How to Fill a Gap on Resume Due to Job Loss
The loss of your job can send you into a tailspin riddled with uncertainty, confusion and disappointment. At some point, either immediately or if you choose to look for a new job down the road, the gap created by job loss will need to be addressed. Whether embarking on a new career or reviving a previous one, handling job loss correctly on both your resume and during your interview can help you land a new gig.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Write down any experiences and activities you can use to fill the gap on your resume. List any special training or educational programs you participated in and any volunteer activities you were involved with, such as tutoring, mentoring or working for a nonprofit. These activities provide employers with a glimpse into how you filled your time after a job loss.
-
2
Construct your resume in a chronological or functional resume format. Choose the common chronological resume format if you can fill in the gap with another activity, such as your volunteer work. Opt for a functional resume format if you have several gaps in employment or if you failed to participate in any volunteer work or other activity that can be listed in a traditional chronological fashion. Functional resumes place an emphasis on qualifications, skills and experience, placing employment history at the end of the resume.
-
-
3
Speak honestly about your job loss and then move on to highlighting the skills and experiences you gained in the meantime. Refrain from speaking ill of past employers and present a positive attitude when speaking about the circumstances surrounding your job loss. Potential employers like to see that you can roll with the punches and accept change in the face of diversity.
-
4
Focus the cover letter on your qualifications to provide a well-rounded view of you as a job candidate. This can take the focus off of any gaps in employment related to job loss, giving you an opportunity to further explain these gaps during the interview process.
-
1
