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An Example Cover Letter Explaining a Gap in Employment

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When you are applying for jobs, hiring managers will always notice gaps in employment. They’ll understandably wonder what happened. Are you at high risk of quitting? Have you experienced performance issues or exhibited irresponsible behavior in the past? 

It’s very important that you don’t ignore or gloss over an employment gap. The best way is to deal with it is honesty. And the best place to do this is in your cover letter. The tips below will explain how to address common scenarios where you may have a gap in your employment, both good and bad. Keep reading, there’s also a sample cover letter explaining a gap in employment.

How Long is Too Long of an Employment Gap?

There’s no “unacceptable” length for an employment gap per se as there are many valid reasons why you have been out of the workforce for a year — continuing education, raising a family, or dealing with an illness. Most HRs will view a 1-5 year gap in employment as a reasonable break. But longer gaps, think 5+ years, will likely warrant a more detailed explanation in your cover letter. 

How Do You Explain a Gap in Employment in a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is meant to complement your resume — highlight your strengths, showcase your motivation, and address some of the shortcomings such as an employment gap. The best place to clarify the gap in employment is the body of your cover letter. Think second or third paragraph. 

Here’s a sample cover letter structure you may want to go for:

  • Introduction: Hook the reader with your motivation and key qualifications.  
  • Second paragraph: Reiterate the main skill or experience you are bringing to the table.
  • Third: Briefly address your employment gap and state why you are eager to get back on track. 
  • Conclusion. End on a high note. Mention the value you can bring to the company or speak about your passion for the job at hand. 

Now let’s look at greater depth on how you can turn the above outline into a persuasive cover letter explaining the gaps in employment!

Be Direct When a Gap in Employment is Objectively Positive

Some gaps in employment are positive things. Even so, you still need to address them. Otherwise, a potential employer might make assumptions. Instead, take advantage of the opportunity to share something positive. Address your gap directly if you are a homemaker returning to work , received a fellowship to pursue an academic interest, taken a hiatus to do volunteer work, or worked on an independent project. Not only will this clear up any misunderstandings, but it could also be a positive addition to your application packet.

Mary F.

Some Gaps Can Be Ignored

Before you spend time worrying about an employment gap, ask yourself if you need to address the issue at all. For example, if you have five or more years of steady employment history, there’s no need to bring up a gap in employment before that. Likewise, you don’t need to mention gaps in employment that occurred while you were a college student. You can also ignore any gap that is less than six months. 

Finally, job hopping can be a problem, but it is not the same as having an employment gap. How you handle job-hopping really depends on the industry, and what you were doing at the time. For example, some fields like retail , hospitality, customer service , etc, tend to have a quick turnover, and employment periods tend to be shorter.

Add The Gap in The Closing Paragraph as a Power Move

If you can put a positive spin on a gap in employment, especially a recent one, add it to your closing paragraph. You can use the gap to tell prospective employers that you are now ready to move forward and do great things in your career.

For example, imagine that you are returning to work after studying for a year. You could close your cover letter by writing:

‘I was fortunate enough to spend the past year studying Organizational Psychology at Boston University. I am now ready to take the skills I have acquired and apply them as your new manager of human resources. I would love to meet with you to discuss your needs.’

Never Give Too Much Information

Remember that you are not obligated to share all of the details about a negative gap in employment. Keep in mind that a previous employer is likely to be pretty tight-lipped about a negative relationship with you unless it is something they are legally obligated to disclose. While you shouldn’t lie, you don’t have to go into great detail. 

For example, don’t go into detail about an ongoing personality conflict with a previous employer that culminated in a heated argument, and resulted in damaging your reputation on the local business scene. Instead, simply mention a difference in opinion or conflicting working styles that led to your decision to rethink your career options.

Employment Gap Cover Letter Sample in .docx Format

employment gap cover letter example

Download example (Word version)

Example Cover Letter Explaining a Gap in Employment – Text Format

Dear Ms. Wilkerson, 

I am writing this letter to apply for the position of General Manager of your San Diego restaurant division. I have ten years of restaurant management experience, before that, I worked in both fronts of the house and back of house positions in the fine-dining space on the west coast. I believe the experience I have closely mirrors what you need in a GM.

As someone who works in the food-service industry, I have a passion for catering people. That passion extends beyond providing delicious food to the customers who come into my venus. Because of this, I recently took a year-long hiatus to help create nutritional programs for schools in developing nations. In addition to being privileged to help others, I learned quite a bit about reducing food waste and working within a very stringent budget. I know that I can turn those skills into cost savings for any restaurant that I manage.

I am ready to jump back into the game and restart my career as a restaurant manager. I am confident that I am the perfect person to lead your restaurants in the San Diego area. Let’s meet to discuss this further!

Thanks for your time,

Jeffrey Ninja

How To Address a Gap in Employment? More Examples!

Still not sure how to compose the right narrative? Here are several quick snippets you can use in your cover letter:

Explaining a Gap in Employment Due to Family 

For the past three years, I’ve been serving as a Resident Home Educator, to my two kids, aged 6 and 9. While I’ve been out of my original career lane as a Communications Manager, I still practiced and developed my skills. Homeschooling my children have helped me improve my presentational skills and research skills. I’m now an expert in breaking down complex concepts into engaging short narratives and feel that this ability will help me find success in a new role as an Editorial Strategist with your firm. 

Explaining a Gap in Employment Due to Mental Illness

After successfully completing the $50 million M&A deal at my previous consulting firm, I decided to take a year off to restore my mental health. This time has also helped me reflect on my priorities and re-evaluate my career path, leading me to the idea of transitioning to a non-profit sector. I believe Charity Quest can greatly benefit from my past financial advisory experience to ensure better P&L management and cash flow. 

Explaining a Gap in Employment Due to Covid-19

I greatly enjoyed working at Nightime Lounge, where I served as a chief mixologist for the past 1.5 years and a half. The restaurant manager, James Welsh, can provide further reference on my performance. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, I was furloughed. However, I used my free time to create a YouTube channel and short cocktail mixology course with several signature recipes. You can review both on my website. 

How Do You Explain Gap Year in Cover Letter?

The easiest way to bring up your gap year is by briefly explaining what you did and what skills or experiences you’ve obtained along your journey. Don’t talk about the fun travel you did or lounge time you had. Instead, focus on the vocations, interests, and perhaps extra education that you’ve pursued along the way. 

Here’s a quick example of how to address a gap year in your cover letter:

“After completing my BS degree in Biology at Denver State University, I chose to take a gap year to reflect on my studies and determine which career path may work best for me. During that time, I volunteered with the West Coast Marine Savers and my experience lead me to discover my passion for water conservation. When I noticed an opening at your firm, I was excited to jump at the opportunity for applying.”

How to Explain Gaps in Employment Due to Disability?

Becoming temporary or permanently disabled can have a severe mental toll on you, which is understandable. But don’t let your doubts or negative emotions get into the way of your job search. Instead of treating (and thus speaking about) your disability as a weakness, merely acknowledge it as one of the facts. Then move on to highlighting some of your other strengths. 

Here’s a quick example of how you can address disability in your cover letter:

“ Two years ago, I got into a bad car accident and was left disabled for the following 1.5 months. Today, I have fully recovered mentally, yet still, have some difficulties walking. However, my condition in no way affects my ability to create user-friendly website designs and, specifically, material design applications.”

Final Tip: Keep it Brief, Yet Direct

Don’t make the mistake of drawing more attention to gaps in your employment than you need to. Your cover letter should focus on your skills, passions, and fit for the job. If you spend more than a couple of sentences over-explaining a gap in your work history, that’s going to be problematic. Be brief and matter of fact.

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Career Sidekick

How to Explain Gaps in Employment (With Examples)

By Biron Clark

Published: November 8, 2023

Interview Preparation | Resume/CV

Biron Clark

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

Explaining gaps in employment can be intimidating, but there are a couple of effective methods you can use. In this article, I’m going to show you how to explain employment gaps in your interviews, resume and cover letter … with word-for-word examples and sample explanations.

Let’s get started with the interview first…

Explaining Gaps In Employment In Your Interview

Explaining gaps in employment is really just about knowing what reasons are okay to share, and which ones you should tell a white lie about or not share. And then being upfront and comfortable with your answer.

These are all good sample reasons for having a gap in employment:

  • Caring for a sick family member
  • Caring for a young child
  • Any medical or health issue
  • Taking time off to relocate and find a job in a new state/city
  • Pursuing further education or going back to school
  • Pursuing any other type of professional training
  • Taking time off to travel, study, work on a solo project, etc.
  • Trying to start a business or freelance career
  • You were laid off , your former company downsized, etc… and you had trouble finding a job after
  • You were actively searching but had trouble finding a job (NOTE: I’ll cover this in detail later but you need to make it sound like you were being selective in your job search and waiting to find the RIGHT fit. That sounds a *lot* better than saying, “I was looking everywhere but couldn’t find a single company that would consider hiring me!”

Once you have your reason prepared… Here are the general steps to follow when explaining gaps in employment in the interview: 

  • Explain the situation clearly but briefly. They don’t need a ton of personal details. Just give them the core facts.
  • Show that the situation has ended or is no longer a factor, so they won’t be worried you’ll have to take another break from working. If they hire you, they want to know you’re 100% ready to work for them.
  • Reiterate your interest in their position and bring the focus back onto this job interview and this position.

Examples Of How To Explain Employment Gaps In An Interview:

Sample explanation 1:

I had to resign from my previous position to care for an aging family member. I did this for the past year. Since then, my siblings and I have hired a full-time caregiver so I no longer need to be present, and am fully available to work now and in the future. So I’ve begun job searching and I’m focused on finding a sales supervisor or manager position that will help me advance my career further now.

Sample explanation 2:

I was laid off nine months ago. I started my job search immediately after, and I’m looking for sales supervisor or sales manager positions now to continue advancing my career. I’ve had a number of interviews but haven’t found the right fit yet. One thing I’m looking for is a chance to mentor and train team members, and manage a team directly. I saw that mentioned on the job description for this position… can you tell me more about that?

Two Things To Remember When Answering:

1. You need to sound like an in-demand job candidate…

If you’re explaining a current gap in employment, you need to sound like you’re being selective and that you’re focused on making sure you find the best fit for the long term, rather than just accepting the first job you come across. That’ll make a 6 month gap (or longer) sound a bit better. If you’ve been job hunting during your employment gap, you don’t want it to sound like you haven’t had a single interview in the last few months. That’s never a good idea. If your gap in employment is related to health, travel, a family member’s health, etc…. then it’s fine to say you haven’t had any interviews.

2. Be upfront and honest…

Gaps in employment happen, and good hiring managers will realize this. If you’ve made it into the interview, there’s obviously something they liked on your resume . So when it comes to explaining gaps in employment it’s best to be honest and upfront.

You probably won’t lose out on the job by explaining the situation. You will definitely lose out on the job by lying or seeming like you’re trying to cover something up.

Explaining Gaps In Employment On Your Resume

Okay, maybe you’re still writing your resume or having trouble getting interviews. How do you explain gaps in your employment on your resume so you can GET interviews in the first place?

Here are a few ways you can explain (or hide) gaps in employment:

  • List years instead of months for previous positions. (e.g. “2014-2016”). I’ve used this method in the past when I had a couple of small gaps between jobs (by a small gap, I mean 2-3 months maximum). This won’t work if you have too many gaps though, or gaps longer than one year.
  • If your gaps are longer or more frequent, consider providing a brief note on the resume listing your reason for the gap in employment. Just list it like any other job. Put your previous positions with the dates you held them. And for your gap, you’d have dates there too, and a one-line explanation (“I took a hiatus from work in order to care for an elderly family member in need”).

If you use these strategies, consider going onto LinkedIn and making the same changes there too. If these options don’t work for you, write a cover letter ! This is a good idea no matter what. In your cover letter, explain what happened in detail and draw their attention to the gap so that you can tell them the full story instead of allowing them to make assumptions (you’re usually better off attacking controversial topics head-on).

That’s how I’d explain gaps in employment on a resume. Also, nobody can tell you with 100% certainty what will work in your industry, with the specific circumstances of your gap in employment (dates, length, reason for the gap, etc.)

So TEST things out. Send out 10 resumes one way, and if nobody’s responding, change something up. If it’s not working, you can’t just keep doing the same things on auto-pilot. That’s how you end up not finding a job .

It’s usually better to be upfront than hide employment gaps

I always give the same resume advice to candidates with gaps in their work history: Be straightforward rather than trying to hide dates or other pieces of information. Hiring managers are usually going to be able to tell if you’re hiding something. Your resume should feature a chronological work history on the first page that includes job titles, company names, key responsibilities for each role, and yes… dates of employment.

No matter what you do, there are some employers out there who won’t like the fact that you have a gap in your employment. That’s okay… Companies like that aren’t worth your time. We’re human. Things happen. And there’s more to life than working nonstop for 40 years. So don’t get discouraged if a few companies say they’re not interested, or just don’t respond. I guarantee those are the same companies you do NOT want to work for anyway because they’re going to have horrible vacation policies, bosses who question you every time you take a sick day, etc.

Note: These Tips and Sample Explanations Will Also Work on Job Applications

Sometimes a job application will say, “please explain any gaps in employment.” The advice resume advice above also work for job applications. Follow the same “rules”, be clear and upfront, and you’ll be fine when applying for jobs.

The one adjustment I’d recommend making on job applications (and cover letters): Be clear and direct, but don’t give too much information. The only goal of your job application is to get you into the interview. If they’re concerned about employment gaps, they can ask more in the interview. And that’s where you should be very honest/open and explain things further. That’s where you can gauge their reactions, decide how much to share based on their responses, etc. You can’t do this in a written explanation.

So, by writing too much info on a job application, you might do more harm than good. It’s better to discuss this type of thing in person, so  limit your explanation to 1-2 sentences for each gap in employment on your job applications, cover letters, etc. 

Final Advice on How to Explain Gaps in Employment:

Don’t be apologetic about your work history. Taking time off is not something to be ashamed of. Not every company will want to interview you, but some will. Stand by your decisions and choices, present your skills with a straightforward (chronological) resume format , and be ready to answer questions and explain yourself further in the job interview.

Related reading:

  • What to do when you can’t find a job in your field
  • How to answer “Why did you leave your last job?”

Biron Clark

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

20 thoughts on “How to Explain Gaps in Employment (With Examples)”

Monster’s report The Future of Work 2021 has shown that the employment gap is no longer considered a red flag by almost half of employers in the US. That’s a piece of good news because it indicates that the marketplace is becoming more tolerant of deviance in the workforce.

However, it doesn’t mean that the black holes on your career record will be overlooked. Rather, they will be carefully examined and objectively evaluated so that the right candidates are not going to slip through the cracks just because of an obsolete prejudice.

I’m in the same situation, was an IT contractor for a number of years, then jobs fell away after year 2000 work had finished, and employers would no longer consider me for permanent jobs due to the fact i’d been a contractor, I guess they assumed I’d just leave when the market picked up!

Long story short, mortgage to pay, no income, had to sell my house and downsize to a flat, and then used that to go into property development with friends which has now finished, and now trying to go back to my original career of software development, seems like an uphill impossible task at the moment, but glad to read your advice even if my “career break” is 18 years!

I’ve done a lot of similar temporary jobs, but had several months gap in the middle of them nearly everytime. I’ve had dozens of interviews everytime, always get them easily. Struggle with the interviews though because I have Aspergers’. When I have been successful with that before as soon as I’ve mentioned my Epilepsy I have very mildly too, several places have changed their minds then, stopped me. I keep getting asked more + more now why I’ve got so many long employment gaps, how am I supposed to answer that in a positive way?

I thought it was interesting that you didn’t list caring for young children as a valid reason for a gap in employment. Your tips were still helpful to me, though.

Good point. That’s also a valid reason (and a common one).

Thank you for posting this, I have a ton of different jobs and gaps because being a ex pipe welder I went where the work was, most of the world does not get it. Life is a roller coaster companies will be booming for a couple years then dead as a door nail. This write up really has helped me not to make my crazy work history look so crazy.

Why don´t you just say Sabbatical ? Regardless how long the gap was it provides a plausible explanation and each one fill out with their own reasons…

i have gap of 9 month due to my previous company boss is horrible ,its very much difficulty to survive, so i had reign and taken break of six month ,from last 3 month i have given interview but its not happening so what i suppose to give reason for gap. can you explain can you explain.

Thanks for the nice article. But I am looking for more the answers of where to write this gaps explanations in our cv. My current CV sections are sunsequently like, Experiences, Educations, Technical skills and language skills, Certifications. So I have currently two 6 months gap in my CV. First one was before I started to my current job. I learned german, So I was in intensive german course. Other 6 months is after my last job. And I was preparing for the some certification exams through self study and online courses. So the question, to which section should I write this gap explanations. Thanks a lot for the answers

If you’re explaining a gap in employment, you should write it in your employment history. You should have a section with your chronological work history. I know other people recommend a “Functional” resume and all sorts of other stuff to hide gaps but in my experience, it doesn’t work. You should be listing each previous role and job duties in chronological order, with the dates. (You can choose to show months and years, or just years). And then you can put something to explain gaps of employment right in that section of your resume.

Thanks Biron Clark for the answer. As I understood you right you adviced me to write my gap explanations directly to work experiences section even though they are not work experience actually. Correct me if I understood wrong. But what about writing them to directly their own section. For example I have a section in the second page of my CV which is “language skills” So I have here just written english (business fluent), german (business fluent). Can I put that times combining near it. like below English (business fluent) German (business fluent), MM/YYYY – MM/YYYY German Course…..

or are you still offering me to write in employment history? Thanks for the ideas

I haven’t yet found the situation that applies to me, for good reason – I had taken a leave of absence to pursue a master’s degree. My mother had been ill with cancer, and was in remission, and I had the opportunity, so I went. Before I was able to complete my thesis, the cancer returned, and she died. I was devastated, and needed to take time away from teaching, because I couldn’t give students what they needed. So, though I had found another job teaching, I wasn’t able to do it, and they released me from my contract. I had only taught for a couple of weeks. After a year, I decided that I needed a longer break, and I obtained my real estate broker’s license. Since that time, I have sold real estate, although I have also been a substitute teacher – one year, I subbed the entire year with another teacher. We split the position. It saved the district money, since they didn’t have to pay benefits with two half-time teachers. The year after, I taught half days for several weeks for a teacher with a bad back problem, and I’ve subbed occasionally since then. Now, I want to go back to teaching. I’m ready now. My grief over the death of my mother is complicated, and it really devasted me. I needed the time away from teaching, because it requires everything you have to give, and I needed time to heal. I have 19 years’ experience as a teacher, and I’ve accomplished some things I’m very proud of. I am now applying for teaching positions, and I need a way to explain the past 5.5 years away from teaching full-time without sounding maudlin, or whiny.

This was really handy, thank you.

Hello! I have been unemployed for 9 months. I left my company where i had worked for 4 years to take another offer. Unfortunatey, I did leave this new position afte over 1 month. The main reason is that it doesn’t fit with me as I had thought of it. I don’t know how to explain my employmen gap for the past 9 months positively. I feel very uncomfortable and hopeless.

“You were laid off, your former company downsized, etc… and you had trouble finding a job after”

That’s pretty much why I’m not employed for now. And yet no one wants to even interview me.

I have periods of “good” jobs I would be happy to include on my resume followed by low-level jobs that would get my resume tossed. These cycles correlate to how well I have been able to deal with my depression. I have been leaving those lower-level jobs off my resume and trying to explain away the gaps instead without referring to depression as an issue that has surfaced more than once. I feel fine at the moment, but this is a big problem moving forward.

I would really like advice on how to deal with this situation without lying or oversharing!

Hello, I totally agree with Kero. Indeed, there is more to life than working nonstop for 40 years. I appreciate for your article, now I feel more confident.

Hi !! I just want to say thank you for providing this article and share it with all of us . Im out of job for almost 2 years already despite had a good career background but after continue searching there is no luck so far . Im really touched by the last part of this “So don’t get discouraged if a few companies say they’re not interested, or just don’t respond. I guarantee those are the same companies you do NOT want to work for anyway because they’re going to have horrible vacation policies, bosses who question you every time you take a sick day, etc.” …The moment I read that I burst into tear. So thank you again to at least cheer me up and have hope again .

Thanks for taking the time to write this. I’m really happy to hear this helped you.

Comments are closed.

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Written Samples

10 sample cover letters explaining gap in employment.

In the contemporary job market, gaps in employment are not uncommon. However, effectively explaining these gaps in cover letters remains a challenge for many job seekers.

Whether the gap is due to personal reasons, educational pursuits, or unforeseen circumstances, it’s crucial to address it in a way that is both honest and professional. This article provides ten sample cover letters, each tailored to different situations and reasons for employment gaps.

Sample Cover Letters Explaining Gap in Employment

These samples aim to guide and inspire job seekers in crafting their own compelling cover letters that transparently and effectively communicate their unique situations.

Sample 1: Personal Health Issue

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Where You Found the Job Posting]. My professional background in [Your Field/Industry], combined with my commitment to personal growth and development, makes me a strong candidate for this role.

I would like to address a gap in my employment from [Start Date] to [End Date], which occurred due to a personal health issue. During this period, I focused on my health and recovery, ensuring that I could return to the workforce with renewed vigor and dedication. This time away also allowed me to engage in various online courses and workshops related to [Your Field/Industry], keeping my skills and knowledge up-to-date.

I am now fully recovered and eager to bring my enhanced perspective and capabilities to your team. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experience and skills will be beneficial to [Company Name].

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Sample 2: Family Care Responsibilities

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With a strong background in [Your Field/Industry] and a proven track record of [Specific Achievement or Skill], I am prepared to make a significant contribution to your team.

Before delving into my professional qualifications, I wish to clarify the gap in my employment history from [Start Date] to [End Date]. This period was dedicated to providing essential care for a family member undergoing a serious health challenge. While this was a time of personal commitment, it also afforded me the opportunity to develop valuable skills such as time management, empathy, and resilience, which I believe are beneficial in any professional setting.

Now that I am returning to the workforce, I am eager to apply these skills, along with my professional expertise, to the role of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. Thank you for considering my application.

Sample 3: Educational Pursuits

I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as listed on [Where You Found the Job Posting]. My background in [Your Field/Industry], along with my recent educational advancements, positions me as a strong candidate for this role.

I would like to highlight the gap in my employment from [Start Date] to [End Date], which was due to my decision to further my education in [Field of Study]. During this time, I completed [Degree or Certification] at [Institution Name], which has significantly enhanced my skills in [Specific Skills or Areas]. This academic pursuit was a strategic step to deepen my expertise and broaden my capabilities within [Your Field/Industry].

With my updated qualifications and renewed passion for [Your Field/Industry], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] and achieve [Specific Company Goals or Projects].

Sample 4: Volunteering and Travel

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to apply for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. My experience in [Your Field/Industry], coupled with my commitment to personal and professional growth, makes me an ideal candidate for this position.

I would like to address the gap in my employment from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During this time, I engaged in a combination of volunteering and travel. My volunteer work with [Organization Name] in [Location] allowed me to develop [Specific Skills or Experiences], while traveling provided me with a broader world view and an appreciation for diverse cultures and practices. These experiences have enriched my professional abilities, particularly in areas such as [Relevant Skills or Perspectives].

I am now eager to apply these enriched skills and perspectives to the role of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. Thank you for considering my application.

Sample 5: Starting a Business

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. My extensive experience in [Your Field/Industry] and my entrepreneurial background make me a unique and valuable candidate for this role.

I wish to explain the gap in my employment history from [Start Date] to [End Date], during which I pursued an entrepreneurial venture by starting my own business in [Industry/Field]. This experience was immensely valuable, equipping me with skills in [List Relevant Skills, e.g., leadership, financial management, strategic planning]. While the business eventually closed, the lessons learned and skills acquired are directly applicable to the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my unique blend of traditional employment experience and entrepreneurial spirit to your team. Thank you for considering my application.

Sample 6: Mental Health Break

I am interested in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] and am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience in [Your Field/Industry] to your esteemed organization.

In the spirit of transparency, I would like to address the gap in my employment from [Start Date] to [End Date]. This period was a necessary mental health break, allowing me to focus on personal well-being and self-improvement. During this time, I engaged in activities that enhanced my professional competencies, such as [List Activities or Skills Developed, e.g., online courses, volunteer work].

Fully rejuvenated, I am now eager to re-enter the workforce and apply my refreshed perspective and skills to the role of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. Thank you for considering my application.

Sample 7: Pursuing a Personal Project

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With a solid background in [Your Field/Industry] and a passion for continuous learning and development, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.

I would like to bring to your attention the gap in my employment from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During this period, I dedicated myself to a personal project in [Describe Project or Area]. This project not only honed my skills in [Specific Skills], but also provided me with a deeper understanding of [Relevant Industry/Area Knowledge]. The experience has equipped me with unique insights and competencies that I am excited to bring to the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].

I appreciate your consideration of my application and look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my unique experiences can benefit your organization.

Sample 8: Dealing with a Personal Loss

I am applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], confident that my professional experience in [Your Field/Industry] aligns well with the demands of this role.

I would like to address a gap in my employment history, which occurred from [Start Date] to [End Date]. This period was marked by a significant personal loss, which necessitated time away from work to focus on personal matters and healing. Throughout this challenging time, I maintained my commitment to professional development by engaging in [List Any Relevant Activities, e.g., part-time courses, freelance projects].

As I return to full-time employment, I bring not only my professional expertise but also a renewed sense of resilience and emotional intelligence. I am eager to apply these qualities to the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].

Sample 9: Career Transition

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With a diverse background in [Previous Field/Industry] and now transitioning into [New Field/Industry], I bring a unique perspective that can add substantial value to your team.

I would like to explain the gap in my employment from [Start Date] to [End Date], which was a strategic career transition phase. During this time, I focused on upskilling and retraining for [New Field/Industry] through [List Training, Courses, or Certifications]. This deliberate move was aimed at aligning my career with my passions and strengths, and I am now well-equipped with [List Newly Acquired Skills or Knowledge] relevant to the [Job Title] role.

I am enthusiastic about bringing my combination of experience and new skills to [Company Name] and contributing to your success.

Sample 10: Sabbatical for Personal Growth

I am eager to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. My extensive experience in [Your Field/Industry], coupled with my recent sabbatical for personal growth, positions me well for this exciting opportunity.

I would like to discuss the gap in my employment from [Start Date] to [End Date], which was a purposeful sabbatical devoted to personal growth and exploration. This time allowed me to engage in activities such as [List Activities, e.g., volunteering, travel, studying], each of which has contributed significantly to my personal and professional development. These experiences have enhanced my abilities in areas such as [List Relevant Skills or Qualities, e.g., cross-cultural communication, adaptability, creative problem-solving].

I am now ready to re-enter the workforce with a refreshed perspective and a wealth of new ideas that I am excited to apply in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. My unique journey during this period has provided me with invaluable insights and skills that I am eager to bring to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to [Company Name] and achieving new heights together.

In summary, when explaining gaps in employment in cover letters, it’s important to focus on the positive aspects of what you learned or how you grew during that time. Whether it was personal development, acquiring new skills, or overcoming challenges, these experiences can be valuable in the workplace.

The key is to communicate this effectively and professionally, as demonstrated in the samples above. Remember, every gap in employment is an opportunity to showcase resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

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How to Address Employment Gaps in Your Cover Letter

By: Sean Fitzpatrick

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Use your cover letter to explain the employment gaps in your work history and allay any concerns your potential employers may have about your readiness for the job.

If you’ve been in the workforce for a while, chances are you’ve probably experienced at least one employment gap in your work history. Legitimate events may have kept you out of the workforce for some time. You may have been laid off, experienced an illness, taken care of a family member, traveled, or changed careers.

If you have gaps in your employment history, your potential employers might have some questions about these gaps. Their skepticism is reasonable. Most employers would rather avoid candidates who seem to be “job hoppers” or who have a history of job loss due to poor performance. If you’ve spent some time on the sidelines, they’ll want to know why.

Use your cover letter to address the employment gaps that may show up in your resume. Here’s how.

Express your employment dates in years.

In your “work experience” section of your resume, list the start and end years only, not the months or days. This will spark fewer concerns that you’ll need to explain away.

Mention non-family-related gaps directly.

In your cover letter, directly address that gaps that you’re comfortable discussing. For example, if you left your job to start a business, but it never got off the ground, share this proudly. A bold move like this showcases your willingness to take risks and try new things. The same applies to overseas volunteering, artistic endeavors, and other career side-trips that might showcase your strengths as an employee.

Keep family-related gaps to yourself.

While you may openly address your professional gaps in employment, it’s best to keep your personal gaps to yourself. For example, if you left the workforce to raise your children, you don’t have to share this with anyone. In fact, the law protects you from employers who ask during an interview. In cases such as these, keep the conversation focused on your qualifications and skill sets.

Highlight your mid-life career shifts.

If your employment gaps took place when you decided to switch career paths, build your cover letter around this narrative. Explain the reasons behind your decision. Outline the details of your journey from one field to the next. If your new career involved any kind of study or training that took the place of full-time work, state this clearly. Again, be proud of the risks you’ve taken and the accomplishments you achieved by leaving the workplace for a while.

If you really were fired, be careful.

If you did leave the workforce for a while due to performance or unreliability, tread carefully. In this case, it’s best to refrain from mentioning your employment gap in your letter (and in your interview) until you’re directly asked about it. When that happens, be ready to shed a positive, diplomatic light on the incident and explain what you learned during the process.

For more on how to explain your work history to potential employers, rely on the tools and guidelines from LiveCareer .

By Randall S. Hansen

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Employment Gap on a Resume - 13 Simple Ways to Explain It

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Employment gaps are not uncommon, yet they’re quite scary. Mainly, that’s because recruiters assume the worst when they see them on a resume. 

In most cases, however, employment gaps are nothing to be scared of. There can be many justifiable reasons why someone has an employment gap, from going back to school and deciding to travel to taking time and caring for their growing children. 

So what we’re getting to here is this: employment gaps are not a big deal, as long as you know how to explain them well on your resume

To learn how to explain an employment gap on a resume, we’ve put together this guide for you. Here’s what we’ll cover:

13 Best Ways to Explain Employment Gaps

  • Good Reasons for an Employment Gap

Sample Resume with Employment Gap

And more! So let’s dive right in! 

During your job hunt , you’ll have three separate chances to explain an employment gap:

  • On your resume
  • On your cover letter
  • During your interview

To best convey the employment gap (and reasons behind it), you’ll need to touch on it in all 3. So below, we’ll explain the best way to explain an employment gap on your resume, cover letter, and during an interview:

6 Ways to Explain an Employment Gap on Your Resume

#1. be honest .

Your resume is the first thing that recruiters check, so it’s crucial that you’re honest! 

After all, you don’t want to omit a two-year-long employment gap from your resume, for example, only to have it be revealed during your interview. 

As such, it’s super important that you’re honest about your employment history - or lack thereof - right there on your resume. 

What’s important here is to understand that potential employers will find out about your employment gap - especially if it was a lengthy or recent one. As such, trying to hide it will only damage your application and give recruiters even more reason to believe you have something to hide. 

And, if you’re feeling anxious about it, remember that recruiters are also humans and will probably be understanding if you are straightforward about your employment gap - and about what caused it! 

#2. Remove the Employment Gap (If It’s Outdated)

Here’s some good news: if your employment gap is old, you can safely omit it from your resume entirely.

Say, for example, your employment gap is from 10 years ago. Chances are - especially if you’re a seasoned professional - that you won’t even be including jobs from 10 years ago on your resume. After all, you want your resume to be as relevant as possible (and stay within the recommended 1-page resume length). 

As such, it’s totally OK to omit employment gaps that stretch long before your recent employment history (or that are quite short, like 6-month-old employment gaps while you were between jobs). 

#3. Explain the Gap

When it comes to resumes, simply writing down the dates of your employment gap won’t cut it - it would only leave things open to recruiters’ interpretation. 

Take the following example:

Work Experience

Digital Marketer  Airfield Baumax  02/2012 - 04/2015

Marketing Assistant  Walmart 05/2007 - 07/2009 

The only thing that this candidate makes clear to recruiters is that he was not working for a 3-year period. Apart from that, recruiters have no way of knowing whether the employment gap was due to a valid reason or because the candidate decided to be a couch potato for some years.

This is why it’s better to actually write out the exact reason for the employment gap in-between your work experience entries.

Here’s an example that does it right:

07/2009 - 01/2012

From September 2009 to January 2012, I backpacked through Europe and East Asia. This had long been a goal of mine to achieve before turning 30.

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#4. Take Advantage of a Different Resume Layout

If your employment gap is longer than just a few short months, you could benefit from using a different resume layout altogether. 

For example, the functional resume format and the combination format put more emphasis on your skills and competencies rather than on your work experience, which is a great way to shift focus from your employment gap. 

That said, taking advantage of a different resume layout does not mean you should omit the employment gap from your resume altogether . Lying is never the right way to go here, and will always end badly for you (even if you manage to get the job).

#5. Use Your Time Away Effectively 

If you’re suddenly in between jobs and are worried about how this will reflect on your future job applications, get proactive! 

Instead of simply explaining your future employment gap as a “career break” or “job searching,” start a personal project and create something more valuable to put on your resume. 

For instance, you can join one or more online courses related to your profession while you’re on a break from work, or start that project you always wanted to work on but never had the chance to! 

That way, you’ll have much more to talk about than simply stating you were looking for jobs or taking a self-discovery break and you’ll be effectively showing recruiters that you’re constantly growing - even outside the office!

#6.  Show That You Never Stopped Learning 

Highlighting your skills and acquired knowledge is also a great way to cover past employment gaps. Sure, you might’ve not been working, but you could’ve still been working on developing yourself as a professional or individual.

You could, for example, mention something like this on your resume to address your employment gap:

06/2012 - 09/2013

Took a year off my career to focus on personal and professional development. Over the duration of the year, I managed to:

  • Start my own marketing blog.
  • Read 20+ books about digital marketing.
  • Attended 5+ networking events.

3 Ways to Explain Employment Gaps in Cover Letters

Want to go more in-depth into your employment gap? Your cover letter is your chance to do so. 

Unlike your resume, which barely leaves you 2-3 sentences worth of space to explain yourself, you can be way more comprehensive in your cover letter . 

Specifically, you can use the body of your cover letter to give more details about your employment gap.

Here are the best ways to do it:

  • Give a valid explanation. The whole point of mentioning your employment gap on your cover letter is to justify it the best way you can. For example, if you had an accident, writing “took 1 year off work because of injury” won’t be as convincing as writing “took 1 year off work after a car accident that required me to do intense physiotherapy sessions to fully recover.” 
  • Highlight new skills . Additionally, it’s super important to highlight any new skills acquired during your time off. The good thing about the cover letter is that you have a better chance of explaining the skills and what motivated you to acquire them (e.g. “due to organizational changes, I was laid off from my previous job. However, I used the time it took me to find a new job to catch up on industry-related trends and readings, get online certifications, and network with professionals in the field.”) 
  • Don’t overshare. Last but not least, it’s important to know that just because you have more space on your cover letter it doesn’t mean you should overshare the details of your employment gap. If, for instance, you took a one-year break to deal with burnout , you don’t have to give too many details about how that went. So, instead of writing, “took a year off to recuperate from burnout, during which time I consulted 3 different therapists and several support groups,” you can just write “took one year off work to deal with work-related burnout and re-asses my professional goals.” If you think it’s important to share more information, talk about how you grew professionally not about what you went through personally. 

4 Ways to Explain Employment Gaps in Interviews 

If your resume and cover letter make a good impression, chances are you’ll be called for an interview. And, even if you have already explained your employment gap, there’s nothing keeping recruiters from asking you again about it. 

Here’s what you can do to address an employment gap during your interview effectively:

  • Rehearse in advance. Your best bet is assuming that you will be asked about your employment gap. That way, you can take the time to prep your answer in advance and won’t be taken back if recruiters actually ask the questions during the interview . 
  • DON’T badmouth your former employer. If your employment gap is due to getting fired, bashing your former employer won’t help you get a new position - if anything, it might make you look immature. Instead, try to highlight all the steps you took to bounce back from getting fired and show recruiters why you’re the ideal candidate for this position.
  • Focus on what you did right. Now, if you lost your job unjustly (or due to reasons outside of your control), the way to make a great impression is to focus on how you were a stellar employee before the employment gap! That way, you can shift recruiters’ attention to your strengths, instead of simply telling them you lost your job and there wasn’t much you could do about it.
  • Be confident. Sometimes, how you say things is just as important as what you say. If recruiters ask that you elaborate on your employment gap and you suddenly get super nervous about it, you’ll probably raise some serious red flags. So, make sure to polish your communication skills in advance and start your interview with a show of confidence. 

Here is an example of how you can address your employment gap during an interview:

Unfortunately, I lost my job due to cuts within the company. During the time I was looking for jobs, I took online courses to hone my skills, stayed updated with all industry trends and developments, and focused on my mental wellbeing. I am now in perfect shape to put all I learned into practice throughout my new endeavors. 

7 Good Reasons For an Employment Gap

There can be countless reasons behind an employment gap and, as long as it’s not related to something like, say, jail time, it shouldn’t hinder your chances of getting employed.

That said, here are some great examples of good reasons for an employment gap:

  • Family reasons. Family is super important and most recruiters are guaranteed to be understanding if your employment gap is due to family-related issues. What’s important here is to show that whatever family reason you had for taking time off work, it’s over now (e.g. if you took time off to raise your kids, make a point explaining they’re all grown up and off to school now).
  • Self-discovery. Did you take some time off work to redefine your life path and career choices? That’s totally OK - as long as you can convince recruiters that you now have your answers and won’t be leaving this job again after a year or two.
  • Illness. Any illness you may have suffered that’s hindered you from working is a totally legitimate reason to explain your employment gap. Just make sure to mention you’re recovered and fully able to work.
  • Injury. Just like with illnesses, injuries that render you incapable of work are perfectly fine reasons to explain an employment gap, so mention them without hesitation.
  • Failed business or initiative. You may be hesitant to mention a failed startup or business initiative as the reason behind your employment gap, but there’s no reason to! If anything, it shows you have initiative and aren’t scared to act on it. So, as long as you show recruiters how you bounced back, you shouldn’t hide this valid reason.
  • Burnout. The World Health Organization defines burnout as an occupational phenomenon that can take a serious toll on someone’s physical and mental health. As such, don’t hesitate to tell recruiters that you took some time off to improve your well-being after experiencing burnout in the workplace .
  • Education. No one minds an employee who’s always looking to expand their knowledge, so if you took a break from work to get another degree, go ahead and mention that on your resume.

7 Other Resume Resources

Building a strong resume is hard enough without having to explain an employment gap. Struggling with other aspects of building a resume? Check out some of our top resources: 

  • How to Write a Resume . The ULTIMATE beginner’s guide on how to make a resume in 2024. Includes tops of tips, resume examples, and more.
  • Free Resume Templates . Want to avoid the hassle of formatting your resume from scratch? Just pick one of our 8 free resume templates and get started with your resume within minutes.
  • Career Change Resume . Is your employment gap due to a career change? Learn how to write an awesome career change resume with these 9+ examples.
  • What to Put on a Resume . Here are the most important sections to put on your resume and win the job.
  • Resume Tips and Tricks . This article covers every single practical resume tip you’ll ever need to create a compelling CV.
  • Essential Resume Skills . Want to stand out from other applicants? You’ll need to include the right skills on your resume. This article covers the most in-demand skills in 2024.
  • Resume Examples . Struggling to write a resume for your field? This article covers resume examples for almost all popular roles in 2024, including jobs in IT, marketing, healthcare, and more.

Sample Resume with Employment Gap

FAQ on Employment Gaps 

Do you still have some questions on everything employment gap-related? Find your answers below!

#1. How long is too long of an employment gap?

Any employment gap on your resume that you can’t explain to recruiters can cast a shadow on your job application. 

That said, shorter periods of employment gaps (e.g. time between jobs, illness or injury recovery, etc.) are much more acceptable than, say, 3-year-long gaps in your recent work history. 

So, while there is no specific time limit for a super long employment gap, the longer it is, the harder it will be for recruiters to ignore it.

#2. Is an employment gap bad?

That entirely depends on the reason behind your employment gap. 

If your employment gap is due to illness, failed business, family emergency, and the like, then an employment gap is definitely not bad! All you need to do is be honest with the recruiters and prove that you’re a trustworthy employee. 

That said if your employment gap comes from less socially acceptable reasons, like serving time for a crime or being away in rehab, your employment gap will be more difficult to explain - and, in turn, can be more harmful to your job application.

#3. How do you explain a gap in employment due to being a stay-at-home parent?

Taking time off work to be a stay-at-home parent falls under family-related reasons for an employment gap. 

The best way to explain such an employment gap is to write down the exact period you were off, titling it as a “planned career break.” Underneath, you can include one or two sentences on why you took it (e.g. took three years off work to care for my growing children, who are now in elementary school). 

On top of that, you can also mention any personal projects or other work-related experiences you had over that period. For example, if you took some online classes or started a personal project, that’s a great way to inform recruiters that you weren’t completely idle during your employment gap.

#4. How do you explain a gap in employment due to COVID-19?

The COVID-19 pandemic cost 114 million people to lose their jobs over 2020. So, if you were infected and quarantined due to COVID-19 (or if you were unlucky and had more severe health issues due to the virus), then note that on your resume as an “illness-related employment gap” or simply due to COVID-19.  

In one or two sentences, you can explain you had to take a break from work due to COVID-19 and that you’re now fully recovered and ready to work again.

Similarly, if you were working for a business that got impacted due to COVID-19 (such as an airline company) you can, in one sentence, mention you were laid off due to the impact of the pandemic and mention what you did in the meanwhile to find a job or hone your skills. 

#5. Why do employers not like gaps in employment?

Employers don’t like gaps in employment when said gaps are due to criminality, abuse or addiction, or simple laziness. In such a case, employers assume you’re not a reliable employee and that you may demonstrate the same patterns of behavior while working for them.

On the other hand, if there is a reasonable explanation for your employment gap, employers won’t think twice about hiring you, as long as you’re a good fit for the job.

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! By now, you should know everything about employment gaps and how to tackle them so they don’t hurt your job application.

Before you go, here are the main points covered in this article:

  • There are three places where you can explain an employment gap: on your resume, cover letter, and during your job interview. 
  • To explain an employment gap on a resume, be honest, elaborate on the gap, show that you never stop learning, or use a different resume layout to remove the gap altogether. 
  • Explain an employment gap on your cover letter by highlighting new skills and offering a valid explanation as to why you took it. 
  • If you have to explain your employment gap during your interview, rehearse in advance, show confidence, and don’t badmouth your former employer. 
  • Some valid reasons for an employment gap are family reasons, illnesses, and injuries, taking time to discover yourself or pursue your education, and even a failed business.

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Major Tips and Tricks to Writing a Cover Letter Explaining the Gap in Your Employment

  • Career Advice
  • Industry Insights

Posted On 20 Apr 2023

Employment gaps have been a huge fear in the workforce. For many years, having a gap in your work history was frowned upon. However, recruiters are generally more understanding of applicants these days. Job seekers now have the opportunity to show why they’re still hirable in various stages of the recruitment process, including writing a cover letter explaining the gap in their employment.

These days explaining a job gap is easier as professional cover letter writing services become more accessible. Resumeble, for instance, has an arsenal of skilled writers and industry experts that know how to write an effective letter that covers your bases. But is a cohesive resume and a well-written letter enough to win recruiters over?

In this article, we talk about what a cover letter should look like for job seekers returning to the workforce:

back view of woman typing a resume on her laptop

Cover Letter Writing: Should I explain things in the cover letter?

The short answer is yes.

Cover letters are usually a hit or miss–without professional help. The truth is many people don’t know how to write a cover letter . Of course, that doesn’t mean that these are utterly useless. In fact, with the right letter, recruiters are more likely to give an applicant a chance.

Let’s assume you’re already crafting your letter for this scenario. You’ve put in the essentials and ensured you have a favorable cover letter length . Is it really okay to explain why you have employment gaps in your cover letter?

Yes, as long as you don’t dwell on it too much. A cover letter isn’t there just so you can explain the gap, so it’s important not to make it the only topic in your letter. A brief explanation is more than enough as long as you are upfront, honest, and positive in your tone. Paired with an excellent functional or combination resume, a well-written cover letter will boost your chances regardless of the gap.

Explaining the Gaps in My Cover Letter

It’s true that employment gaps can raise red flags for recruiters, but that’s because they don’t know what you’ve been doing during the gap. This is why a cover letter that explains the gap in your employment assuages their fear and gives you more credit.

When writing a cover letter to explain the gaps, here are some basic principles you need to keep in mind:

Follow the optimal cover letter structure

There is little difference between creating a cover letter for returning to the workforce and a regular cover letter. In both cases, your letters should showcase your best traits and what makes you a strong candidate.

Keep your employment gap justification brief and direct to the point in your cover letter so it doesn't become the main point. Remember, you're simply writing the letter with an additional explanation, not the other way around.

Here's a good general structure to follow when writing a letter:

  • Greetings (Dear Mx/Sir/Ma’am:)
  • Opening Paragraph (Introducing yourself)
  • Second General Paragraph
  • Third General Paragraph (Employment gap explanation)
  • Closing Paragraph

woman creating a cover letter at home using a laptop

Be upfront and honest

A good rule of thumb to follow: never lie during the employment hiring process.

Whether it’s your resume, cover letter, or interview, it’s always best to be upfront and honest with recruiters. After all, it’s their job to do background checks on you–and they will always certainly find out about employment gaps.

Generally, it’s best to briefly mention the gap in your employment history. It saves recruiters time and allows them to focus on what you did during the gap. Of course, be prepared to answer questions but never lie about why the gap happened.

Do not over-explain

While it’s essential to make recruiters know that there are gaps in your employment history, you don’t have to share everything! If you’re writing a cover letter explaining gaps in your employment, striking the perfect balance is key. After all, you want to be hirable–not a liability.

Here are some things that you can share in a cover letter:

  • Travel Reasons
  • Caring for Family
  • Medical Reasons
  • Being laid off

These are all perfectly acceptable reasons why you have an employment gap, but you don’t need to dwell on them too much. The last two points, in particular, will create too much doubt in an application if you explain them in excruciating detail. Mention the general details, assure potential employers that you’ve managed to overcome the circumstances, and focus on your accomplishments and skills instead.

Another thing to remember is that everything doesn’t need to be explained. Some employment gaps are irrelevant and excusable. These gaps need not be mentioned in your resume or cover letter.

Some of the things that you don’t need to mention include:

  • Gaps that happened more than seven years ago, especially if you’re currently employed
  • Gaps because you’re a fresh graduate
  • Gaps that were less than six months

Highlight your value as an individual

The most important thing to add to a cover letter for returning to the workforce is what you bring to the table. What have you done during the times you weren’t employed? Did you learn a new skill, go into consultancy, or manage your household? Make sure to highlight the values you have as you write your letter.

light bulb surrounded by crumpled papers

Getting a job with an employment gap isn’t just won with letters and documents but by your presence and even your connections. At the end of the day, your skills and trustworthiness are more valuable than any piece of paper. This is why you must make other considerations during the hiring process.

Here are some things to consider when applying for a new job:

Be confident

Confidence is key!

A hiring manager will feel more comfortable with an applicant that presents themselves with assurance and confidence. Of course, confidence doesn’t mean being boastful. Know your skills, worth, and accomplishments and talk proudly of them, but balance them out with your interest in the job and your willingness to learn.

Get a referral

Referrals build trust, and that’s something that you’ll want if you have an employment gap. If you know someone in the company, ask them for a referral. Another way to do this is to build connections and ask those connections for job opportunities and referrals within the company.

Sample Cover Letter Content Explaining Gap in Employment

Here are some samples of cover letter content to effectively explain employment gaps:

Gap Due to Being Laid Off

Ten months ago, AstraTech Services made the tough decision to cease operations, and as a result, I am currently available for immediate employment. I am eager to pursue a career in game development and was thrilled to discover the position because it is a wonderful match for my qualifications and career objectives.

Gap Due to Medical Leave

After taking some time off from work to recover from surgery, I left Brimstone Corp. to concentrate on my healing. As I regained my strength, I enrolled in relevant online classes to stay current in the field. Now that I have fully recovered, I am eager to return to the workforce and am certain I will be an asset to your team.

Gap Due to Caring for Family

I put my career on hold to look after a senior family member. My family opted to employ a full-time caretaker after a year, so I am no longer required to be there during the day. I am eager to start working again, and I was thrilled to see your job posting because it is a fantastic fit for my skills and aspirations.

man holding a paper and pen in front of a laptop

Explain Cover Letter Gaps Seamlessly with Resumeble

Employment gaps are understandably nerve-wracking, but that doesn’t mean they’ll make you lose a job opportunity. You can easily open doors and get your dream role with the right cover letter explaining the gap in your employment. All you have to do is be confident and trustworthy at the end of the day.

With Resumeble, we can help you write the perfect cover letter to land your dream job today. Contact us now for more information on our professional packages.

  • 7 seconds: this is how long your resume has either to impress or be ignored by the recruiter 
  • 300+: average number of applications one corporate job opening posted online receives 
  • 3%: number of sent resumes that result in interviews 

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How to Fill in Employment Gaps on Resume & Cover Letter

How to Fill in Employment Gaps on Resume & Cover Letter

A flawless resume is every professional’s dream. A fulfilling and laurel-filled stint at a reputed company followed by a meteoric rise at another organization… who doesn’t want their resume to include such glories to make them the most eligible candidate for that next job opening? However, it is equally true that most of us, at some point in our careers, end up taking a break… a gap in employment if you will. The reason could be anything: need for some personal time, caring for a sick family member, having and raising children, or simply wanting to travel the world. The question is, how does one explain gaps in employment or periods of unemployment on a resume?

Explaining Gaps in Employment

When you are applying for a new job, you are bound to mention past work experience in your resume and cover letter. While you are at it these gaps in employment will be hard to gloss over. And gloss over you mustn’t. The best approach to explaining gaps in employment in a resume is by being honest about it.

  • For starters, you could gear up by providing some well-structured explanations for that employment gap. Briefly explain why you were unemployed during that period of time and emphasize how this time off work helped you grow as an individual and what skills you got to hone apart from some practical experience you might have garnered.
  • Don’t shy away from revealing the real reason why you’d taken that break. Most recruiters appreciate honesty; especially given the number of candidates who try to beat around the bush and glorify their time off work. If you took a couple of years off to raise your kids or look after an ailing parent let it be known. If you were traveling, gaining valuable life experiences, more power to you. If you were freelancing or trying your hand at something new, let your recruiting manager know; it is a sign of your proactive nature. If you were studying or adding certifications to your cartel of achievements, even better.
  • Whatever the reason for your gap in employment, an open and honest approach without going into too much detail is your best bet. You don’t have to be apologetic for taking the time off. Don’t forget to highlight the new skills you have added and the valuable lessons you learned during your time off work.
  • Ensure you explain the situation clearly, but do not give away a tonne of personal information. The recruiter is really not looking to go into the nitty-gritty of it. Facts will suffice. While you are at it, assure your prospective employer that you aren’t going to take off again; they do not have to worry about losing an employee to flights of fancy. You should be ready to work for them… for the long haul.

Reasons for Employment Gaps – Examples

As mentioned earlier, the reasons for the gap in one’s employment history could be many. Here are a few that hiring managers find acceptable.

  • Raising your children.
  • Caring for an ailing family member.
  • Pressing health issues, or a surgery followed by a long recovery period.
  • Going back to school for higher education or expanding your knowledge with certifications and professional training.
  • Attempting to launch your own business or exploring a career as a freelancer or consultant.
  • Taking time off to travel and explore the world while broadening your perspective.
  • Being laid off when your previous company was downsizing. Utilizing the time to find yourself another job that you were the right fit for.

Tips for Explaining Gaps in Employment on a Resume

While honesty is the best approach when it comes to explaining gaps in employment when applying for a new job, there are ways to make them less glaring on your resume. The key is to craft a resume that takes the focus off the gap years and instead turns the light on your achievements and impressive skillsets.

  • Don’t go into Details : While you do owe a potential employer honesty when it comes to divulging facts about your professional past, you do not owe them minute details. If your employment gap was to care for a sick relative, you do not need to get into the details of who it was and what the ailment was. Similarly, if you had taken time off to recuperate from an ailment yourself or work on your mental health, the details are yours and yours alone.
  • Change the Format : The reverse chronological way of resume writing is one of the most common formats chosen by job seekers. You could instead opt for a format that makes the gaps in your employment less visible. Use a functional format instead if you are more comfortable with it. This format highlights skills and abilities when compared to the chronological format. Here you can list your gap year under the Experience section. Since the end objective is to get a recruiter to focus on your skill sets, this might not be such a bad idea.
  • Camouflage the Gap with Dates : Oftentimes candidates, in a bid to provide as much information as possible, tend to include dates and months in their resume when listing their past jobs. You could instead only mention the years of employment in a bid to make a gap less obvious. For instance, stick to 2010-2015 and 2015 to present, to take the attention away from an employment gap.
  • Experience Matters : Although you might not have been a part of the active workforce during the time you decided to step back from a full-time career, there is no denying the fact that you did end up garnering valuable experiences and life lessons. Use these to your advantage when crafting your resume. For instance, if you used your sabbatical from a full-time job to freelance or consult, do mention the experience that you gained from your endeavors. It counts. Even if it was helping out on a farm to earn boarding and lodging during your travels.
  • Leave Some of it Out : If you’ve been in the workforce for more than a couple of decades, it is all right to leave out a couple of jobs here and there. Especially, if you are applying for a managerial position. In most cases, it is acceptable to limit your years of experience on a resume to 15 years for these positions.
  • Be Well Prepared : While it is easy to translate all of this in writing on a resume, do gear up for possible questions on these gaps in employment during the interview rounds. Your best approach here would be to go well prepared to avoid fumbling or seeming apologetic for the gap.

How to Include Gap Year Experience on a Resume

Just because you took a gap year does not mean you discount any of the skills you honed during the time. It is quite likely that you gained valuable experience during your time off and there is every reason why you should highlight, not just include, it in your resume.

If you’re using a functional resume format then you could just as easily slot any experience gained during this gap year under the ‘Experience’ section. If you volunteered during your time off, taught, or worked in a completely different field it should figure on your resume. Your gap year is a testimony to your risk-taking nature, ability to toe the line, and independence, qualities most organizations look for in candidates. All you need to do is dress it up in your resume using some action-oriented terms to quantify your achievements .

If you decided to stick to a chronological resume format, then you could always choose to highlight this gap year experience as international experience or volunteer experience. Recruiters and hiring managers are bound to sit up and take notice.

How do You Address an Employment Gap in a Cover Letter

While there is no reason to fear a gap in employment when applying for a new job, a cover letter explaining gaps in employment will be an added bonus. Chances are you picked up some new skills during your employment gap that wouldn’t otherwise figure in your resume. You could use your cover letter to convey this to your hiring manager instead.

You don’t have to have a flawless career history. As long as you offer a proper explanation in your cover letter there is no reason why you shouldn’t be judged by the same yardstick as other applicants. Remember, being honest and upfront is the key here.

If you took a break to travel and explore the world, make a compelling pitch about it in your cover letter explaining how you benefited from it and what you can now bring to the table as a result of it. If the break was to raise your children and you probably did some freelance work in the meantime, say it in your cover letter. Highlight any achievements gained during the time. If you decided to take some time off following a layoff, explain that the previous organization had to let you go due to downsizing while highlighting your skills and abilities to a prospective new employer.

How you say it, is how it will be perceived.

Sample Cover Letter Explaining a Gap in Employment

Dear Hiring Manager

An Introduction With Impact

(Try and make this as creative as you can to catch a recruiter’s attention. But don’t forget to include important details such as who you are, your area of expertise, how you came across the job posting, and why you want to apply).

A Powerful Body

(The body of a cover letter should describe how your employment history, experience, and skillsets will fit the bill for the current job opening. Don’t forget to include phrases and terms from the job description when you do this. You can also make a bulleted list with your accomplishments. Don’t forget to add numbers in these bullet points to quantify your claims. Explain how you can work towards helping the company achieve its goals and vision. Reiterate why you might be the right fit for the position they are looking to fill).

Sample of How You Could Explain an Employment Gap

(After working for 10 years as a journalist, I decided to explore a new area and devoted time to complete a certification course that I had long been wanting to undertake. During my time away from an active workforce I undertook some freelance writing and editing assignments for various publications and websites. While these were starkly different from the work I had been doing in the last decade, they did provide me the opportunity and exposure to newer avenues while encouraging me to hone my skills as well as work on my own terms).

A Strong Conclusion

(Here, inform the hiring manager that you’re keen on getting interviewed and that you will reach out within a given period of time in case you don’t hear from them. Leave your contact information and thank them for perusing your application).

Sincerely, Your Name

If the thought of explaining gaps in employment while looking for a new job is leaving you dismayed then step back and take a deep breath. Do not discount the skills and positive attributes you are now able to offer a potential employer.

Gaps in employment are fast becoming a rather common feature in most people’s professional pasts and employers are a lot more accustomed to them that you might give them credit for.

While explaining gaps in employment you might have had in both your resume and cover letter without obsessing over them or sounding apologetic. Explain it confidently and be well prepared to answer any related questions when you go for job interviews.

1). Do employers care about gap years?

Yes, they do. However, most employers are quite accustomed to dealing with candidates with gaps in employment and are a lot more accepting as well. You do need to have a strategic explanation in place to convince them of your devotion to your job and how you might have benefitted from your break. Not to forget, you also have to find a way to assure them that these gaps will no longer be a regular feature that they need to worry about.

2). How long of an employment gap is too long?

Three months. Anything less than that will not need to be explained. But anything longer than three months usually has recruiters and hiring managers seeking answers explaining these gaps.

3). Why is the gap in employment bad?

A gap in employment usually raises red flags with recruiters. One of the first thoughts to cross many minds is that the gap was a result of being sacked. This is why it is important to provide a satisfactory explanation in both your resume as well as the cover letter, apart from being prepared to field numerous questions regarding this break during a job interview.

4). How to explain a lengthy employment gap?

Emphasize why you took a step back from a full-time career in the first place. Keep it positive when it comes to explaining the motivation behind your decision to quit. Highlight any activities or courses you might have undertaken during your time off from the workforce and how these have shaped you in the last few years.

Related Resume & Cover Letter Articles

Standard Resume Margins

How to Explain Gaps in Employment in Your Resume, Cover Letter, and Interview

Employment gaps are periods in your professional career when you weren't formally employed. You'll need to explain gaps in your resume, cover letter, and job interview.

Abi Tyas Tunggal

Abi Tyas Tunggal

How to Explain Gaps in Employment in Your Resume, Cover Letter, and Interview

Find your dream remote job

If you have a gap in your employment history, know that you're not alone. The majority of people have been unemployed at some point in their working life.

There are three places where you'll need to explain a gap during your job search: your resume, cover letter, and during the job interview. While there are ways to minimize the impact of employment gaps, you still need to be honest and forthcoming when explaining them.

This article outlines everything you need to know about explaining gaps in your employment history, including where to explain employment gaps and a list of good reasons.

Employee waiting for interview

What are employment gaps?

Employment gaps are periods in your professional career when you didn't have formal employment. An employment gap can range from a few months to several years and occur voluntarily or involuntarily.

Job interview

How to explain employment gaps on your resume

Recruiters and hiring managers form their first impression of you from your resume and cover letter. Employment gaps on a resume can be a red flag if you don't explain the reason for your gap and the experience you gained during that time. Addressing employment gaps in your resume is essential to ensuring the gaps don't harm your chances of landing an interview.

Knowing how to include employment gaps is a positive as it can help you create a great experience section in your resume.

Follow these steps to explain gaps in your employment history on your resume:

Job interview preparation

1. Invest your unemployed time preparing for your next job

The best thing you can do to explain employment gaps on your resume is to invest the time you are unemployed preparing for your return to work.

You can do this by using the time for professional development through online courses, continuing education courses, going to events, volunteering, freelancing, or contracting.

Staying active during unemployment gives you positive experiences to fill employment gaps when writing your resume.

Employee on iPad

2. Determine whether you need to include an employment gap

You don't need to include every job on your resume. If your employment gap occurred early in your career, it might not be necessary to include the job you had before your gap in employment.

As a rule of thumb, you only need to include your most recent and relevant employment experiences in the employment section of your resume.

Job interview preparation

3. Remove small gaps by committing the month

If the gaps in your employment history are small, you can omit the month from the date of each role. List the years each position employed you.

This method only works if the gaps in your employment were less than a year and you worked in each position for more than a year.

For example, if you were employed as a marketing manager from August 2019 through January 2021 and didn't begin your next job until March 2021, you can disguise this employment gap by listing the dates of your first job as 2019 - 2021 and the dates fo your next job as 2021 - Present.

Keep in mind this can help you get past the initial screening, but the interviewer will still ask you about specific dates during the interview, so prepare an answer ahead of time.

Remote worker at home

4. Use a functional resume format to make the gap less obvious

A functional resume format focuses on your skills and achievements over experience. Functional resumes make employment gaps less evident than chronological resumes.

In a functional resume, you include sections such as a career summary statement and critical accomplishments to make the positive experiences the focus of your resume.

Then, you can include your employment history toward the end of the resume. You can even combine a functional resume format and the commission of months to minimize the risk of short employment gaps.

Be sure to check out our guides on how to write a remote job resume and cover letter . Even if you're not looking for a remote job, our resume guide includes recruiter-approved resume templates in the functional resume format, chronological resume format, and combination resume format.

Remote worker at home

5. List longer employment gaps as a job with a reason

If you have an employment gap that is longer than a year, you will need to address it in your resume, as it will be obvious even if you only list years and use a functional resume format.

The best way to overcome this is to include what you were doing in your experience section as if the gap was a job.

Keep the entry brief, so it doesn't distract from your more relevant experience. For example, if you spent four years as a stay-at-home parent until your child was in preschool, you could include the following on your resume:

Full-time parent, 2019 - 2021 Took time away from my career to raise a child

Job interview

6. Include the relevant experience gained during the gap

Try to relate the knowledge you gained during your employment gap to the position.

For example, if you took three years off to care for your child and you're applying for a remote customer success job, the employment gap entry in your resume experience section may look like this:

Full-time parent, 2019 - 2021 * I took time away from my career to raise a child * Managed household with daily tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and laundry * Ensured my child was developing and happy

Employer reading cover letter

How to explain employment gaps in your cover letter

Your cover letter is a great place to explain significant gaps in employment as it lets you go into detail about how you used the time to prepare for your return to the workforce.

Explaining resume gaps in your cover letter also shows hiring managers and recruiters that you're honest and trustworthy, which can help you stand out from other candidates.

For example, you might include a short section in your cover letter that reads as follows:

During the gap in my employment from 2017 to 2019, I traveled through Africa. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experinece that helped me understand more about two parts of the world that are growing rapidly. I really think that they'll be important markets in the future and I think what I've learnde will fit extremely well with your marketing manager position from EMEA.

However, you should be careful dedicating too much to unemployment gaps in your cover letter, as you'll want to use most of your cover letter to emphasize your passion for the role and company.

It's best to use cover letters to dive deeper into your relevant skills, work experience, and expertise.

Think about it this way: Your resume focuses on your qualifications and achievements, and your cover letter expands on those achievements, showcases your personality, and explains why your experience makes you a good fit for the company and role.

Employer reading cover letter

Example cover letter explaining a gap in employment

Dear [Hiring Manager Name], My name is Jian Yang, and I'm applying for a software engineering position at Hooli. I'm excited about Hooli's mission to change the world, and I'm passionate about your tech stack that includes Python , Java , React , and Scala . All languages that I have used in the past. I recently took a year-long hiatus to help my friend Erlich Bachman launch a startup accelerator called Aviato. You might be familiar with one of the companies Aviato has backed, Pied Piper. I learned quite a bit about business strategy and going from zero to one while working on a very stringent budget. I know that I can turn those skills into new products for Hooli. I'm ready to jump back into the game and restart my career as a software engineer. I'm confident that I'm the perfect person to lead your middle-out engineering team. Let's meet to discuss further Thanks for your time, Jian Yang

Job interview via Zoom

How to explain employment gaps in a job interview

There are a few guidelines you should follow when addressing gaps in your employment history during an interview:

Job interview

1. Prepare to talk about it

Having a gap on your resume won't prevent you from moving through the interview process, but potential employers will expect an explanation.

Invest time before the interview to develop an answer that shows why you're a valuable employee.

Job interview

2. Be honest

Honesty is the best policy, but don't go into unnecessary detail.

Your answer could follow this template: "I [reason you were not employed]. During that time, I [what you did during the gap]. Returning to work over that period was my primary focus, and I'm ready for a new job."

Below are examples you can use based on your situation:

If you left the workforce to be a caretaker

"We had a new family member, and I spent time as the primary caretaker. During that time, my focus was on caring for my child, but I always knew I didn't want to be away from work for an extended period. Now that she is in preschool, I'm ready to return to work."

Your previous employer laid you off

"My former employer restructured and eliminated my position. It was a difficult time for me. I love working. But I left with confidence that the job market had recovered and the new skills I had developed would help me land a new role. I'm looking forward to applying what I learned in my next job."

Your previous employer fired you

"My prior employer and I had different definitions for success. Reflecting on it, I could have done a better job clarifying success. I learned a lot from the process, and I'm excited to get some more work experience."

If you took time off for personal reasons

"I was lucky enough to save some money in my 20s, so I could take a career break when I turned 30. I spent the last year traveling and doing volunteer work at nonprofits that matter to me. I'm incredibly excited about your mission, and I hope that I can work with you for a long time."

If you were training for a new career

"I took time off to get my MBA. I realized that while I was a good software engineer , I didn't have the skills of my peers, and I preferred business problems. I believe that this unique set of skills positions me perfectly for this remote product manager job ."

Volunteering

"I took a year off in 2017 to volunteer at a nonprofit. I was responsible for every aspect of the software development process, including recruitment and project management. I managed over 100 volunteers and read books like High Output Management , which solidified my project management skills."

Personal medical leave

"I had to take two years off for a medical issue. Luckily, the treatment was successful, and I'm back to full health. While I was recovering, I spent a lot of time reading books like Good to Great and 7 Powers , which have given me a fresh perspective on work."

"My partner recently got a promotion, which required us to relocate to Singapore. Since then, I've been looking for the right company to join. While I'm new to Singapore, I'm not new to sales, and I know that my skills in sales development could help you."

Job interview

3. Fill the gap

While you don't need to detail what caused your resume gap, outline how you spent the time, if you've been sitting around for months doing nothing, it could be a red flag for the hiring manager.

Mention things you read to keep up with the industry, how you stayed in touch with colleagues or online courses you've done to prepare for your re-entry. Also, bring up any freelance, volunteer, or community work you did, events you attended, or anything else that could help you stand out from other job seekers.

The aim is to convey you've been engaged with your career while unemployed.

Job interview

4. Answer briefly and be prepared for other interview questions

People take time off for many reasons. Some of these reasons are personal, and you may not want to provide them.

Once you've addressed the gap in your work history, explain what you did during your time off, then steer the conversation back to your ability to do the job and your passion for the company and its mission.

You can do this by asking the hiring manager a question after answering. Be sure to check out our guide on the best questions to ask during an interview .

If the interviewer continues to ask about your employment gap, you can say: "I'd prefer not to go into more detail. I'm happy to talk about my work experience."

From there, you can use the STAR method to highlight a situation from your work history that makes you qualified for the job.

You can even end the interview by saying: "I'm not comfortable with where our conversation is heading, so I'd like to end the interview. Thank you for your time."

Job interview preparation

List of good reasons for employment gaps

When explaining an employment gap on your resume or in an interview, you want to provide a good reason. Several good reasons include:

  • Lay off: There are many reasons why a company lays off employees. It could be to cut costs, eliminate positions, or because of market conditions.
  • New management: When new managers come in, they may restructure, fire previous employees, or change the company culture.
  • Merger: Losing a job because of a merger or acquisition can be challenging, but don't be ashamed.
  • Starting your own business: Startups don't always work out. The good news is that you would have learned a lot!
  • Medical issue: Getting treatment or recovering from an illness is valid for a career gap.
  • Caregiver: If a parent, sibling, or partner falls ill, you might need to take care of them. Chances are, you developed as a person during this time too. Talk about it if you're comfortable.
  • Parenting: Most people take time off to raise their children, learning a lot during that period. Emphasize what you learned.
  • Relocation: It takes time to settle and find a new job when you move cities or countries.
  • Volunteering: Giving your time to a cause that matters to you is fantastic, and there are things you learned during your time that you could bring to your next job.
  • Travel: Be proud of your sabbatical. You likely learned a lot about different cultures to bring to your next workplace.
  • Education: People often take time off to pursue a higher degree or retrain to transition to a new career path.

The most important thing is that you explain how you spent your time while unemployed, and how you present it is usually more important than the reason for your gap in employment. Focus on the positives you gained from your unemployment gap.

Job interview preparation

Tips for explaining employment gaps

Explaining gaps in your employment can be stressful, but it's essential to prepare. Below are several tips you can use:

  • Mentally prepare to address the gap.
  • Don't lie about your employment gap.
  • Be concise and don't go into too much detail.
  • Don't fret over every gap. Anything less than six months is usually fine, and "job-seeking" will cover it.
  • Don't be apologetic.
  • Explain how it was a one-time incident and is unlikely to happen again.
  • Explain what you learned from the gap that will help you professionally. Such as learning a new language, volunteering, personal growth, exposure to new cultures, travel, or new skills.
  • Emphasize your eagerness to work.

Job interview checklist

Mistakes to avoid when explaining employment gaps

Avoid these mistakes when explaining your employment gap:

  • Not having a pre-prepared answer.
  • Being negative about an old company, boss, or colleague.
  • Blaming others.
  • Forgetting to explain the gap on your resume or cover letter.
  • Not emphasizing what you learned during the gap.
  • Lying or changing dates to cover it up.

Coworkers in office

Possible follow-up questions

  • Describe your work ethic
  • Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
  • Why did you leave your last job?
  • Why do you want to work here?
  • Why are you the best person for this job?
  • Tell me about a time you made a mistake
  • What can you bring to the company?
  • Why do you deserve this job?
  • Do you have any questions for me? Read our guide on the best questions to ask in an interview .
  • What is your greatest weakness?
  • Behavioral interview questions . Be sure to use the STAR method when answering.

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6 Ways to Address an Employment Gap on Your Resume

A seamless employment history is often considered the holy grail of a great resume. But, it is not uncommon to encounter employment gaps on resumes today. Regardless of the reason, these gaps create a sense of uncertainty for job seekers.

The good news is that addressing an employment gap in your resume doesn't have to be a roadblock to your career aspirations. In this article, we will explore effective ways to help you confidently navigate and overcome this hurdle.

1. Acknowledge the Gap With a Brief Explanation

One of the first steps in addressing an employment gap is to acknowledge it openly and honestly. Instead of leaving potential employers guessing about the gap, take the proactive approach of addressing it.

Employment gaps are generally categorized into two types: long-term and short-term. According to Statista , long-term unemployment counts for six months or more.

Long-term work gaps need more detailed explanations. For example, if you took a break to care for a family member, pursue education, or for any other reason. Ensure to explain why you took the time off and what you gained from the experience.

For short-term gaps, you can focus on the reason for the gap without going into excessive detail. For example, if you took time off to care for a family member, you can state, "Career break to provide caregiving support to a family member."

While explaining the gap, shift the focus to positive outcomes or experiences gained during that time. For instance, if you volunteered for community work, discuss how it shaped your character and work ethic.

2. Use a Different Resume Format

While the traditional chronological format works well for many job seekers, it may not be the best choice if you have an employment gap. Exploring other resume formats allows you to highlight your qualifications and shift the focus away from the gap.

One alternative format that you might consider is a functional resume. In functional format, your resume focuses on skills and areas of expertise instead of your work experience. You can find some free templates for functional resumes on Resume Genius and Resume.io .

Another option you can try is a hybrid resume. One of the advantages of making a hybrid resume is you can minimize your career gaps. As the name suggests, this format combines elements of both the chronological and functional formats. It can particularly work well as it allows you to draw attention to your relevant experience while demonstrating your skill set.

Further, thinking outside the box and opting for a unique format can showcase your creativity and innovative thinking. You can explore the best alternative resume formats to showcase your resume in creative ways.

3. Highlight Relevant Training or Education

If you pursued any training or education during your employment gap, highlight it on your resume. It helps showcase your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

Create a dedicated section on your resume highlighting relevant training and education. Mention the courses, workshops, certifications, or seminars you have completed and related to the job you are applying for.

Simply listing the courses you attended isn't enough. Take it further by describing the expertise you acquired through these educational experiences. For example, if you took a coding bootcamp during your employment gap, mention the programming languages you learned and any projects you worked on.

You can also consider a visual format that helps employers quickly grasp your qualifications. Consider creating a skills matrix or visual representation of your training and education. Use a chart or graphical format to showcase the different areas of expertise you have developed through your training.

4. Emphasize Transferable Skills

Even without formal employment, you probably must have gained valuable transferable skills from other activities or experiences. Transferable skills include project management, communication, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability.

Demonstrating transferable skills on your resume can be relevant to potential employers. They are often interested in candidates who can bring a diverse set of skills to the table. Showcase these skills and their applicability to the position you are applying for.

Group your transferable skills into clusters to demonstrate your skills in various areas. Create subsections in your resume dedicated to specific skill sets. It could be leadership, project management, problem-solving, or any other skill. Under each cluster, list relevant examples that show how you've utilized those skills in different areas.

5. Leverage Personal Projects

Next, did you engage in any personal projects during your employment gap? Maybe you started a blog, created an online portfolio, or developed an app. Your independent endeavors can show employers what you're capable of.

You may want to include any noteworthy personal projects on your resume. When listing your personal projects on your resume, emphasize the skills you gained or used. For example, if you designed and developed a website, highlight your web design and development skills. You can also include your ability to manage a project, problem-solving, and communicate effectively.

Whenever possible, quantify the impact or results of your personal projects. Did your project gain a significant number of followers, receive positive feedback, or generate revenue? Did it solve a specific problem or address a need in the community? It helps employers understand the significance of your projects and the outcomes you achieved.

6. Elaborate on the Gap in Your Cover Letter

Your resume provides a concise overview of your qualifications. However, your cover letter can help you elaborate on your employment gap in a more personal and nuanced manner.

Explain why you took a break from work, why you want to work again, and what you've done to stay up-to-date. If you have not crafted a cover letter before and need a little help, here's how to write a cover letter .

After elaborating on the gap, bring the conversation back to the position you're applying for. Connect the skills or experiences you gained during the gap to the job requirements, demonstrating how you can make a positive impact.

Overcome the Employment Gap and Land Your Dream Job

Addressing an employment gap can certainly feel intimidating. However, ignoring it won't benefit your job search in the long run. Using the above-mentioned strategies, you can effectively address and minimize the impact of the gap. By presenting yourself as a qualified candidate, you can increase your chances of getting the job you want.

6 Ways to Address an Employment Gap on Your Resume

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  1. How to Explain an Employment Gap on a Cover Letter (Sample)

    1. Structure your cover letter correctly Writing a cover letter with an employment gap is not that different from writing a regular cover letter. It should still focus on highlighting your greatest strengths and the qualities that make you a good candidate.

  2. An Example Cover Letter Explaining a Gap in Employment

    Introduction: Hook the reader with your motivation and key qualifications. Second paragraph: Reiterate the main skill or experience you are bringing to the table. Third: Briefly address your employment gap and state why you are eager to get back on track. Conclusion. End on a high note.

  3. Sample Cover Letter Content That Explains Employment Gaps

    I'm presuming, of course. Cover letter writing experts agree. Addressing employment gaps in a cover letter can create the biggest headache. Many jobseekers believe that date gaps in a work history are equivalent to wearing a scarlet letter … or, so it seems. But, no matter how painful, addressing unfavorable work situations can be tricky.

  4. How to Explain Gaps in Employment (With Examples)

    Here are a few ways you can explain (or hide) gaps in employment: List years instead of months for previous positions. (e.g. "2014-2016"). I've used this method in the past when I had a couple of small gaps between jobs (by a small gap, I mean 2-3 months maximum).

  5. How to Write a Cover Letter with Employment Gap? 2 Samples

    1. Address the gap directly: Start your cover letter by briefly addressing the employment gap. You can mention the reason for the gap, such as personal reasons, taking care of family, further education, or career exploration. 2. Focus on transferable skills:

  6. How to Explain Gaps in Employment (Resume & Cover Letter)

    Career Expert Updated: January 30, 2024 Article Rating: Our customers have been hired by: Table of Contents Show Got gaps in employment? You're probably terrified . Whatever it was: raising your children, going back to school, traveling—that hiatus must have been for a good reason.

  7. How To Write a Cover Letter for Returning to the Workforce

    Keep mentions of gaps in employment brief, and explain the absence in a few short sentences. Here is a list of seven steps to writing a cover letter when returning to the workforce: 1. Identify who you are

  8. How to Write a Cover Letter

    Job Seeker Resources | Last Updated: February 17, 2023 How to Write a Cover Letter After a Gap in Employment Email and Letter Templates / Resumes and Cover Letters For many, an extended leave from the workforce can make the job application process especially daunting.

  9. Explaining Employment Gaps in Cover Letter

    1) Be upfront and honest 2) Keep your explanation brief and direct 3) Include relevant skills and experience gained during the gap 4) Make sure to sound confident 5) Highlight the value you can bring to the table 6) Reiterate your interest in the position Example 1: Taking time off for a medical leave Example 2: Taking time off to be a caregiver

  10. How to Talk About a COVID-19 Employment Gap

    Levy says. One of the first questions you're likely to hear is, " Tell me about yourself .". If you want to be super up front about your gap, your response to that early question might sound like this: "I am an accounts receivable professional, and I pride myself on my accuracy and dedication to high-quality work.

  11. 10 Sample Cover Letters Explaining Gap in Employment

    Sample 1: Personal Health Issue Dear [Employer's Name], I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Where You Found the Job Posting]. My professional background in [Your Field/Industry], combined with my commitment to personal growth and development, makes me a strong candidate for this role.

  12. How to Address Employment Gaps in Your Cover Letter

    Highlight your mid-life career shifts. If your employment gaps took place when you decided to switch career paths, build your cover letter around this narrative. Explain the reasons behind your decision. Outline the details of your journey from one field to the next.

  13. Employment Gap on a Resume

    On your cover letter During your interview To best convey the employment gap (and reasons behind it), you'll need to touch on it in all 3. So below, we'll explain the best way to explain an employment gap on your resume, cover letter, and during an interview: 6 Ways to Explain an Employment Gap on Your Resume #1. Be Honest

  14. How to Write a Cover Letter When Re-Entering the Workforce

    Industry Insights Major Tips and Tricks to Writing a Cover Letter Explaining the Gap in Your Employment Posted On 20 Apr 2023 Major Tips and Tricks to Writing a Cover Letter Explaining the Gap in Your Employment Employment gaps have been a huge fear in the workforce. For many years, having a gap in your work history was frowned upon.

  15. Tips for Writing a Cover Letter After You've Been Laid Off

    Here are five tips for writing a cover letter after you've been laid off. 1. Don't Waste a Word. A cover letter should never be a summary of your entire work history, skills, or life story. That's what the resume and interview are for. Your cover letter should be a brief summary of why you're interested in the job and why you think the ...

  16. How To Explain Gaps in Employment on Your Resume

    Follow these steps to explain gaps in your employment history: Spend your time unemployed preparing to return to work Determine which jobs you need to include Try to disguise small gaps by omitting the month Use a resume style or format that makes the gap less obvious List the reason for longer employment gaps as its own job

  17. How to explain a job gap (with a list of examples)

    A general rule of thumb is to include only your most recent and most pertinent work experiences in the employment section of your CV. Once you conclude which jobs to add to your CV, you can determine which employment gaps require explaining. 3. Try to conceal small gaps by excluding the month. If the breaks in your work history are only brief ...

  18. How to Address Employment Gaps on Your Resume and Cover Letter

    Only take up the issue of an employment gap on your cover letter if it's ongoing and you're trying to return to the workforce. In these cases, mention the gap toward the end of your letter, preferably as part of the closing. This allows you to keep the overall focus of your letter on your relevant qualifications and can actually make an ...

  19. How to Fill in Employment Gaps on Resume & Cover Letter

    How to Fill in Employment Gaps on Resume & Cover Letter A flawless resume is every professional's dream. A fulfilling and laurel-filled stint at a reputed company followed by a meteoric rise at another organization… who doesn't want their resume to include such glories to make them the most eligible candidate for that next job opening?

  20. How To Write a Cover Letter (With Examples and Tips)

    Middle paragraph (s) Closing paragraph. Letter ending and signature. Your cover letter should be one page long and use a simple, professional font, such as Arial or Helvetica, 10 to 12 points in size. Your letter should be left-aligned with single spacing and one-inch margins. Show Transcript.

  21. The Best Cover Letter Examples for Any Job Seeker

    2. A Clear Pitch. Use the next few paragraphs of your cover letter to "hit them with the strongest results you have that are aligned with the opportunity," Godfred says. Ryan Kahn —Muse career coach and founder of The Hired Group —calls this your pitch.

  22. How to Explain Gaps in Employment in Your Resume, Cover Letter, and

    As a rule of thumb, you only need to include your most recent and relevant employment experiences in the employment section of your resume. 3. Remove small gaps by committing the month. If the gaps in your employment history are small, you can omit the month from the date of each role. List the years each position employed you.

  23. How to Explain Employment Gaps on Resumes [25 Tips]

    Use the employment gap on resume template up top. It puts your resume employment gap in the right place. Show a skill or two you used during the employment gap on your resume. Make it a skill the new job wants. If you accomplished something impressive, show it. Add numbers to make it real.

  24. 6 Ways to Address an Employment Gap on Your Resume

    Employment gaps are generally categorized into two types: long-term and short-term. ... If you have not crafted a cover letter before and need a little help, here's how to write a cover letter.

  25. How to Write an Application Letter—Examples & Guide

    Letters of application are essential in the job market, so don't risk losing to other candidates just because you didn't write one. 2. Address Your Letter of Application Properly. Addressing an application letter is simple. Firstly, include your contact information in the header of the application letter : Full name.

  26. How to write a cover letter

    How to write a cover letter - Current students. Make a good first impression with employers: learn how to write an engaging, well-crafted cover letter that helps you get that all-important job interview. Register for a cover letter workshop now.

  27. PDF Five Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

    does the hiring for the open position. Addressing the letter to a specific individual is a good way to display your initiative. 3.) Tailor your cover letter to the job posting When writing your cover letter, you should use the job posting as a guide. Use similar language found in the posting to describe your qualifications and experiences. 4.)

  28. Cover Letter Samples and Templates

    Cover Letter Samples. When you're applying for a job, a cover letter lets you show a personal side and demonstrate why hiring you is a smart decision. Cover letters should be around three paragraphs long and include specific examples from your past experience that make you qualified for the position.A cover letter should include the following ...