Employment gaps on a CV can often feel like a stumbling block when applying for a new role. However, taking time out of work is not uncommon, and employers are increasingly open to candidates who can explain these gaps effectively. Whether you took a break for personal reasons, travel, further education, or to care for family, addressing these gaps confidently and transparently can help you present yourself as a strong and credible candidate. Here’s how to tackle employment gaps on your CV and navigate these discussions during the job application process.

1. Be Honest About the Gap

When it comes to employment gaps, honesty is the best policy. Trying to conceal or gloss over periods of unemployment may raise more questions than it answers. Employers appreciate transparency, and explaining the gap upfront can show that you are honest, self-aware, and willing to take ownership of your career journey.

On your CV, provide a brief explanation for the gap, focusing on what you were doing during that time. If the gap was due to personal reasons, such as family care or health issues, a simple statement like “Career break to care for family” is sufficient. If you were taking time for personal development, travelling, volunteering, or studying, highlight the skills and experiences you gained that are relevant to the role you’re applying for.

Tip: Include dates for each role and gap on your CV to create a clear and consistent timeline. This helps prevent the impression that you’re trying to hide something and provides a straightforward view of your career path.

2. Use a Functional CV Format

If you have multiple or lengthy employment gaps, consider using a functional (skills-based) CV format instead of the traditional chronological format. A functional CV focuses on your skills, achievements, and qualifications rather than the specific timeline of your employment history. This approach allows you to emphasise your abilities and suitability for the job, shifting the focus away from the employment gaps.

In a functional CV, create sections based on your key skills, such as “Project Management”, “Customer Service”, or “Technical Expertise”, and provide examples of how you’ve demonstrated these skills in previous roles, volunteer work, or other activities. You can still include an “Employment History” section, but it will be placed towards the end of the CV and listed more succinctly.

Tip: When listing skills, ensure they are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Tailoring your CV to match the job description can help highlight your most pertinent skills and experiences.

3. Highlight Relevant Activities During the Gap

If you were involved in any activities during your employment gap that are relevant to your career, make sure to highlight them on your CV. This could include freelance work, volunteer roles, further education, training courses, certifications, or even personal projects that demonstrate your skills and dedication to professional growth.

For example, if you volunteered with a charity during your career break, outline the skills you used and the impact you made, such as managing events, leading a team, or developing fundraising strategies. If you took a course to learn new skills, list the course and briefly describe how it has enhanced your abilities relevant to the job.

Tip: Include these activities under a section like “Career Break” or “Additional Experience” on your CV. Emphasising your proactive use of time shows potential employers that you stayed engaged and committed to personal and professional development.

4. Address the Gap in Your Cover Letter

Your cover letter provides an excellent opportunity to address employment gaps more fully. Use the cover letter to explain briefly why you took the career break and, more importantly, focus on how the experience has prepared you for the role you’re applying for. This is your chance to control the narrative and present your employment gap in a positive light.

For instance, if you took time off to care for a family member, you could mention how the experience helped you develop valuable soft skills, such as organisation, time management, and resilience. If you went travelling, highlight how it broadened your perspective, improved your problem-solving skills, or gave you the chance to learn new languages.

Tip: Keep the explanation concise and emphasise your eagerness to return to work. Use the cover letter to show that you are now ready and motivated to contribute positively to the potential employer's team.

5. Prepare to Discuss the Gap in Interviews

If your CV successfully leads to an interview, be prepared to discuss your employment gap in more detail. Employers may ask about it to understand the circumstances and gauge how the experience has shaped your career journey. When addressing the gap, focus on the positive aspects, such as the skills you gained, the personal growth you experienced, or how the break has reinvigorated your career ambitions.

Practice your response to questions about your gap in advance, ensuring that it is confident, honest, and relevant to the role. Emphasise your readiness to re-enter the workforce and how your experiences during the gap have made you a more well-rounded candidate. Remember, many employers appreciate candidates who have overcome challenges and learned from diverse life experiences.

Tip: Turn the conversation towards the future by discussing your enthusiasm for the role and how you plan to apply your skills and experiences to contribute to the company’s success.

6. Showcase Your Recent Skills and Achievements

One way to diminish concerns about employment gaps is to highlight your most recent skills and achievements. If you’ve undertaken any recent courses, certifications, or projects, make sure they are prominently featured on your CV. This demonstrates that you have been proactive in keeping your skills relevant and up to date, even if you were not in traditional employment.

Additionally, if you’ve completed any professional development activities during the gap, mention them in your CV and cover letter. Showing that you have maintained a learning mindset and adapted to new trends in your field can reassure employers that you are well-prepared to return to work.

Tip: Keep your CV concise and results-focused. Emphasise key achievements and quantifiable outcomes to showcase your impact and capability, reinforcing your suitability for the role.

Final Thoughts

Employment gaps are a common part of many career paths, and when addressed honestly and positively, they don’t have to be a barrier to finding a new job. By being transparent about your break, using a CV format that highlights your skills, and focusing on the valuable experiences gained during the gap, you can present yourself as a strong candidate.

Remember, employers are increasingly understanding of career breaks, especially when they are accompanied by a clear explanation and a demonstration of your ongoing commitment to personal and professional growth. With the right approach, you can navigate employment gaps confidently and continue to advance your career.