Mind the gap! Gaps in your CV explained

Gaps in your CV can feel daunting when you’re searching for your next job opportunity. Today, gaps in CV are more common than ever, and employers are increasingly open to understanding the reasons behind them. By presenting career gaps as assets, you can highlight your resilience and adaptability, making you a stronger candidate. Transforming them into powerful opportunities.

Taking time off for personal growth, family commitments, or upskilling can show your resilience and adaptability. Instead of seeing them as setbacks, view them as opportunities to showcase the unique experiences and skills you’ve gained along the way. This guide will help you understand gaps in CV, provide example answers for explaining them, and show you why they don’t need to hold you back. We’ll also cover how to present them in a way that highlights your strengths and value to employers.

What are gaps in a CV?

Gaps in your CV can feel like a challenge, but they’re a natural part of many career journeys. These gaps might span a few months or even several years and can occur for various reasons. Addressing these gaps thoughtfully can turn them into valuable opportunities.

Common reasons for CV gaps include:

• Redundancy or company changes: Experiencing redundancy or company restructuring can be emotionally challenging. It’s an unexpected twist in your career path, but it often leads to new opportunities. During this time, highlight any proactive steps you took, such as networking or further education, to show your resilience and determination.
• Family commitments: Taking time to care for a loved one, raising children, or handling other personal responsibilities showcases your responsibility, empathy, and organisational skills. These experiences are incredibly valuable and demonstrate that you have a strong set of transferable skills.
• Education or upskilling: Investing time in further education, gaining certifications, or developing new skills can significantly enhance your career prospects. Highlighting your commitment to professional growth shows that you’re dedicated to advancing your career.
• Health recovery: Focusing on your physical or mental well-being during a challenging period demonstrates resilience and self-awareness. Explaining how you overcame these challenges and prepared for the workplace can be highly impactful.
• Exploration and sabbaticals: Taking a break to travel, volunteer, or reassess your career goals demonstrates adaptability and cultural awareness. Employers appreciate candidates who bring diverse experiences and perspectives.

Employers often look for how you used your time during a career gap, how you handled gaps in your job history, and what you learned or gained from the experience. Being prepared to address these questions with confidence and positivity can turn a perceived gap into an asset.

Every chapter in your career story contributes to who you are today. By understanding the reasons for your CV gaps and presenting them effectively, you can show potential employers your resilience, adaptability, and continuous growth.

How to explain a CV gap positively

Be honest 

Honesty is the foundation of addressing a career gap. Provide a concise explanation, focusing on the reasons and how you made the most of that time. Avoid oversharing but ensure transparency to build trust. Think of this as giving context to a chapter in your professional story.

Being honest allows employers to see you as reliable and self-aware, which are desirable traits in any candidate.

Highlight transferable skills

Focus on the valuable skills you gained during your time away from formal employment. These could include managing finances, leadership from organising community events, or adaptability from navigating new challenges. Consider these as new tools you’ve added to your professional toolkit.

Align with the job role

Connect your experiences during the gap to the job you’re applying for. Demonstrate how the skills or perspectives you’ve gained align with the role and make you a strong candidate. For example, if you managed projects during a career break, explain how this equips you to handle similar challenges in the workplace.

How to address gaps in applications and interviews

In Your Application

Cover Letter

Use your cover letter to briefly explain significant gaps, framing them in a positive light. Highlight the skills or experiences you gained during that time. For example: “During my career break, I completed a data analysis course to enhance my technical skills. This proactive approach is an excellent way to explain an employment gap positively.”

Formatting tips

Minimise smaller gaps by listing employment dates by year instead of month and year. This keeps the focus on your achievements rather than the timeline.

During the Interview

Prepare clear answers

Practice responses to common questions about career gaps, focusing on growth and proactivity. For instance: “During my time away, I focused on developing my leadership skills through volunteer work.”

Focus on skills

Share specific examples of actions you took to stay productive, such as volunteering, freelancing, or pursuing personal projects. Highlight how these experiences make you a strong fit for the role.

Turning CV Gaps into Strengths

Upskilling

Use gaps constructively by pursuing professional development opportunities. Highlight these on your CV and in interviews to demonstrate initiative and commitment. For example: “During my career break, I earned a project management certification, which has prepared me to lead cross-functional teams.” If formal certifications or courses weren’t possible, consider other ways to demonstrate initiative and commitment.

Examples:

• “During my career break, I led a personal project where I developed new digital marketing strategies, gaining valuable skills in data analysis and campaign management.”

Volunteering or freelance work

Showcase informal work experiences that demonstrate your skills and proactivity. For example: managing a community project or freelancing for a small business can provide valuable experience and highlight your adaptability.

Examples:

• “During my career break, I volunteered with a local charity, preparing me to lead cross-functional teams.”

Personal growth

Not all career gaps are due to choices that allow for pursuing formal learning or work. If your gap was due to illness or personal reasons, focus on the resilience and perspective you gained during that time.

Examples:

• “During my recovery period, I focused on personal growth, which helped me recharge, gain clarity, and develop a renewed commitment to my professional path.”

Employers appreciate honesty and the strength it takes to navigate challenging circumstances. By presenting your career gaps positively and confidently, you can turn any perceived setback into an advantage.

Moving forward with confidence

Career gaps are not barriers to success. With the right framing, they can become opportunities to showcase resilience, skills, and readiness for new challenges. Think of them as stepping stones that have shaped who you are today. By presenting them positively and confidently, you can turn any perceived setback into an advantage.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, connect with Salt for expert advice and opportunities in the digital job market.