One of the most challenging aspects of job hunting can be explaining gaps in your employment history on your CV. Whether you took time off to care for a family member, were laid off during a difficult economic period, or simply took some time to travel or pursue personal goals, these
employment gaps can raise red flags for hiring managers and make it harder to land a job. But with the right strategies and tactics, you can turn these gaps into a positive and showcase your skills and qualifications to potential employers.
1. Be honest and upfront about your employment gaps.
The worst thing you can do is try to hide or downplay your gaps, as this can raise suspicions and make it harder to trust you. Instead, be honest and upfront about what you did during your gap, whether it was caring for a family member, travelling, or taking time to pursue personal goals. Additionally, it's a good idea to mention the gap in your
cover letter, providing a brief explanation of the reason for the gap. By addressing the gap upfront, you're showing that you're aware of it and that you're not trying to hide anything.
2. Show what you did during your gap.
Just because you weren't working doesn't mean you weren't doing anything. You can use your gap as an opportunity to showcase your skills and qualifications. For example, if you took time off to travel, you could mention that you gained valuable cross-cultural experience or improved your language skills.
3. Use a functional CV template.
A functional CV emphasizes your skills and qualifications rather than your work history. This can help to downplay your employment gaps and put the focus on what you can bring to the table. Additionally, you can use this
cv template to group your skills and experience under relevant headings that match the job you're applying for, this way you can highlight relevant skills and experience.
4. Highlight your transferable skills.
Many skills are transferable across different industries, so it's important to highlight these skills on your CV. For example, if you were a sales assistant, your customer service skills could be transferable to any
customer service job. Additionally, you can use a skills-based section on your CV to list your key skills and highlight the ones that are most relevant to the job you're applying for. It's also a good idea to include examples of how you've used these skills in the past, whether it was in a paid or volunteer role. This will help to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills to perform the job, despite any employment gaps
5. Use positive language.
Words can make a big difference on your CV, so make sure to use positive language when discussing your employment gaps. Instead of saying "I was unemployed", say "I took time off to pursue personal goals." Furthermore, use action verbs and phrases such as "managed", "coordinated", "volunteered", etc. to show that you were actively doing something during that period. This can help to demonstrate that you were productive and not just sitting idle.
6. Mention courses and training.
Another strategy could be to mention any courses, certifications or training you've undertaken during your employment gap that are relevant to the job you're applying for. This way, you're showing that you've been actively working on developing your skills, even if you haven't been working in a paid role.
7. Volunteer work matters.
It's also important to mention any volunteer or unpaid work, this can include
apprenticeships, you've done during the gap, as it shows that you've been actively doing something and can demonstrate your skills in a real-life setting. In summary, highlighting your transferable skills can help to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills to perform the job, despite any employment gaps.
In conclusion, job gaps can be hard, but with the right strategies and tactics, you can turn them into a positive and show potential employers your skills and qualifications. Remember to be honest, show what you did during the gap, use a functional CV template, highlight your transferable skills, and use positive language. With these expert tips, you'll be able to talk about employment gaps on your CV in a way that will impress hiring managers and improve your chances of getting a job.
About the author: Laura is a Search Engine Optimizer, who specializes in Link Building and content creation. Currently, she is part of the SEO team at
Young Capital UK.
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