Navigating Resume Gaps: Strategies for Job Seekers

Sometimes we find ourselves in periods of our life where we have limited or no work history. This might have been to take care of a loved one or child, attend school, or any other combination of personal matters. This break in employment, usually more than six months, is called a resume gap. As a career engagement specialist, I’ve often been asked how to address resume gaps. While they may seem intimidating, there are plenty of strategies you can use to not only explain these gaps, but leverage any relevant experience gained during this time to land your next job. Let’s discuss these now!

1. Understand the Reasons: Recognize the underlying reasons for your resume gaps, such as personal commitments or career transitions. Understanding these will help you craft an honest narrative.

2. Be Transparent: Acknowledge resume gaps directly, without trying to hide or camouflage them. This builds trust and demonstrates integrity.

3. Leverage Transferable Skills: Highlight transferable skills gained during gaps, such as volunteering, freelancing, caregiving, or personal projects to showcase your continued professional growth.

4. Include Relevant Activities: Feature any activities during the gap that are relevant to your field, such as workshops, certifications, online courses, or industry-related projects.

5. Address the Gap in Your Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to briefly explain the circumstances of the gap and emphasize how you utilized that time to acquire new skills and experiences.

6. Networking and Professional Development: Engage in networking and professional development activities during gaps to demonstrate your dedication and commitment to your industry.

7. Practice and Prepare: Be prepared to discuss resume gaps during interviews. Craft a compelling narrative that explains the circumstances and highlights the skills gained.

Remember, a well-crafted resume and a positive attitude can go a long way in demonstrating your value as a professional, regardless of any resume gaps. Stay confident and focused on your strengths, and you'll be well on your way to securing your desired job.

Looking for more ways to improve your resume? Interested in gaining more experience or education to appeal to potential employers? Are you a dislocated worker actively seeking employment? We can help!

To learn more about the resources we provide both employers and job seekers, visit https://www.ycredc.com/ or contact me directly at katherine.anderson@yc.edu.

We look forward to hearing from you!

For more information on resume gaps, here is a video by Indeed.com: