Do you need more work history? If so, you are not alone. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 6 million Americans are unemployed. Like you, many of these people will have to find a way to explain this gap in their work history. So, don’t think having a gap in your work history will prevent you from landing the desired job.
The trick is to push prospective employers to look beyond your work history gap and see the potential you bring to the table. Here are some tips for how to explain gaps in your work history.
Be Upfront and Honest
The last thing you want to do is lie or hide your work history gap from prospective employees. Whether the gap in your work history is due to personal reasons, educational or training purposes, or you were laid off or even fired from your previous job, it’s best to be upfront and honest about it right from the start. Most employers understand that some candidates will have a gap in their work history. These employers want to know if these issues are resolved and won’t affect future work performance.
Minimize the Effect
Take proactive steps to minimize the effect of any gaps in your work history on your resume. For instance, if you have longer gaps in your work history, try using years instead of months for dates of employment. For example, if you worked from November 2015 to June 2018, you can list 2015 – 2018 as dates of employment. Also, keep your dates of employment in plain text versus using bold font. This technique can help to draw attention away from the gaps in your work history.
Use the Right Resume Style
You don’t want to use a chronological resume if you have significant gaps in your work history. This resume style will only draw more attention to these gaps in employment. Instead, try a functional-style resume. This type of resume focuses on skills and ability versus work experience. If, however, you have an excellent work history with just one gap in employment, you may want to use a combination-style resume. This resume type uniquely highlights work history and skills, making them the primary focus.
Keep it Positive
A gap in a person’s work history does not have to be negative. This is precisely what you need to show potential employers. You can do this by staying positive and explaining how your time off makes you a better candidate. Emphasize any volunteer work, training, or skill-building during your time off work. Adding these elements to your resume can show prospective employers that even though you weren’t working, you were still career-focused. Most importantly, show your enthusiasm for returning to work and how you can be an asset to the employer.
Prepare for Your Interview
Showing confidence in your skills and ability can go a long way in helping you land the job. The best way to do this is to walk into your interview prepared to answer any question. Enlist the help of friends, family members, and mentors to hold a mock interview so you can practice answering these tough questions about your employment gap. Also, remember to avoid talking negatively about past employers. This can be difficult, mainly if you were laid off or fired from a previous job, but negative comments can hurt your chances of getting the job.
Explain – and Move On
Honesty is essential, but that doesn’t mean prospective employers need to know every little detail of why you have a gap in your work history. One of the worst things you can do when writing a resume or during an interview is to keep talking about this gap in employment. If you don’t want potential employers to make a big deal about this gap, then you can’t make a big deal about it. Be concise when answering questions. Follow through by explaining how any issues will not interfere with your future performance and move on.
Include a Cover Letter
Experts debate whether including a cover letter with a resume is essential. But, a cover letter is crucial if you have gaps in your work history. This tool will allow you to explain the gap to potential employers. Use this space wisely. Start by briefly describing the gap in employment and follow through by explaining how these issues are now resolved. The more significant portion of your cover letter should focus on your unique skills and what you have to offer the company.
Having gaps in your work history doesn’t mean you can’t get the job. It is essential to ensure prospective employers see the whole picture and let them know why you would be the best fit for the job.
Comments