How to explain that resume gap

Welcome to Career Insider. Let's say you're re-entering the workforce after taking some time off. That glaring gap in your resume might raise a few eyebrows. Why were you gone? Did you lose any of your skills? Are you still up on industry trends?

Here's how to answer those questions.

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INTERVIEWS
“So, you were out of the office for a year, huh?”

Explaining an experience gap in your resume can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can present it in a way that highlights your strengths and keeps you relevant to potential employers.

Here are five tips to help you explain the gap:

Don’t miss the example script below to help put everything together.

1. Be Honest and Direct:

   • Address the gap directly in your cover letter or during the interview. Briefly explain the reason for the gap, whether it was due to personal reasons, further education, or other commitments. Honesty builds trust and shows integrity.
     

2. Highlight Transferable Skills:

   • Focus on the skills you developed during the gap that are relevant to the job you're applying for. These could include soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and time management, as well as any technical skills you may have acquired.
     

3. Emphasize Continuous Learning:

   • If you took courses, attended workshops, or earned certifications during your gap, highlight these. This demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional growth and shows you stayed engaged with your field.
     

4. Showcase Volunteer Work or Freelancing:

   • If you engaged in volunteer work, freelancing, or any side projects, include these experiences on your resume. They can demonstrate your initiative, ability to manage projects, and dedication to maintaining your skills.
     

5. Connect the Gap to Your Career Goals:

   • Frame the gap as a period that contributed to your career development. Explain how the experiences or insights gained during this time have prepared you for the role you're applying for, aligning your past with your future career objectives.

Now, let’s put these tips together with an example.

Interviewer: I noticed there’s a year-long gap in your employment history. Could you tell me more about that?

You: Absolutely. After my last position, I decided to take a year off to focus on personal development and address some family commitments. During this time, I enhanced my skills and gained new experiences that I believe are highly relevant to this role.

I enrolled in several online courses to improve my [specific skill or knowledge area], which I know is essential for this position. Also, I volunteered with [organization or project], where I applied my skills in [relevant field or task], which helped me stay engaged and continue contributing to meaningful work.

This period also gave me a fresh perspective on my career goals and reaffirmed my passion for [industry or field]. I’m now more motivated and prepared than ever to bring my skills and experiences to a new role, and I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.

See how this example puts your sabbatical in a positive light? It will focus on the constructive aspects of your time away from work and how it has prepared you for the position you’re applying for.

TED TALKS
We love TED Talks around here

Who doesn’t like a good TED Talk? We sure do. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are five great talks to help inspire you to level up your career.

Carve out some time to give these a watch.

"The Best Career Path Isn't Always a Straight Line" by Sarah Ellis and Helen Tupper

This talk challenges the traditional notion of a linear career path and introduces the concept of "squiggly" careers, which are dynamic and adaptable. It's perfect for anyone feeling constrained by conventional career ladders.

"The Career Advice You Probably Didn’t Get" by Susan Colantuono

Susan Colantuono discusses the missing piece of advice women often don't receive in their careers. This talk is beneficial for women advancing to senior leadership roles.

"How to Make Hard Choices" by Ruth Chang

Ruth Chang explores the nature of difficult decisions and how making these choices can shape who we are. This talk benefits those facing tough career decisions and seeking to understand the value of choice.

"How to Get Your Brain to Focus" by Chris Bailey

Chris Bailey shares insights on improving focus and productivity, which are crucial for career advancement. His talk offers practical strategies for managing distractions and enhancing concentration.

"How to Find Work You Love" by Scott Dinsmore

Scott Dinsmore encourages viewers to pursue work that aligns with their passions and values. This talk is ideal for those seeking fulfillment and purpose in their careers.

These talks provide valuable insights and personal and professional growth strategies, helping you navigate and enhance your career journey.

NEWS
The trendy trends of the job market in late 2024

This week in career-related news, the job market presents a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges.

Young Americans are finding it increasingly difficult to secure employment, with many blaming the "Great Stay" phenomenon, where workers opt to remain in their current positions due to economic uncertainties and fears of layoffs.

This trend is causing a slowdown in job turnover, making it harder for new entrants to find openings.

Meanwhile, companies like GE Aerospace and CN are actively hiring, offering a glimmer of hope for those ready to dive into new roles.

Workplace Trends: Communication skills have emerged as the most in-demand skill for 2024, according to LinkedIn.

Effective communication across various platforms is crucial as hybrid work models become the norm. This shift is not just about talking the talk but also about walking the walk as companies seek employees who can navigate the complexities of digital communication and foster inclusive environments.

Work-Life Balance: The four-day workweek concept is gaining traction, with more companies experimenting with shorter workweeks to boost productivity and employee satisfaction.

This trend reflects a growing recognition of the need for flexibility and well-being in the workplace. As we navigate these changes, adaptability and continuous learning will be vital to doing well in the ever-evolving job market. Whether you're a seasoned professional or starting out, staying ahead of these trends could be your ticket to career success in 2024.