How to Create a Sample Resume with Gaps in Employment

Guide on creating a sample resume with gaps in employment by Achieving Resumes.

Introduction

Creating a sample resume with gaps in employment can seem challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’ve taken time off for personal reasons, health issues, or family commitments, employment gaps are common—and they don’t have to stand in your way. In fact, with the right approach, these gaps can actually become assets in your job search. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to address gaps in employment effectively, showcase your skills, and create a resume that grabs the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.

If you need expert assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to Achieving Resumes for personalized resume-writing services that can help you present your best self.

Understanding a Sample Resume with Gaps in Employment

5 Types of Employment Gaps

There are many reasons someone might not have a job, and each can be handled in a way that shows growth, strength, and personal development. Let's look at them one at a time:

1. Taking time off work to care for family: A common reason for gaps in employment is taking time off to care for a loved one or raise children. This is a very good reason, and employers know how important family obligations are.

2. Personal Illness: People may have to leave their jobs if they have health problems, whether they are physical or mental. Employers are usually understanding, especially if you can show them how you handled your recovery and that you are now ready to return to work.

3. Travel and Sabbaticals: Some people take time off to travel, study, or work on hobbies that help them grow as people and in their careers. This gap can often be seen as a chance to learn more about yourself and improve your skills.

4. Education: It's common to take a break from work to study more, get more certifications, or improve your skills. Make sure to talk about how what you learned during the break will help you in your next job.

5. Job Search: Some people have to look for a job for a long time before they find the right one. If this is you, it's important to show that you stuck with it and took steps to improve your job prospects during this time.

Why It’s Important to Address Employment Gaps

It's important to talk about gaps in your work history on your resume because not doing so can make employers suspicious. Don't leave these gaps unexplained. Instead, use them as a chance to show how adaptable, persistent, and skilled you are now that you've had some time off. Employers like it when people are honest and open. If you talk about your gaps in a positive way, it can help you gain the trust of hiring managers.

Resume Tips for Job Seekers with Gaps

Functional Resume Format: Focus on Skills, Not Job History

Using a functional resume format is one of the best ways to fill in gaps in your work history. Instead of listing your jobs in order, this format puts the focus on your skills and accomplishments. This is why it works:

Skills come before dates: A functional resume lets you focus on your transferable skills instead of listing each job by date.

Emphasizing Relevant Experience: You can include freelance work, volunteering, or part-time jobs that show off your skills, even if you weren't technically employed.

For instance, you might have taken a break to look after a family member. You can still talk about your organizational skills, time management, and ability to do more than one thing at once, which are all things that are very important in any job.

Addressing Employment Gaps Positively

Be honest about the employment gap in your work history, but also talk about what you learned during that time. If you can show that the gap was a chance for you to grow, employers will appreciate your honesty. Here are some ways to talk about the gap in a good way:

• Talk about skills that can be used in other jobs: If you worked as a freelancer or volunteered during your break, you can use those experiences to show that you have relevant skills that will help you get a job in the future.

• Highlight Personal Growth: Maybe you took time off to deal with health problems. You can talk about how this time helped you get clear, focused, and strong so you could go back to work stronger than before.

Writing a Resume with Career Gaps

How to Present Gaps Professionally

You need to show your employment gaps in a professional way that makes your resume stronger. To make sure your resume stands out, do these things:

Be Honest: Don't try to hide gaps; instead, talk about them briefly and with confidence. Employers will appreciate your honesty, whether you were sick, with family, or on vacation.

Focus on the Present: Employers want to know what you can do right now, not just what you've done in the past. Make sure to talk about the skills and experiences you have that are relevant to the job.

Keep it short and sweet: When you talk about the gap, keep it short. The point is to show that you're ready to move on, not to dwell on problems from the past.

Using a Cover Letter to Address Employment Gaps

Your cover letter can be an excellent tool to provide more context about your career break. Use it to:

• Explain the Gap: Briefly describe the reason for your time away from the workforce, but focus on how it was a positive experience.

• Show Enthusiasm: Express your eagerness to return to the workforce and how your time away has made you a stronger candidate.

• Link the Experience to the Role: Show how your break gave you insights or skills that are directly relevant to the position you're applying for.

  
  

The Role of LinkedIn in Addressing Career Gaps

How to Address Career Gaps on LinkedIn

Your LinkedIn profile is another place where you’ll need to address your career gap, and doing so effectively can make a significant impact. Here’s how to manage gaps on LinkedIn:

• Career Break Feature: LinkedIn allows you to add a career break in your profile. Use this feature to explain the gap clearly, whether it was due to personal reasons, illness, or travel.

• Update Your Summary: Use your LinkedIn summary to briefly explain the gap and focus on the positive aspects, such as the skills or perspectives you gained during that time.

• Stay Transparent: Just like your resume and cover letter, don’t hide your career gap on LinkedIn. Being upfront and honest about it can work in your favor.

  
  

How Hiring Managers View Career Gaps

What Hiring Managers Really Think About sample resume with gaps in employment

Hiring managers are generally understanding of career gaps, especially if the candidate is upfront and explains the situation professionally. Most employers appreciate transparency, and many have likely encountered similar gaps themselves. Here's how you can ensure hiring managers view your gap as a positive:

• Don’t Over-Explain: While it’s important to mention the gap, avoid going into unnecessary detail. Keep it brief but clear.

• Be Confident: When you talk about your gap, do so confidently. Show that you’ve gained valuable experiences during your time off, and that you’re eager to get back into the workforce.

  
  

How to Talk About Employment Gaps in an Interview

1. Be Positive and Confident in Your Tone

When you talk about a gap in your work history during an interview, be confident and positive. It's important to be honest about your gap, but you should also talk about how it helped you grow and learn. Take a moment to talk about the gap, and then quickly move on to how it has made you a better candidate for the job you want. Employers really like positive people because it shows that they can bounce back and change.

For example:

"Yes, I took time off from work to care for a family member. I got better at organizing and managing my time during that time, and I've gotten even better since then. I now feel more ready and focused, and I'm ready to help your team.

2. Move the Conversation to Your Skills and Fit

Once you've filled in the gap, smoothly move on to talking about the skills and experiences that make you a great fit for the job. Employers are most interested in what you can do right now, so talk about your current skills, accomplishments, and how they relate to the job you're applying for. Talk about how your time off gave you a new point of view or helped you learn skills that will help the company.

Example

"I also got a digital marketing certification during my time off, which has made me better at SEO and making content." I'm excited to use this new skill in a job like this one, where I can make a difference right away.

Frequently Asked Questions About Employment Gaps on Resumes-

1. How do I explain a career gap in my resume?

When explaining a career gap on your resume, it’s important to be clear and concise. Briefly mention the reason for the gap, whether it was due to personal reasons, health, travel, or education, and then highlight what you gained during that time. Be transparent, but also focus on how this experience has prepared you for the role you're applying for. Remember, the goal is to show that you used the time productively, either by gaining skills, reflecting on career goals, or personal growth.

2. Should I mention a career break on my resume?

Yes, it’s important to mention any career breaks on your resume, as omitting them can raise red flags. Being upfront about gaps shows honesty and transparency. Rather than hiding the gap, explain it briefly and focus on the positive aspects, such as how the break contributed to your personal or professional development.

3. How should I format my resume to address employment gaps?

Consider using a functional resume format or a combination resume to focus on your skills rather than the chronological order of your jobs. These formats allow you to highlight your qualifications and transferable skills while briefly mentioning employment gaps. For example, you can include freelance work, volunteering, or relevant personal projects to show that you’ve been active during the gap.

4. What if I didn’t do anything during my career break?

If you didn’t engage in any formal work or study during your break, that’s okay. You can still frame the gap positively by emphasizing personal growth. Perhaps you reflected on your career goals, improved your work-life balance, or gained new perspectives that will make you a stronger employee. Employers understand that everyone has unique paths, so focus on the valuable insights or skills you gained during your time off.

5. Should I provide references from my time during the gap?

If you were involved in any activities during your gap, such as volunteering, freelancing, or education, it's helpful to provide references from those experiences. This shows that you were still engaged and productive during your break. If you didn’t do any formal work, you can also mention any personal projects or activities that demonstrate your dedication and skills.

6. How can I address gaps on LinkedIn?

On LinkedIn, use the career break feature to explain any gaps in your work history. Be transparent about the reason for the break and mention any skills or experiences you gained during the gap. You can also update your LinkedIn summary to highlight how you’ve grown personally and professionally, which will show recruiters that you’re ready to return to the workforce.

7. How do hiring managers view career gaps?

Hiring managers understand that career gaps are common, and many have likely experienced similar breaks themselves. They will appreciate transparency and how you’ve used your time productively. The key is to avoid over-explaining the gap and to focus on the value you bring to the role now. Show confidence in how the break has shaped you into a more resilient and skilled candidate.

Conclusion

A career gap doesn’t have to be a roadblock in your job search. With the right approach, it can actually become a strength, allowing you to showcase personal growth, adaptability, and new skills. By using a functional resume format, crafting a clear cover letter, and being transparent about the gap in your job history, you can present yourself as a strong and capable candidate.

If you’re unsure about how to present your resume or need expert help, Achieving Resumes is here for you. Our professional resume writing services specialize in helping job seekers present their best selves, no matter the challenges in their past. Contact us at info@achievingresumes.com  or call +1-877-7637189  to get started today!