Life happens, and sometimes our career paths aren't as smooth as we'd like them to be. Employment gaps on your CV can raise eyebrows, but don't worry; it's not the end of the world. In fact, with the right approach, these gaps can be managed and even turned into a positive talking point.
Here’s how to identify employment gaps on your CV to keep potential employers impressed and focused on your strengths.
Identifying Employment Gaps
First, let's understand what constitutes an employment gap. An employment gap is any period during which you were not employed in a job related to your career field. These can be short (a few months) or long (several years).
Steps to Identify Gaps:
1. Chronological Review: List all your jobs in chronological order. Look for any periods of time that are unaccounted for.
2. Compare Dates: Check the start and end dates of your employment. Identify any significant gaps (usually six months or longer) between jobs.
3. Document Everything: Even if you were not in formal employment, document any productive activities you engaged in during these periods, such as freelancing, volunteering, or further education.
Addressing Employment Gaps
Once you’ve identified the gaps, the next step is to address them. Here are some strategies to handle employment gaps on your CV:
1. Be Honest but Tactful
Honesty is the best policy, but there’s no need to provide unnecessary details. Simply state the reason for the gap in a straightforward manner.
Example:
- Family Commitment: "Took a career break to care for a family member."
- Travel: "Traveled abroad to gain new cultural insights and experiences."
2. Highlight Productive Activities
If you engaged in any productive activities during your gap, make sure to highlight them. This shows that you were still active and developing skills.
Example:
- Volunteering: "Volunteered at a local non-profit, gaining experience in project management and community outreach."
- Freelancing: "Worked as a freelance graphic designer, completing projects for various clients."
3. Use a Functional CV Format
A functional CV focuses on skills and experiences rather than chronological employment history. This can be particularly useful if you have multiple gaps.
Example:
- Skills-Based Section: Create sections like "Project Management Experience" or "Technical Skills" where you can group your relevant experiences together.
4. Be Prepared to Discuss in Interviews
Be ready to discuss your employment gaps in interviews. Prepare a concise and positive explanation that reassures employers about your reliability and commitment.
Example:
- Health Issue: "I took a break due to a health issue, but I am fully recovered and eager to bring my skills and experience to a new role."
5. Keep Learning and Growing
Show that you have been proactive during your gap by taking courses, attending workshops, or earning certifications related to your field.
Example:
- Continued Education: "Completed a certification course in digital marketing to stay updated with industry trends."
Employment gaps are common, and they don't have to be a stumbling block in your job search. By identifying these gaps and addressing them with honesty, positivity, and a focus on your continued growth and development, you can present a strong and confident CV. Remember, employers are looking for the right fit, and demonstrating resilience and adaptability can make you an even more attractive candidate.
At Platform Recruitment, we’re here to help you navigate these challenges and showcase your best self to potential employers. Whether you're re-entering the workforce or making a career change, we’ve got the expertise and resources to support you every step of the way.
Here at Platform Recruitment we've been developing our expertise for over 12 years, making us a leading recruitment agency based in North London.
We currently have clients with live roles, looking for exciting new talent to join their team – contact us now to find out more and see which opportunities we have for you in Software Development, DevOps, Mechanical, Hardware & Electronics, Life Sciences, Data Science, Manufacturing, QA and Engineering – as well as management, operations and support function roles.