You might be tempted to ignore gaps in your career on your resume in the hope that employers won't notice them. But for many hiring managers, a resume that's full of unexplained breaks is a warning sign, and they might disregard your application straight away.
Being honest during a hiring process is essential, and this starts with your resume. If you lie or try to cover gaps by extending the months you worked somewhere, chances are you'll be found out at the reference check stage. Even if you have nothing to hide, this will make employers suspicious and may put them off.
Between the Great Recession and the changing priorities of today's workforce – gaps in an individual's employment history or frequent hopping from job to job isn't seen as the major drawback it was in the past.
It's important to realize this: You don't want to go into an interview apologizing for your track record or on the defensive.
That being said, you should be able to justify every part of your employment history. If you have a particularly flawed track record, the best strategy is to formulate a forward-looking resume that indicates the value you are offering likely employers. If you are going with a chronological format, start your resume with a Qualifications Summary section, which describes your essential credentials for the position. This will highlight your strengths.
Tackling employment gaps
Short gaps might not be apparent if you get rid of months from the employment dates on your traditional resume. This only works if you've a track record of spending more than just a few years at various employers.
Consider other pursuits you can use to occupy that time period, particularly interests that convey relevant job skills. Volunteer projects, community participation, unique projects, consulting work and continuing education can be used in this manner. If you're currently unemployed, there's no time like the present to look for ways to update your skills or volunteer your time.
Finally, if you took an extended period of time off to raise children or care for an ailing loved one – don't even think about apologizing for not working. When you go into a hiring process, emphasize the selfless and sacrificial nature of your time away from the professional workforce. Also, mention anything you did that could possibly apply to your resume, particularly soft skills.
Explaining a history of job hopping
Gone are the days of walking off the stage with your high school diploma and into a job you'll have through to retirement. Hiring managers are more willing than ever to dismiss some degree of going from job to job. However, a track record of going from job to job will likely need to be explained.
First off, a resume is technically considered a personal advertising or marketing document. This means you aren't legally obligated to include every single job you ever worked. If you had a one-month temporary assignment that ended badly – you don't need to include it. Please note that a work history you fill out as part of the hiring process is a signed legal document.
Furthermore, if you had a few short stints at different companies all doing the same job – consider formatting your resume with various employers listed under a single job title.
What's the Best Way to Address Employment Gaps during an Interview?
When you know the right way to address employment gaps on your resume, you'll be less tempted to avert your eyes when the inevitable question comes your way. Looking uncomfortable will only make you look guilty or lazy, as though you did nothing constructive with your time. That is not how you want a prospective employer to see you. You know how hard you've worked and it's important to convey this in a positive way.
Don't try to avoid the question, but don't belabour it either. Keep your answer short, to the point, and positive. First, let the employer know that you are passionate about your profession and have not been applying to any and every job, but really focusing your search on roles that you can really add value to. Then, talk about your background and experience, and let the employer know that you understand your competition is tough, but that what sets you apart from other job seekers are x, y, and z.
This is the time to focus on your skills; what you really bring to the table and what you've learned between jobs. If you can show your prospective employer how you've grown and learned from your experiences while unemployed you'll look like a more well-rounded employee and person.
Employers are attracted to people with drive, passion, and commitment. Walk in the door with that attitude and the gap in your employment will quickly become a non-issue.
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