How to Explain Employment Gaps
What Gap?
Employments gaps are time periods in which a person is not employed. It’s perfectly fine to have a gap in employment, but sometimes employers will ask about gaps of 3 months or more.
When an employer asks us to explain employment gaps during an interview it can catch us off guard. Explaining these gaps can feel intimidating.
The best way to tackle this question is to prepare for it.
What Was I Doing?
If the employment gap wasn’t too long you might be able to just skip the gap altogether. Typically, employers won’t really notice a gap of a few months. However, employers might question a gap that lasts more than just a few months.
Begin by writing a list of reasons for the gap. Once you have things written down you can think about how you want to explain certain situations
How To Approach This
If an interviewer asks about an employment gap and you choose to answer, the first thing to remember is to be brief. You don’t have to go into extensive detail or reveal any personal information that you don’t want your prospective employer to know. Instead of just explaining the situation, make sure you also state why it is no longer a factor.
For example, if you went through a period of being unable to work due to childcare trouble, explain why it is no longer a factor.
We all face challenges at one point in time or another. For the most part, employers will understand this.
Many Reasons
You can also explain if you voluntarily chose to take a break for employment to raise a family, travel or return to school. Being up front and honest with your prospective employer will help to develop trust and understanding. Many reasons for employment gaps are quite common.
It’s a good thing to also let employers know how the gap might have been beneficial.
For example, if you chose to go back to school, you could explain how that choice will make you a better candidate for employment.
Difficult To Explain
Some employment gaps might seem more difficult to explain than others. If you were fired or laid off, you might feel hesitant to let your prospective employer know. Although it might feel difficult, it’s better to let your employer know, briefly, what happened. Simply ignoring a glaring employment gap could raise suspicion among recruiters. It’s always best to plan and prepare for an employer to ask you about a gap.
For example, if you were fired or laid off, you could briefly let the employer know your side of the story. You don’t have to go into extensive details but being upfront and honest will dispel any suspicions about noticeable gaps in your resume.
On The Cover
One way to tackle employment gaps is to briefly mention them on your cover letter. Without going into detail, a brief explanation will be sufficient. Be sure to highlight anything positive that might have come from the gap. Perhaps, you learned a new skill, had realizations about your career path, or became more proficient in an existing skill. Find something positive to add to your employment gap. Also, be sure to stress your interest in the position being offered.
This lets your prospective employer know that despite any set backs, you are ready to get back to task with this new job.
It’s important to be proactive and positive when explaining any employment gaps. Be prepared with an answer ahead of time and be confident explaining any gaps to your employer.
Have you had to explain employment gaps during an interview? How did it go? Do you have any suggestions for anyone that might find themselves in the same situations? Leave a comment or visit us on social media and let us know!
