How to Explain Gaps in Resume – Tips and Strategies
How to Explain Gaps in Resume – Tips and Strategies
We all know that having a good resume is extremely important for job seekers, but gaps in resumes can be really hard to address, especially if you don’t have an explanation for the gap. That’s why we’re here today – to help you figure out how to overcome these obstacles and make sure your resume stands out from the rest!
In this article, we’ll cover three main topics: how to explain gaps in resume on your resume itself, how to explain gaps in resume on LinkedIn, and how to explain gaps in resume during an interview. We’ll also give you some additional tips and advice so that you can ensure success when looking for a job after experiencing an employment gap.
Let’s start with our first topic – handling a gap on your resume itself.
First and foremost, it’s important to be honest and transparent about any gaps in your work. Lying or omitting anything that could come back to haunt you will only make the situation worse in the long run.
Instead of trying to hide the fact that there is a gap in your employment history, consider alternative formats like dates of employment ranges instead of specific months and years or include freelance work or volunteer opportunities during the gap period. This will allow employers to see that you have been productive even when not officially employed by someone else.
You can also use your cover letter as an opportunity to explain the circumstances behind any gaps in employment history such as taking time off for family reasons, travel, or other personal endeavors. Make sure to highlight any relevant activities or experiences that you took part in during the gaps in employment – this will demonstrate both initiative and productivity even without official job titles attached. Use what you did during your gap as an asset in your story.
When it comes to LinkedIn profiles, many people tend to forget about updating their profiles while they are unemployed; however, it’s important not only to update your LinkedIn Profile regularly, but also add details regarding any professional development activities you participated in during the gaps in your career, like attending seminars or conferences, or taking online courses or certifications. This will allow employers to see that although there was an interruption in employment, you still invested in your professional and personal growth.
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Finally when it comes down actually talking about the gaps at interviews with potential employers, it’s best practice not to get too bogged down by trying to explain every single detail. This may result in you rambling on unnecessarily. Instead, simply acknowledge what happened succinctly before moving on to other topics, like your qualifications for the position and your interest in the company. Make sure to mention any skills obtained during those periods of unemployment, especially if they’re skills that can benefit you in the role you’re interviewing for. This also shows you’re resilient in the face of challenges.
We hope this video has helped you better understand how best to approach dealing with gaps in resumes. Remember – always remain honest yet confident when discussing any interruptions in work history; focus on highlighting related experiences gained during periods of unemployment rather than dwelling on what caused them and where possible bridge these conversations into discussions around future goals or objectives so employers can determine whether hiring you would benefit their organization.
