workingwise.co.uk’s guide to explaining your career gap

Cv Guru Emma Alkirwi outlines how to cover any breaks in work if you are applying for a job.

Laptop with CV on it depicting job search

 

Returning to work if you have had to take extended time out for whatever reason can be scary and it can be difficult to know how to document a career gap in your CV. Whatever your reason for taking time out, it is important to acknowledge this and not just leave a gap. Below are some tips which centre around explaining a career gap, while highlighting the skills you had before your break and those you have acquired as a result of it.

State the gap

In the Career Summary section of your CV (before your most recent role) simply write the date your career gap started (month and year is fine) then put down the reason such as Carer/Period of ill health.

Explain

Provide a short explanation, such as who you were a carer to or that you were unwell and then write that you are actively seeking employment opportunities and are ready to return to work.

Volunteering

Remember to acknowledge any volunteering you may have done as you will have gained valuable skills. This could be a community group or assisting with a family business.

Hobbies

If you have interesting hobbies then note these down in your CV as this can make an excellent talking point at interview and also gives the reader an insight into your personality.

IT Skills

Make sure you document your IT Skills such as any programmes or software you have used as this demonstrates you have kept up to date with recent technology.

Show your expertise

Outlining your career gap and offering relevant information is important so you can give the recruiter a true insight into your expertise. Hopefully, you can outline additional skills or experience you have obtained during your break. However, in the event that you cannot highlight anything relevant, at least acknowledge the gap and make it clear you are committed to returning to work and ready to take on a new challenge.

Remember, just because you have taken a career gap this does not mean you are not capable or do not have the skills and experience relevant for the role. You will have a lot to offer whether from your previous work experience or if you have, for instance, been a carer.

New skills

Remember, you may have acquired or honed soft skills which are highly relevant during your break, for instance, organising family life, time management and so forth. These are all great qualities to offer an employer.

Attitudes are changing to career gaps and I suspect this will continue as workplaces become more modern, have the added benefit of new technology and flexible working arrangements or locations become more common, particularly as a result of Covid.



Post a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Your Franchise Selection

Click the button below to register your interest with all the franchises in your selection

Request FREE Information Now

Your Franchise Selection

This franchise opportunity has been added to your franchise selection

image

title

Click the button below to register your interest with all the franchises in your selection

Request FREE Information Now


You may be interested in these similar franchises