How to Explain Employment Gaps in a Resume

Employment gaps can ruin a great job opportunity if you don't know how to show them in the best light. You can include your employment gaps on your resume and still get the job you want with a creative approach.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Resume

1. 
    
   Employment Gaps in a Resume

   BE HONEST. There are a lot of legitimate reasons for not working from time to time. Lay offs, having children, and illness are all valid reasons to have an employment gap in your resume. These gaps won't disqualify you as a job applicant, but getting caught lying will. There's nothing dishonest about taking time off from work when your situation demands it. However, lying to cover up a gap is a great way to lose your shot at the job you really want.

2. 
    
   Explain Gaps in Your Resume

   SHOW YOUR GAP IN THE RIGHT LIGHT. It's a myth that employers dismiss applicants who have experienced gaps in employment. Most companies are more impressed by what you've done with your 'down time' than they are turned off by the fact that you've had down time. Don't simply show that you've been unemployed at times. SHOW THEM WHAT YOU DID WITH YOURSELF!!! Did you learn anything work related? Did you pursue skills or adventures that might make you an asset to their work force? Were you contributing something positive to society? Were you working on the great American novel? Even indicating that you used the time to educate your own children is better than extended periods of unexplained unemployment. Show what you accomplished when you weren't formally employed and you lend value to those times when you weren't working.

3. 
    
   Resume Employment Gaps

   THE RIGHT WORDING. Depending on how you display employment gaps in your resume, you can make a positive into a negative, or the other way around. For instance, you could make gaps due to jail time into resume gold if, instead of saying you were in jail, you explain that you were earning a degree (as long as you earned a degree while you were in jail). Or, if you've been home, selling the occasional used book on eBay, you can explain that you were self-employed or helping to build a small family business.

4. 
    
   Work History and Resume

   HONESTY, NOT BRUTAL HONESTY. You should always be honest when building a resume or applying for a job, but you don't have to be brutally honest. Do not lie about situations you think might reflect badly on you, but at the same time, don't volunteer that information without being asked. Always look for a positive spin on your work history and personal experiences. How you display yourself in your resume makes all the difference in getting an interview and getting hired.

[cthomas311]

on 6/4/2009 Great advice! I have also been attending job search or readiness classes at Goodwill, the YMCA, and at churches. Would it be a good idea to mention this?

[srobbins]

on 3/13/2009 Great advice. I've been home with my baby for the past several months. At some point I will need this advice.

[ManyMusings]

on 12/30/2008 Great tips for explaining gaps in employment. Thanks so much! 5*

[02SmithA]

on 12/11/2008 Nice points... gotta be honest!

[slphilbrick]

on 12/4/2008 Excellent tips for explaining the gap. (Confidently) explaining with honesty and a positive spin, can make a huge difference in whether you get the job or not ! 5*