How to Explain a Gap in Employment on Your CV and During the Interview (with Examples)
Do you have an employment gap in your CV? Most if not some of us have a period in which they were not working for a while, this may be because of not finding the right work, change of career, schooling for career development or just simply taking a break after a toxic work environment to refresh and reboot. For employers having a gap in employment comes off as questionable so they are bound to ask why. Here is a guide on how to explain your employment gaps during an interview and examples on how to address the question.
Why Employers Care About Employment Gaps
As much as it raises questions, having an employment gap is not really a bad thing. Employers will ask about the gap out of concern if they want someone who has been working in a similar role recently, but as long as you can explain that the gap was for something beneficial like career growth or certification that will add value to your now new role then it is highly likely to be overlooked.
Addressing Employment Gaps on Your CV
Your CV is your first point of contact to employers, it must be able to stand out and market you for you to score an interview. Here is how to explain employment gaps in your CV:
1. Functional CV Format
- Also called a skill-based Cv highlights the skills you have acquired while working on the roles you have previously been in. This kind of Cv draws attention to your skills and experience instead of the dates you were employed and unemployed.
- Instead of writing your employment history chronologically, you can use headings like Key Skills or relevant experience to draw your focus on what you bring to the table.
2. Add a Brief Explanation in Your Experience Section
- There is usually no need to explain the employment gap if it was under a year, for longer period write a brief explanation like:
Career Break(2017-2019) : Took a break to further my studies for a career switch to digital marketing.
- Addressing your gap while explaining your productivity through the gap shows that you are proactive and do not mind accountability.
3. Highlight Relevant Skills or Achievements During the Gap
- Use this opportunity to showcase how involved in building valuable skills during your employment gap either through volunteering, studying or freelancing.
For Example: Freelance Journalist (2017-2019) Writing articles for Okavango News while enhancing my photographic skills.
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How Do you Explain Employment Gaps During an Interview
You need to have confidence when answering your employment gap question during the interview to build trust with your employer. Here are a few pointers:
1. Keep It Brief and honest
- There is no need for extra personal details when explaining your employment gap, just focus on what you have learnt and what experience you gained during the period.
- For Example:
- ‘’I took time off to resolve family matters that needed my attention but since I had extra time on my hands I decided to advance my skills by taking an online training course to polish on what I already have. I am excited to get back to work and practice what i have learnt”
2. Highlight the Positive Outcomes from the Gap
- Reflect on how purposeful your time away was by focusing on the skills and experience you have achieved and how some situations improved your personal growth maintaining how positive your employment gap was.
- For Example: ”I used this time to complete a few courses online in SEO writing which also sparked my interest in blogging and digital marketing. I am now proficient in tools like Trello, Microsoft project and Asana”
3. Show Enthusiasm to Return to Work
- To show your dedication on joining the team, reflect on how useful the employment gap was but show enthusiasm on how you can’t wait to get back on the horse again..
- For Example: “I am thankful for the personal growth during my employment gap, the skills and experience i have gained have only sparked my enthusiasm in getting back to making a meaningful impact in my industry again”
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Most Common Reasons for Employment Gaps and Examples on How to Explain Them
1. Personal Health Reasons
- Too much personal details is not necessary, just mention you were away for health reasons and focus on your readiness to start working again.
- For Example:’’ I took a break for health reasons but i am now fit again and motivated to join the team and bring my best self”
2. Family Responsibilities
- If you have taken time off work for family responsibilities like extended maternity, taking care of a sick family member then focus on what you have learned during the period and how the skills you have gained can help you be a successful member of the team.
- For Example: “I took a break to take care of my child and used the extra time to polish my skills in time management while taking an online course. I am now ready to commit and focus my energy on professional growth through the skills i have acquired”
3. Career Change or Upskilling
- Highlight how your decision to change your career or upskill has prepared you for your new role while showcasing that you are aware of your new responsibilities.
- For Example:’’ I took some time away to upskill and focus on my new career choice while completing a course in Business Analyst. I cannot wait to share my new skills with the team and bring a positive impact to the company’’
4. Travel or Personal Development
- Some people take time off to travel, explore and volunteer, use this opportunity to highlight how your personal growth and cultural diversity has opened your eyes to new ideas.
- For Example: “I took a year break to travel and volunteer abroad, which taught me adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving under a different environment.”
5. Pandemic-Related Gap
- A lot of professionals experienced employment gaps during COVID-19, some through retrenchment while some businesses closed down. This is enough reason for explaining the employment gap in South Africa.
- For Example: “ I was one of the people whose jobs were cut due to the pandemic, i took the time to enhance my skills, study further until a new opportunity arises. I am ready and up to date with the requirements of the role”
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What to Avoid When Explaining an Employment Gap In South Africa
- Be honest, brief and avoid explaining unnecessary details.
- Stay positive, and avoid putting any blame on past employers or dwelling on difficulties as this will give the employer the impression that you lack accountability.
- No need to apologize for having an employment gap on your Cv as everyone goes through something at some point. Focus on how you’ve grown and the skills you have acquired during the break.
Final Tips for Handling Employment Gaps on Your CV and in Interviews
- If you have an employment gap, be prepared for that question and be ready to answer with confidence.
- Practicing your answers in front of a mirror or a family member will give you the confidence and the composure you need to answer professionally.
- Emphasize your readiness to move forward and contribute positively to the company.
Employment gaps are common and anybody can go through that, maintaining professionalism and a calm demeanor while giving an explanation why there is a gap in your work history will show your employer how mature and ready you are to move forward without blaming anyone.
The above guide will give you an idea on how to design your CV in a manner that highlights your skills and experience instead of your employment history while giving you tips on how to professionally answer why you have an employment gap
