7 tips on how to explain a gap in your resume

Posted on 7/11/2018 by Entree Recruitment

Explaining a gap in your resume can be daunting, so we asked the Entrée team for advice on what to do…

BE HONEST

This is the number one tip from the Entrée team. Any signs you’re trying to hide a gap might not give the best impression. No matter what the reason, it’s always best to be honest and transparent.

INCLUDE GAPS ON YOUR RESUME

If there is an obvious gap on your resume which you haven’t explained, recruiters and prospective employers are bound to think the worst. It is always best to meet this head-on by detailing on your resume the reason for the gap.

TRAVEL EXPERIENCE

Travelling is a rite of passage, and many of us will have a travel gap on our resume. So how do you explain it? Use your travel experience to demonstrate situations, actions and results. It’s all about emphasising the value of your experiences.

KEEPING MUM

Off work for parental duties? Now is not the time to keep mum on your resume! If you are re-entering the workforce after a longer period of parental leave, take this opportunity to show prospective employers experience you have gained whilst spending that much cherished and vital time with your little ones.  Detail any courses you have undertaken, volunteer work, any committees you have been part of e.g. school or kindergarten.  All of these roles give you valuable experience that adds to your paid work.

REDUNDANCY

It is likely at some point you will work for an organization that is making roles redundant.  Remember jobs are made redundant not people!  See the situation as a positive; it is a great opportunity to try something new, meet new people and could possibly see you start in a role that is much better suited to you then the role you were made redundant from. 

BE PREPARED

No one wants to stutter and stammer their way through interviews, especially when talking about gaps in your resume. Be prepared and know what your are going to say.

BE CONFIDENT

While it can be uncomfortable to explain gaps in your resume, know you are not alone. Don’t be afraid to be confident in your skills and show what you have learnt during the periods you were not employed.

Finally — be positive! There is always a way to put a positive spin on things, and your attitude to situations is what employers will notice.

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