how to address gaps in a resume

A resume is often the first impression a potential employer has of an individual. If your resume has significant gaps, then your career history, and periods where you did not work, could be left open to interpretation by the employer and pose a potential red flag. Having gaps in a resume can make the hiring process more challenging for you if they are not addressed correctly. Whether due to unemployment, illness, or personal reasons, it's essential to address gaps in a resume effectively. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on how to address gaps in a resume.

1. The resume is not the place to address the gap: Contrary to popular belief, the resume is NOT the place to highligh the gap in your career. While While it's essential to be transparent about gaps in employment, it's generally not recommended to highlight them prominently in your resume. Instead, your resume should focus on your skills, experience, and achievements, and how they are relevant to the position you're applying for.

Highlighting gaps in employment may draw unnecessary attention to them and make potential employers wonder if there were any issues during that time. Instead, it's better to focus on how you spent that time productively. During the interview process, and typically only when asked, you can then provide a brief explanation of any employment gaps and how you used that time to your advantage.

2. Be honest and transparent: It's essential to be honest about the gap in your resume. If there is a gap due to unemployment or personal reasons, state the reason honestly. It's better to be transparent and provide a brief explanation of what happened, rather than to leave the employer wondering why there is a gap. You can briefly explain the situation in your cover letter or during the interview process.

3. Highlight your achievements and transferable skills: If you have a gap in your resume, use this as an opportunity to highlight your achievements and transferable skills. For instance, if you were a stay-at-home parent, you could emphasize your organizational, time management, and communication skills. If you took a gap year to travel, you could highlight your adaptability, problem-solving, and cultural awareness.
​
4. Include any relevant volunteering or freelance work: If you had gaps in your resume, you could bridge the gap by doing relevant volunteering or freelance work. This will not only keep you busy, but it will also show employers that you're proactive and have the relevant skills and experience. Include any volunteering or freelance work you did during the gap in your resume, highlighting the skills you learned.

5. Upskill yourself: If you have gaps in your resume, it's essential to stay up to date with the latest industry trends and technologies. Take courses, attend webinars, and read relevant books and articles to upskill yourself. This will not only improve your skills and knowledge, but it will also show employers that you're proactive and committed to your profession.
​
In conclusion, gaps in a resume are not uncommon and are not as taboo as they used to be. Today, many employers understand that life events such as illness, family responsibilties, or career transitions can lead to employment gaps. In fact, taking time off to pursue personal or professional development can demonstrate a candidate's initiative and commitment to their career. However, it is still essentail to adderss gaps transparently, highlighting transferable skills, and experiences gained during the gap, and being honest about the reasons behind it. With the right approach, gaps in a resume can be an opportunity to showcase an individual's strengths and set them apart from other candidates. 

To learn more about how to address gaps in a resume, schedule a call today to speak with one of our career experts today!