How to Explain Resume Gaps to Recruiters

Recruiter: "Can you explain this gap on your resume?" Job seeker: "No, I can't. I signed an NDA!" I have seen a video go viral for "advising" job seekers to respond this way, and I did not think much of it because I did not think people would actually use this in their job interviews. But I was wrong, and I need to explain why this is not the best way to show up during an interview, especially if you did not actually sign an NDA. YES, companies should find other ways to understand if your skills are still relevant and were not too affected or stale because of the gap; the gap itself and why you had to take a break from your career is none of the employer's business. If you were actually not employed during the gap, and you mentioned an NDA, you would still have to produce some proof that you worked during that time while you were going through a background check. If you are asked this question, there are many valid reasons why you were taking the time, but no need to go into details; you can say something along the lines of: "I was taking care of a loved one." "I took a sabbatical." "I was taking care of some personal matters." You can choose however you want to initiate the sentence, but you should end it like this: "However, here are the things I did to keep up with my skills (insert what those things were), and I am ready to get back to work on the area that I am skilled at and passionate about..." There is no need to lie; you don't need to give them your life story; keep it relevant to what matters, YOUR SKILLS and how relevant they are in spite of the gap.

One of the questions I get most frequently from job seekers is how to navigate a career gap on their resume… Personally, I say address it head-on. Lots of people, particularly over the last 4-5 years, have experienced unexpected breaks in employment. It’s understandable and perfectly acceptable! But if you don’t address it proactively, employers might begin to imagine unfounded and unfair red flags about you and your work history. So don’t give them the chance! I always recommend incorporating a “career break” entry into your resume. In this type of section, you have the opportunity to: 1️⃣ Tactfully and succinctly explain the reason for this break in your employment history while avoiding going into unnecessary details 2️⃣ Frame things in a positive light and showcase your resiliency, rather than just leaving a missing date range in your experience section 3️⃣ Explain relevant activities you may have engaged in during your break like volunteering, upskilling, or working in a part-time or freelance capacity 4️⃣ Highlight the alignment of skills you potentially gained or honed during this time to the job for which you are applying 5️⃣ Showcase your excitement for returning to a specific role or field, addressing baseless concerns about your commitment or work readiness This approach is strategically beneficial because it allows you to be honest and transparent, while also giving you the opportunity to control your own narrative! #careerbreak #careergap #resumewriting

Do you struggle with talking about gaps or layoffs in your interview? Most do (I did, too) and there is no shame ...in either scenario. The next time you're preparing for an interview, try this approach: Ask yourself -- 1// What were you working on or toward in that role (or role prior to your gap) 2// What stakes were at play? What were you up against? 3// Simply state the reason for your gap/the layoff that occurred (short and sweet) 4// What did it teach you? 5// How has this new understanding prepared your or clarified your experience as an asset for the next company you're targeting? Everyone loves a comeback-kid. Make your layoff or gap work FOR you.