There are many reasons why a talented professional might have a gap in their resume. Maybe the economy took a turn and you lost a job. Or perhaps you took time off to have a baby, or to care for an ill relative. Securing a new position immediately after having been unemployed isn’t always easy. And sometimes this in-between period can lead to a significant gap in your resume.
It’s obvious that a gap isn’t ideal. Most employers are looking to hire someone who has been steadily employed and, hopefully, has continued to advance. But it’s also not the end of the world if you have a gap in your resume. With a little planning, you can easily explain your unique career trajectory to a prospective employer.
Here are a few ways to overcome the gap.
Start With Your Cover Letter.
As soon as a hiring manager looks at your resume, chances are that they’re going to do the math and notice the gap. Thus there’s no point avoiding it or trying to pretend that it isn’t there. Use your cover letter or a one page summary of achievements and background to highlight accomplishments.
Your objective is not to gloss over the holes, rather to explain. Briefly describe your situation and why you took the time off. If you simply couldn’t find work within an extended period, go over the additional skills that you worked on during that period and how it has better equipped you for new opportunities. If you get everything out in the open in your cover letter, you’ll be in much better shape to discuss things further in an interview setting.
Be Honest.
The absolute worst thing you can do if you have a gap in your resume is to lie about it. Don’t pretend that you went back to school if you didn’t. Don’t say you took the time off to travel if you didn’t. And certainly don’t invent a fake position to fill in the unemployed period. There’s nothing worse than getting caught in a lie. In this situation, it’s much better to face it head on and tell your prospective employer the truth.
Choose Your Words Wisely.
Pay very close attention to the way that you describe the gap in your resume. Speak positively and confidently. Try to avoid making any disparaging comments about companies that didn’t hire you. Even if you went through a frustrating period of unemployment, you want to show a prospective employer that you have a positive attitude and that you can persist even when the going gets tough. Finding a way to describe the silver lining in a less than ideal situation will go a long way in this instance.
For more information about how to explain a gap in your resume, Contact PrideStaff Las Vegas. We are happy to discuss any questions your may have!
