As a mid to senior-level manager, you have probably experienced a gap in your employment history. Maybe you took time off to care for a sick family member, went back to school to pursue a degree, or even took a sabbatical to travel the world. Whatever the reason, explaining gaps in your resume can be a challenging task. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this blog post, we’ll provide you with practical solutions to help you address employment gaps and land your next job.
The Problem:
Employment gaps are a common occurrence in the many industry, but they can be a cause for concern for many hiring managers. Some recruiters may perceive gaps in employment as a red flag and question the candidate’s commitment or ability to perform the job. As a result, mid to senior-level managers who have employment gaps in their resumes may find it difficult to secure a job interview or even receive a call back from the employer.
Employment gaps can arise from several reasons, such as:
- Personal reasons (family care, illness, etc.)
- Career change or redirection
- Traveling, sabbaticals, or pursuing education
- Layoffs, downsizing, or company restructuring
- Entrepreneurship or self-employment
Whatever the reason, it’s essential to address the gap clearly and concisely to avoid any potential red flags in the hiring process.
Real-Life Examples:
Here are a few real-life examples of mid to senior-level managers and how they explained their employment gaps in their resumes:
- “After the company I worked for underwent a merger, I was unfortunately let go due to downsizing. During that time, I took the opportunity to travel and explore other career opportunities. Now, I am excited to bring my skills and experience to a new company.”
- “After several years of working in the finance industry, I realized that my true passion was in healthcare. I decided to go back to school to pursue a degree in nursing. Now that I have completed my studies, I am eager to apply my knowledge and experience to the healthcare industry.”
- “Due to family care responsibilities, I took some time off to take care of my elderly parents. During that time, I volunteered at a local charity and took courses to enhance my skills. Now, I am ready to re-enter the workforce and bring my expertise to a new company.”
The Solutions:
Now that we’ve identified some reasons for employment gaps and real-life examples, let’s look at some practical solutions to help you explain the gaps in your resume.
Be Honest and Transparent
First and foremost, honesty is the best policy when it comes to explaining employment gaps. Be transparent about the reason for the gap and provide a brief explanation. Avoid giving too much information or oversharing personal details. Remember, you’re explaining the gap, not justifying it.
Highlight Relevant Activities
During your employment gap, you may have pursued activities that are relevant to your industry or job role. Highlight any courses, training, volunteering or freelance work you may have done during that time. This can show the hiring manager that you were still actively engaged in your field and further developed your skills during the gap.
Use a Functional Resume
Instead of using a chronological resume, consider using a functional resume format. A functional resume emphasizes skills and experience rather than employment history. This format can be useful if you have gaps in your employment history or if you’re changing careers.
Address the Gap in the Cover Letter
Use your cover letter to address any employment gaps that may be a cause for concern. Provide a brief explanation and highlight any relevant activities during that time. This can demonstrate to the hiring manager that you are proactive, responsible, and have a plan for your career. You can also express your excitement for the job and explain how your skills and experience align with the company’s goals.
Practice your Explanation
Before the interview, practice your explanation for the employment gap. Rehearse your response and make sure it’s clear, concise, and positive. This can help you feel more confident and prepared during the interview.
Don’t Apologize
Remember, there’s no need to apologize for having an employment gap. Life happens, and many people experience employment gaps throughout their careers. Instead of apologizing, focus on the skills and experience you bring to the job and how you can contribute to the company’s success.
Show Your Growth
Finally, show how you have grown and developed during your employment gap. This can include new skills, perspectives, and experiences that you can bring to the job. Emphasize how you have used the time to reflect, learn, and grow both personally and professionally.
Conclusion:
Explaining employment gaps can be a challenging task, but it’s essential to address them positively and proactively. By being honest, highlighting relevant activities, using a functional resume, addressing the gap in the cover letter, practicing your explanation, not apologizing, and showing your growth, you can successfully explain your employment gap and land your next job. Remember, your employment gap is just a small part of your overall experience, and it’s your skills, experience, and enthusiasm that will make you a valuable asset to any company.
In summary, it’s important to remember that employment gaps are common, and there are various reasons why they may occur. By addressing them proactively and positively, mid to senior-level managers can overcome any concerns and demonstrate their value to prospective employers. So, be honest, highlight relevant activities, use a functional resume, address the gap in the cover letter, practice your explanation, don’t apologize, and show your growth. With these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to explaining your employment gap and securing your next job opportunity. Good luck!