How to Explain Employment Gaps on Resume (with sample answers)
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- Опубліковано 27 лип 2021
- How do you address an employment gap on your resume? In this video, I share a practical strategy that you can apply that will instantly make your feel better about the gap and also attract the right type of hiring managers.
Watch next:
How to explain gaps in employment:
• How to explain Gaps in...
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Do keep in mind though that the views expressed are from my own experiences and best practices. Apply your own judgment keeping in mind the culture and industry you are/wish to be in.
Have you had a gap in your resume? What was the reason and how long was it for? Comment below!
Hey Sonal, I have gap of one month due to my father illness in 2015. Do I need to mention it in my resume or should I talk about this when asked?
Hey there! I wouldn’t mention it: too short and too long ago.
Good luck!
Thanks for your guidance, I really appreciate it.
i started working temp- part time job beginning 2012, and in 2017 i stopped cause i tried going back to school, 2018 not worked because could not find job and got sick, 2019 i worked for a month in fast food, in 2020 before covid worked as a courier driver but i quit because i can not do lifting, and Oct.2020 worked for a month fast food again but quit, so 2021 sept. got a voicemail, my friend told me to follow up , got interview, thankfully my interviewer accepted me even my english is not good, in early Oct.2021 i started my training to get School bus license till now Jan.2022 working as a Spare-School bus driver..
Hi mam I didn't start my career after my Education bcoz of marriage and kids but I'm really interested now to start my career after 10years what should I do now? Shall I get
Thank you so much. I thought i had nothing to show for but this gives me another way to explain i haven't been sitting around doing nothing.
I have a Sabbatical of 7 years. Combination of family reasons and trailing spouse where I moved to USA . Now back to India and looking for a job. But sadly not everyone understands that family is important, raising kids is important. I don’t regret that I have to take a step back because I was always there when my family needed me. I am also HR professional and It saddens me when people just see me as someone who has been out of market and nothing beyond it. 😞
thanks for watching, hope the video helps you. Watch the other video I referred to during the video. Good luck Mukta!
I love your smile and positive aura, it automatically gives hope. Trailing spouse, being dependent, moving to different cities for his career and family reasons have time and again created gaps in my resume and makes me hopeless and lose confidence for the IT job and career I dreamt of. I never stopped learning whenever possible and being only 27 now I hope I can hope to turnaround and fulfill my dreams.
And you will! Thanks for watching and wish you lots of success!
These questions need to become illegal; what I do in between in jobs is none of the employer's business and is irrelevant if I match the job description. Life is too complicated to just assume a person has a long gap because they're unhireable.
I do agree, and I wish this would happen! In the meantime, this video helps address those whore hiring who have narrow and short term thinking. All the best Jack!
Thats why you never....ever.....tell them about gaps, make something up or stretch dates but never disclose gaps.
Couldn’t disagree more!
Thank you for sharing such helpful knowledge!
I have another reason of the gap on my Resume, if it should be called a "gap". I've been working as a QA Engineer for about 5 years. I was studying fine art, concept art and UI design as a hobby, while I was an engineer. Then I switched the job and became an artist for 4 years.
Then, after having practical experience of two different jobs, I've compared the experience, and made the decision to continue QA Engineer career path and to leave the art as a hobby for weekends. I'm working as a QA Engineer again (found a job few months ago), I'm currently searching for a better place, but that unrelated artistic working experience became an issue to me. I was thinking to leave it as a gap before watching your video, but now I'm thinking to add it to the Resume. The puzzle is, how to add it and not to distract/confuse the people who will be reviewing my QA Engineer Resume 🙂
Hi , I wana thank you , I got my dream offer , I have prepared for interview watching your video 👍 thank you for your amazing tips and guidance ..love from India ❤️ your personality really inspired me
That’s wonderful, congrats Sneha!! Well done. Wish you a lot of success in the new role!
@@SuperChargeYourself thank you so much , keep inspiring us
Thanks for this tip.. this 8mile will give some boost to my career.
Thanks alot.
Love this Sonal, Gully Boy time!!!! We need to bring that 8 Mile energy into our job interviews. :)
Yeah!! Loved Gully Boy!! And energy shifts make a big difference to anything we pursue. Thanks for watching Brenden!
I think it's really great that you realize that "Life Happens," concept and that people should not be judged for long gaps in their work history. I do believe that you could add one more reason, a 7th reason, why people take long gaps, and that is that they just plainly didn't want to work for a period of time. They enjoyed not working. I do understand that it is a blessing, but that is not the point I am concerned with. Some people do have the ability to Not work and then decide to go back to work after a long period of time, out of necessity or just because they just want to work again. This is a true life situation for many people that is never addressed. I would love to see this concept (reason) covered on some UA-cam channels. I have searched for someone who has covered this concept and have found none. It would be very helpful for those of us who want to get back to work if some good advise on cover letters, resumes, and interviews were covered for those who just wanted to stay home for awhile. I have watched some of your videos and thought that you would be able to give great advise for this since you were an HR Director. I really enjoy your advise and appreciate your time and effort in providing it.
Thanks for sharing!
I think there’s usually a deeper layer behind why they didn’t want to work. Could be own mental health, space needed to heal etc..
@@SuperChargeYourself Ya, I don't think that is always the case. There doesn't have to be a reason all the time. It doesn't have to be mental health or anything negative. Sometimes we choose to stay home for a few years. I don't understand why there has to be a reason, other than they wanted to and they were able to, so they did. I have been home for almost 9 years because I chose not to go back to work. I now want to get back to working again, but there is no reason for me being home thus long other than I chose to not work.
I get that. Perhaps for many that would come under ‘family’? Or in your case, there’s a number 7, which is to just take a pause. And be. That’s fine too!
PS: mental health, like physical health, doesn’t have to be a negative reasoning
Telling the truth about gaps will never be seen favorably, ever. Id tell them something....anything other than the truth.
Companies would look at it as "wasting time." I wish they'd acknowledge that people need to breathe and ACTUALLY take time to recover from a previous toxic employer. But then again if you say that they think it's a red flag. It's so annoying that you are somehow not allowed to be candid like this and instead you are expected to suck it up and fake it.
Aaahhh....what a relief I got after watching this Superb tips on Career gap. 😊
Very well said, Right people will understand and let's repel from wrong ones.
Great 👌👌👌👌
Exactly, never forget that. Go where you’re needed, not tolerated.
Hi Sonal.. Moving to a new organisation after a 14 yr long stint. Your videos are extremely helpful.. Would love to know some tips when joining a new firm. Please do share the link if you've already made a video on this topic. Thank you ❤️
Thank you Sonal for nice tips and videos..i have subscribed the channel
Welcome!
Hello Sonal ty for the excellent video
thanks for watching, glad you liked it!
Super helpful tips 🕵️♂️
Glad to hear it !
Very nice video. I having a gap from 2014 to till, for reason 1,5 and 6.
Nw successfully completed the refreshment course. But nw preparing for NET EXAM
Great that you’ve been busy and upgrading yourself. Good luck!
Hello Sonal:) thank you so much for this info. 🌷
I have 3 rd phone interviews tomorrow. hope i can get this job
I have been moving a lot from one job to the other. Usually stayed 1-2 yrs so i have employment gaps x 4 times which my resume looks bad. Although my skills& experiences are good but i have kept failing to get a job when it comes to interview questions “ why you have plenty of employment gaps”. I think i didnt provide enough reasonable reasons to them..
Ur advice helps me a lot. Much appreciated😁 oh i like ur tone of voice and beautiful smilies 🌷
You’re welcome and thanks for watching and more importantly: you got this 💪🏼
2.5 yrs gap due to health issue
I had been preparing for government exams for around 4 years. Even cleared all 4 stages. But it didn't work out at last. What should I write into my resume ?
Thank you very much!
Bro did u get job?
I've been unemployed for 5 years . I just take a break year 2018-2019 then here comes the pandemic . while im unemployed i tried buy and sell but it didnt go well so i need to stop it. Im taking care of my old mom while tutoring my niece and nephews on their school assignments. How can i said this to interviewer ? Is it acceptable?
Thankyou so much :)
Thanks for watching!
With your smile I'm charged up for interview
Thank you...👍👍👍
Thanks for watching
1. Health 2. Certification and mba prep
Now I have total 7 yrs of gap for 5 yrs for family reason( looking after my 2 daughters) and 2 years for corona+ job hunt
This was such an amazing video. I am from India. I have a career gap of 1 year (2020 August - present) which I took to prepare for an entrance examination after my graduation completion in August 2020. But unfortunately I couldn't make it to the top colleges when the exam was held on February. But during the past 6 months I've been working tirelessly on my skills and very surely I feel I'll be able to grab a job. So considering all this are there any signs of worry for me?
Thanks for sharing. Watch the other video, it will help you! All the best!
Yes mam i do have gap . Took care of my ill mother. I mentioned it as took work hiatus to take care of ailing mother in resume, hopefully i did right thing. Listen to your podcast too .like the way u address the core of topic.
That’s a good and very important reason for taking time off. Wish you success and thanks for watching!
@@SuperChargeYourself thank you . Best wishes to you too mam
Hey did you receive positive responses after mentioning about ur reason of career gap in resume ?
Hi Sonal, I have seen your video, it is very helpful for the woman who have career gap. Sonal I also have a career gap of 6 years due to my illness. Now I want to go ahead again with my career now. Please help me to build my resume and share me the interview tips that how can I satisfy an interviewer with my answers for the career gap.
I had been preparing for government exams for around 2 years (2020-2022). But it didn't work out at last. I have seen people suggesting add projects in your resume. How should I put that (can you please tell me examplewise)
Hi Sonal..Love the content you come up with. So informatory and a much a needed guidance. I fall under catalogue 5 Trailing Spouse and had a gap for about a year. I manged to get placed in the same company I worked before ,however in the APAC region as an offshore employee due to various immigration process. They are looking to have me on board as a permanent employee and have initiated internal discussions. But they haven't spoken anything about the offer. My performance has been consistent and they seem to have recognised me. I've requested for an offer on my permanent position a couple of times but it hasn't been addressed clearly. Am I still in a position to ask about how much I could be offered? Is it something feasible to ask at this stage?
Thanks for watching ! For personalised advice, join me when I do an ‘ask me anything’ on Fridays!
3 year gap scattered across 7 years after college.. due to family crisis n traumatising sequence of events.
Hi Sonal, I have 2 gaps in my career - first one is 7 months and 2nd is 9 months, I have reason for 2nd one but don't have any reason for first one. Please help me how can I explain that one.
At different time periods combining to total 3. 😅 Should I mention it on resume before my placement sessions? Right now I am doing MBA.
this video talks about resume, so yes that's my suggestion. Good luck with the MBA!
I have a carrier GAP of 2.5 years
hope the video helps, good luck Ravi!
My friend has a career gap for two years due to family problems like sickness and financially low......does he can overcome career gap problems and hire in an interview mam
I have 3 years of gap due to health issue and after that due to covid 19 and it's lockdown.
Thanks for sharing. Good luck.
Hi,,, Yes i had a gap in my resume and I have a gap of almost 2.6 yrs and still looking for job kindly help
Thank you.. Sorry i asked this question in the previous video as well , I couldn't find the stuff how to mention in CV the Gap after laid off from company restructuring due to Covid. Could you please tell me which video it is?
Please provide me the exact phrase to write for the same .. Thank you in advance
Hi there, already answered you. This video and the other longer video give pointers to guide you in the right direction.
Detailed language for resume is customised to each person and situation, which is something I work on individually.
Good luck.
Mam i have completed my graduation in 2016 (Mechanical) but due to father health issue I had to look after my bricks mfg business but now I wanted to get job as manual tester in IT field so how can i justify this gap plz let me know mam
Should I tell this genuine reason directly?
Hi Mam,
Yes i have emp gab since 1year ,My company lad off me bcoz of Covid till now searching good opportunities..
But not getting selected yet even i am honest about may gab and work as well. What to do? Plz help.
Can you advice. I started my own fitness centre business for 4 years. It didn't go well due to COVID-19 years. Now decided to shut it down and go back to getting a job. But the situation is.
1. Should I mention the business on my resume
2. What supporting documents should I furnish
3. Will it impact my employment chances
thanks for your comment! Join me live on Fridays at 2 pm on LinkedIn with a short version of this question, definitely share my honest views.
Can u suggest
how to make careee in IT profession
i m beginner 28 year age from commerce i hv education gap completed my last year of commerce at 28 year ....
like in linux admin career or sap or supply chain....can u suggest sir...
I have basic computer skill knwledge
what r network basic knwledge must hv
What if you have been retired for a number of years and then decide to go back to work? Your senior age can be a challenge when competing with younger candidates. What would you suggest.
I understand. I have a lot of videos on ageism and how to talk about that, I’m sure you’ll find them useful. Good luck!
If your over 50 you're screwed. I am passed over often....despite 20 years in my industry and completion of over $100 million in projects
Hi Sonal. I need some advice how to talk about my 2 months employment I took during I recover from my health issues. That job was not relevant to my career and I only took it to generate cash and rebuild work structure. Should I mention this during interview and in my resume? Will HR think negative of me for taking this kind of job? I cannot delete this employment as background check will dig out this history anyway
Hi there! Thanks for your comment. I’m unfortunately not available for advice in the comments sections. Feel free to join me live on Fridays or schedule a consultation. Good luck!
Hi- i applied post of driver & security bt im interested in security job so now what i do.?first advised for driver.when i read to excited hiring securiy staff so i applied security job bcz u can learn & deliver & grow ur potential .tnx
I have gap to my previous job,for 3 months,4months,6 months is the longest,help me to explain that gaps,thank you
8 years
Thank you madam, 3 year in My career gap. Can i mark as a 3 year career gap. If yes how
What can I do to get recruit.
Hi mam please help me 😢I have more than 5 years of employment gap if company hire me. Then they ask for documents which I Dont have how to resolve this issue because I am facing very bad phase of my life 😓😓😓 and I don’t have any job feel depressed
I have taken gap of 5 years due to family reason as i m a mother of two child before i m working as an account assistant in jk Lakshmi cement. But nw due to my family reasons i want to work online plz help me out
I have 11 yrs gap how to fill this
What if your pause was due to sitting around wasting time? (over a year)
I am having a gap of 4.5 years in it industry before I was a developer .now want to switch to automation testing career.
Thanks for sharing and good luck!
Hi sonal. Anil Kumar here..from Sonipat Haryana Living at Faridabad..
There are so many gaps..
How can i contact you.. To fill all the pits..
Check my website for my services. All the best!
I've been a stay at home mom for 9 years and had 4 more babies. How can I put that in a 9 year gap 😬
Dear Ma’am , I completed my graduation in 2015 … and now I would like to work in software companies… vl I get a chance to work , if I acquired the necessary skills ?
yes definitely
I have 6 years of experience in IT Support and now 8 years of gap as I am mother of two kids and taking care of them, and now i am looking for job. Should I mention this in resume or not. I haven't upgraded doing any certification.what do i do... How my resume should be.
Hi! Watch the other video I talked about here, I have specific tips for moms. Good luck!
3
Please advice me, What is matter most Designation or Salary? I have an offer which give me 30% hike on current CTC but on other hand they offer me one step down from my current designation. Should I go for that or not ? Thanks.
What matters to you? I can’t answer that for you, you already know it!
All the best!
Thanks for reply.
Hi
If in a job there is no salary component and job is only commission based, how we can attract candidates? Mainly in real estate sector… very few company offer salary like an allowance mainly company offers only commission with leads and support. But most of the time experience staff ask for basic but company is not ready to pay basic then how we can attract employees? I can email my query as well if you can help me.
Thanks
Feel free to join me live on Fridays with your question!
Hi , first of all i wanna thank you for making us such a nice and imformative videos which could sure help us in out career .
Madam i would like to know further i gotta a gap in my career for 2 years and i am unemployed now , Before i was working as a manager in Retail in Dubai .
Gaping period is 2020 to 2021 due to my father health i have given resign and came back and another 1 year is for covid . Kindly please help me how i could come out from this situation , and same time i have been trying for an opportunity in naukri or linkden but i did not get much response . I would like to talk you more about if u could have a time .
Regards
Faisal
Thanks for watching! Join me live on Fridays .. best place for career questions…
I have a career gap of 5 years what should I do
Totally understand. Watch the video!
It’s almost 1.5 Yrs
Hello mam, I always foloow your video.. Very helpful..❤.. I need an advice.. Eg:My salary was 5.6 lakhs then i moved to another company then got a hike and become 8 lakh.. But due to family reasons I resigned from there after 2 months..now i have 7 month employment gap.. So on which salary i should negotiate? And percentage? I have an Hr interview... The way you replying to each comment is highly appreciable and its a heavy task..❤❤❤
Thanks for watching! For personalised advice, I go live every Friday to help people with exactly these type of questions. Join me live every Friday at 2 pm CET on #SuperChargeFridays
2 years
Great knowledge, but can we explain the education gap .
Yes you can! Use the techniques here
@@SuperChargeYourself thanks sonal
First time negotiating Sonal and I followed all your suggestions. It resulted in $18k more than the initial base salary they offered, extra 2 weeks of vacation, 90% tuition reimbursement/career development, senior title/role, 10% annual bonus. I'm still in disbelief reading my confirmation letter
Thanks for all the value you provide Sonal !!!!!!!!!!
Now this is what I’m talking about!!! If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.
And am so glad you asked. Wowza. Congrats to you and so well done!! Wish you a lot of success at your new job!
@@SuperChargeYourself Thanks Sonal :)
i have gap 6 months in resume,i want some break from career/ current job and want switch my career
The videos here will definitely help you. All the best!
Hi Sonal I have a 10 years gap and it’s very sad I am not getting job anywhere
I totally understand. It just so happens, I posted this on LinkedIn yesterday. Check if it’s of any interest, good luck!
www.linkedin.com/posts/sonalbahl_i-look-so-happy-in-this-pic-below-right-activity-7025069973207154688-FFHJ?
Hi Sonal, this is Ashwini i have resigned this year feb 2021 from that time onwards am serching for a job. So am not getting what should i tell in interview please rply me mam..
Hey there! Check the interview prep playlist with detailed steps on how to prepare. Good luck!
My one friend have 11 years gap...he prepared for PSU and gives online tution...
Thanks for sharing
I am having gap of 2 years, bit in 2 years I had started my business. So how can I explain it on resume.
Sorry for the delay! I go live with open office hours every Friday here on UA-cam (check channel banner) to answer all questions. Due to the volumes I see here i unfortunately can’t respond to each one, as I work alone. Hope you can join me one day!
@@SuperChargeYourself ok
I was asked to leave, as Company was downsizing.. and there is a gap of almost 9 months ..Ma'am how to explain these during an interview in an impressive way ?
Watch the other video. Also watch the video from April where I talk about long term unemployment: Good luck! ua-cam.com/video/vBRW9vTje84/v-deo.html
@@SuperChargeYourself will definitely watch..thanks for your help .. i really appreciate it Ma'am.
@@nijumadas4674 you're in good hands, Sonal's the best!
How to cover 4.5 year career gap due to family problem, health issue and some side job
Hello thank you for leaving a comment! Please join me when I go live here on UA-cam every Friday at 2pm CET and let's discuss your situation in specifics. Hope to see you there!
I resigned due to toxic environment and no appreciation. Been 2 months and searching for the new opportunity
Hang in there! The right opportunity presents itself in unpredictable ways. Keep going, and check my other videos to help you accelerate the job search process.
I have 4 years gap
Thanks for sharing
Hi in my 17 years of experience handling hardcore administration, facility management and infrastructure projects working with some esteemed organisations I was unemployed close to 1.5 year and also now in this pandemic situation it’s crossed 1.2 years.
Thanks for watching and good luck!
Thank you for your guidance maam
1. There is my friend she is passed out graduation in 2011
2.She got married in 2013 she had son
Eight year's
3. Now in 2021 she is interested and learning software courses
4. Can guide how to make a sample resume to her how to fill up her career gap
It must be helpful mam
Thanks for watching! Have your friend check out my resume playlist on this channel, lots of tips there. Good luck!
@@SuperChargeYourself thank you for your reply mamm she has watched it will be helpful
Had a gap of 7 yrs due to family
How to get a job at the edge 54+ @ proper income
focus on your skills and value, not your age. Good luck!
age above 40 survival rate in IT
1yr
I had a gap of 7years
I understand. Wish you the best!
I have 8 years due to family
8 months😢
Hi Ma'am,
Thank you so much for providing us the valuable information, please help me describe my gap in my education years and in my employment year.
May I know your email id to write my concern ?
Thanks for watching!
I think the best place to ask a question is when I’m live on some Fridays when I conduct an ‘Ask me Anything’. Good luck!
What if you have more than a gap 😹
7 years of career gap
Thanks for sharing
There are bad workplaces that mentally harass people and affect their mental health. That can also be a reason for gaps on the resume. When will HR take a real-world view and proactively challenge established norms? Study, health , family...these reasons are paraded around in every other video. Essentially, why is it a such a huge crime to say that your previous employers were perhaps people who didn't respect you as human beings?
I think this is a very nuanced topic, and sharing something about challenging workplaces .. is a larger conversation about ‘let’s normalise it’… if one is comfortable sharing, then absolutely no issues.
Thanks for sharing
Disagree 100% ....employers will not like any gaps....regardless of the reason. I can guarantee this without doubt. It may work for fastfood type jobs but for senior management / executive jobs this will kill your chances....