
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive job search advice, career tips, resume and cover letter guidance, and interview tips—All in your inbox! Subscribe here.
Addressing a career break in resume can feel tricky, but with the right approach, you can turn it into a positive. Whether you took time off to care for a family member, further your education, travel, or explore other personal interests, explaining your career gap reasons clearly and effectively can help you land the job you want.
In this blog, we'll provide practical tips on how to mention the career gap in resume, address potential concerns, and position yourself as a strong candidate. You’ll also find sample resumes with gaps in employment that showcase how you can include your gap experience in a way that highlights your skills and achievements.
An employment gap is a period when an individual is not employed. These breaks in your work history can be due to various reasons.
Taking time off to travel or explore new cultures.
Raising children or caring for a family member.
Going back to school for further education or certifications.
Pursuing personal projects or hobbies that may not be job-related.
Being temporarily unemployed due to job loss or career transition.
Understanding how to mention these career gap reasons in your resume is important to avoid misunderstandings from potential employers.
Honesty is key when explaining a career gap on your resume. Employers appreciate transparency and want to understand how you spent time away from work. An unexplained gap might raise concerns, leading employers to question your reliability or commitment. But by effectively communicating the good reasons for gaps in the employment sample, you can show that you used the time wisely
When explaining an employment gap on your resume, it's important to show that you made good use of the time. Here are some good reasons for gaps in the employment sample that you can include in your resume or interview.
Personal reasons: Time taken off for health or personal matters.
Caring for a family member: A gap due to caregiving responsibilities.
Further education: If you pursued a degree or certification during the gap.
Freelancing or contract work: If you worked on a freelance basis during the gap.
Relocation: Taking time off for a move to a new location.
Travel or gap year: Traveling or exploring personal interests.
When tackling an employment gap, it’s important to frame it in a way that benefits your job application. Here's how:
Determine whether the gap should be listed at all. If it was a short period early in your career, you might not need to include it. But for longer gaps or recent breaks, be sure to explain it.
Never hide an employment gap or make up a story. Instead, mention career gap reasons in a clear but concise manner. If you were freelancing, raising a family, or learning new skills, explain it. For example
6/2021 - 10/2022:
Food Pantry Manager
Managed a community pantry serving 500+ people monthly. Managed client intake and organized food drives.
Even if you weren't employed during the gap, focus on any relevant skills or experience you gained. If you worked in volunteer roles, took freelance projects, or honed your skills through learning, highlight these achievements. Showcase what you did during the time off that aligns with the role you're applying for.
If you have multiple career gaps, a functional resume might be a good fit. A functional resume highlights your skills and experience rather than listing work history chronologically. This approach allows you to downplay gaps while showcasing your qualifications and abilities.
Here’s an example of a resume that addresses career gaps effectively.
Jane Doe
Marketing Manager | johndoe@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | LinkedIn
2018-2020: Marketing Director, XYZ Company
2015-2018: Marketing Specialist, ABC Company
2010-2015: Marketing Assistant, DEF Company
2013-2014: Career Break – Family Care
Took time off to care for a family member while maintaining professional knowledge through online marketing courses and freelance consulting.
B.A. in Marketing, University of XYZ
Career gaps are becoming more common, and employers are increasingly understanding of these breaks. By addressing the gap professionally and framing it in a positive light, you’ll be well on your way to securing your next role. Remember to be transparent, and honest, and highlight the skills you developed during your time off. Good luck with your job search!
The JobsCruze Logo is already a Spirited Signature that proudly headlines the Vision we pursue for and those we serve and stand for.