Employment gaps are more common than people think, and they don’t need to be a barrier to finding your next role. Whether time away from work was due to caring responsibilities, redundancy, illness, travel, or personal development, how you present these periods is key.
Be Honest – But Strategic
Honesty is always the best policy. Gaps don’t need to be hidden or glossed over. Instead, they should be addressed directly and framed positively. Recruiters and hiring managers are increasingly understanding of career breaks – it’s how you explain them that matters.
Avoid vague or overly elaborate explanations. A simple, clear statement outlining the reason for the gap – paired with what you gained from it – is more impactful than trying to disguise the time away.
Focus on Growth and Learning
A career break can be an opportunity, not a setback. Perhaps you took time off to care for a relative, travel, volunteer, retrain, or simply reassess your goals. These experiences can offer valuable skills and personal insights.
Think about what you learnt during the time away from work:
- Did you develop new skills?
- Improve your resilience or adaptability?
- Gain perspective that’s shaped your career goals?
Even periods of rest and recovery can demonstrate emotional intelligence, maturity, and self-awareness – all of which employers value.
How to Present a Gap
On your CV:
- Include dates honestly.
- Use a short description such as: “Personal development break – studied online courses in project management and digital marketing”.
- Highlight any relevant activities or training.
In an interview:
- Be confident. Speak about your time away as a deliberate and valuable chapter, not something to be ashamed of.
- Focus on what you’re bringing to the table now.
- Keep the conversation forward-looking and relevant to the role you’re applying for.
Proactivity is Key
If you’re currently in a gap, use the time wisely. Consider:
- Volunteering
- Freelancing
- Learning a new skill
- Attending industry events or webinars
Even if it’s just a few hours a week, these activities can help maintain momentum and show initiative.
Final Thoughts
Career journeys aren’t always linear – and that’s okay. What’s important is how you use each phase of your working life. At Proximity Recruitment, we encourage candidates to embrace their stories, including the twists and turns. With the right mindset and approach, employment gaps can strengthen, not weaken, your application.
