaining gaps in your CV in an interview.
Not all gaps in employment need an explanation. As a rule of thumb, if you’re unemployed for less than 3 months, you shouldnât need an explanation. Itâs quite common for people to be unemployed for 1-3 months in between jobs. But if you out of work for longer than 3 months, you should probably explain why on your CV.
When youâve had a gap in employment longer than 3 months, include this in your CV. If you donât explain it, employers will be left with lots of questions. And they may reject your CV because of this. Instead, write the dates of your unemployment, and provide a short sentence to explain the reason. This will help employers understand the gap and progress your application.
Weâre all human. And employers appreciate honesty. They can often tell when youâre not being honest. So always be upfront about your reasons for unemployment. Itâs the honesty that counts.
A gap in employment doesnât have to be negative. It could actually be really positive. Perhaps it gave you clarity about your next step. Or maybe it gave you time to upskill. Either way, think of all the ways you can show employers the benefits you received from your time out of work.
How to explain in your CV
âI took 6 months off work to travel around Central Asia.â
How to explain in an interview
âI went traveling for 6 months on my own around Central Asia. It was a really enriching experience and gave me a lot of life skills. It exposed me to other peopleâs way of living, which is priceless.â
How to explain in your CV
âFull-time carer for a family member.â
How to explain in an interview
âUnfortunately, a member of my family was sick and required full-time care. I did my best to maintain my skills during this time by completing a course on Data Analysis. I would also attend monthly webinars to learn about the latest software and industry news. So although I wasn’t technically working in the industry, I still kept my finger on the pulse.â
How to explain in your CV
âFollowing the doctorâs orders, I was granted 4 months off to recover from a medical condition.â
How to explain in an interview
âI was dealing with a medical condition whilst working. But the condition only worsened. And so, after consulting with the doctor, he decided to put me on sick leave to aid my recovery.
Although I rested a lot during this time, I also made an effort to maintain my knowledge and skills and keep up with industry news. I knew that Iâd return to work as soon as I felt healthy, so I didnât want to fall behind too much.â
How to explain in your CV
âDuring these 4 months of unemployment, I was job hunting and attending regular interviews.â
How to explain in an interview
âI was fortunate enough to be able to take4 months of unemployment in between jobs. I really wanted to focus on finding the right role rather than jumping into any old job. I want to make sure my next career move is one for the long-term.â
How to explain in your CV
â2 year career break for parenting responsibilities for my newborn.â
How to explain in an interview
âI have had 2 years off to raise my child. Itâs been a great experience but Iâm now ready to return to the working world.
I have built a portfolio and gained several skills and qualifications during my time in unemployment. For example, I recently completed an online course in safeguarding.â
How to explain in your CV
âI took 12 months out of work to dedicate to my studies. I completed an IT qualification and hope to pursue a career in this field.â
How to explain in an interview
âI spent the last 12 months studying for my IT qualification. I wanted to dedicate everything to my studies so I decided not to work.
It has paid off and I feel really confident in the knowledge and skills that Iâve learned in the last year. Iâm now ready to put these skills to work for the right company.â
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