Navigating through the intricacies of job applications and interviews can often seem daunting, especially when it comes to explaining gaps in your CV. However, these gaps can be transformed into positive talking points with the right approach.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the most common CV gaps and how to explain them with examples so you're well-prepared to handle any questions during your job interviews.
CV gaps are those periods in your work history when you weren't in a formal job. These gaps could be short breaks of a few months or extended stretches spanning years.
During these gaps, you may have been taking personal time off, pursuing further education, travelling, looking after family, or dealing with health issues. While these experiences may not fit the traditional employment mould, they often equip you with valuable skills and insights.
Why do you need to explain CV gaps?
Explaining CV gaps is essential because it provides context and transparency to potential employers. It helps them understand the reasons behind these gaps and assures them that you're proactive and ready to rejoin the workforce.
While CV gaps are a natural part of life, offering explanations demonstrates your accountability and can alleviate employers' concerns.
It also allows you to highlight the skills and experiences you gained during your work break, turning them into valuable assets in your professional journey.
When should you explain CV gaps?
While it's essential to be transparent about your employment history, not every gap needs extensive explanation on your CV. However, you should be prepared to address them if you're asked for an interview.
Your cover letter can also be a suitable place to briefly mention any gaps if they're relevant to the position you're applying for or if they help provide context for your career journey.
For example, you might have taken a break to pursue further education, and the skills you gained may directly relate to the job opportunity. In this case, a brief mention in your cover letter can highlight how these experiences make you a strong candidate for the role.
Common CV gaps and how to explain them
I went travelling
If you've taken a break from work to travel, it's a good idea to chat about why you did it, focusing on your quest for personal growth and development. It's an excellent way to show off the skills you picked up, like being adaptable and independent. Just make sure to let potential employers know that you're ready and excited to jump back into work.
Example:
"I decided to take six months away from work to explore and learn by solo travelling around Indonesia. During this period, I immersed myself in different cultures, which I think improved my confidence and communication skills. This experience has left me energised and more prepared than ever to advance my career as a social media manager with new perspectives and fresh ideas."
I had to take time off due to illness
Addressing a health-related break in your CV doesn't have to be tricky or too personal. There's no need to get into the specifics of your illness. It's fine if you focus purely on recovery during this time. However, if you did manage to pick up any new skills or keep in touch with industry updates, that's a great thing to mention. The key here is to assure potential employers that you're back in action and all set to work.
Example:
"I took a necessary three-month break from work for health reasons. During this period, while my main focus was recovery, I also took the opportunity to stay connected with industry trends and even brushed up on my writing skills through online courses. I'm now back to full health and ready to take on a new challenge.
I believe my two years' experience crafting engaging website content for various brands and my recent upskilling make me a great fit for the copywriting position."
I was caring for a family member
It's not necessary to delve into the details of the family member's illness or the specific care you provided. Just focus on explaining that your caregiving responsibilities have changed - either you no longer need to provide care, or there's now enough support available for you to return to work. Wrap up your answer by explaining why you're excited about the job opportunity and how your current skills make you a great match.
Example:
"I spent a period away from the professional scene to care for a family member. Now, with adequate support in place, I am fully ready to re-enter the workforce. This SEO executive role aligns with my passion for data analysis and creative content strategy, areas where I have years of experience."
I was made redundant
Addressing a redundancy on your CV can be done with clarity and positivity. Start off by quickly touching on the reason for the redundancy, like budget cuts. This sets the stage without dwelling on the negative. Then, shift the focus to what you learned and achieved during your time with the company, highlighting any key skills or accomplishments.
Next, talk about what you've been up to since leaving the job. If you've been involved in volunteering, learning new skills, or actively job searching, these are all valuable experiences to share. They show your proactive attitude and commitment to personal growth. Example:
"Two months ago, my position was made redundant as part of a company-wide restructuring. It was an unexpected turn, but looking back, I'm proud of the significant achievements during my time there. Particularly, I played a key role in boosting our paid advertising campaigns, achieving a significant 30% increase in online engagement.
I've been actively exploring new opportunities while dedicating time to volunteer at a local homelessness charity. This experience has not only refined my organisational abilities but has also significantly improved my teamwork skills. Now, I'm eager to bring my skills to a new team, and I see the paid advertising manager role as the perfect chance to apply my experience."
I’ve been looking for a job
When addressing a gap in your CV due to job hunting, it's important to emphasise the proactive steps you've taken and the positive aspects of your search.
Avoid delving into specifics about unsuccessful applications and don't mention if you're finding the job hunt difficult (even if you are!) Instead, concentrate on showing that you've been selective in your search, holding out for the ideal opportunity. This approach showcases your commitment to finding a role that truly resonates with your skills and career aspirations.
Example:
"Since my temporary role came to an end in April, I've been actively searching for the right job opportunity. My focus has been on finding a position that aligns well with my skills and career goals, and although I've had a few interviews, I haven't yet found one that's the right fit for me.
I'm really excited about this particular role as a Social Media Manager because it seems like a perfect match for my experience and interests. The focus on innovative social media strategies and content creation is exactly what I've been looking for. I'm eager to bring my expertise in crafting online campaigns and my skills in analytics and audience engagement to your team."
I was volunteering
Volunteering experiences are invaluable, and your interview is the perfect opportunity to talk about the skills and knowledge you gained.
Example:
"During my three-month work break, I devoted some time to volunteering with a local organisation that helps combat loneliness among older adults in the area. This experience provided me with invaluable opportunities to contribute to my community and develop a diverse skill set. I had the chance to enhance my teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities while working on various projects aimed at making a positive impact.
Now, I'm excited to bring these enriched skills and my passion for making a difference to a new role as Social Media Manager."
I went back into education
If you've taken a break from work to further your education, it's a good idea to share the reasons behind this decision and the skills you wanted to gain during your studies.
Highlight how these new skills can be an asset in the role you're applying for, and remember to update your CV to showcase your achievement.
Example:
"I decided to go back to school after leaving my junior copywriter job because I wanted to grow personally and professionally. I enrolled in an Undergraduate Digital Marketing Course at Manchester University.
During the course, I gained a deeper understanding of SEO principles and techniques, which I now recognise as integral to crafting compelling online content. This knowledge has allowed me to optimise content for search engines, improve online visibility, and drive organic traffic.
Now, armed with this expertise, I'm excited to leverage my newfound insights in SEO and copywriting in a Content Executive role."
Learn more about Forward Role
Now you know how to address any career gaps in your interview, it's now time to prepare. This will increase your chances of landing your dream job.
