A Gap In Your Resume?

Many of us have periods of time when we were not employed. These gaps in employment may result from various reasons. It is important to be able to handle these gaps in your resume and cover letter. It is also important to be ready to discuss them if they are brought up during a job interview.

Keep in mind that gaps in employment do not have to be harmful to your job search. Just because you were not working does not mean that you were not engaged in activities. Hopefully, those activities can be related to your job; however, even if they are not they usually are not significant negatives if handled properly.

You may have taken classes or received training related to your work, performed volunteer or mission work, cared for a sick relative, or been unable to find work due to an economic downturn either in the general economy or in your specific field. If the gap is less than a year, then make sure to enter dates of employment in years only, do not list the months on your resume. If the gap is of significant length, you should handle it in your cover letter. Do so briefly, state the facts, and do not write a lengthy explanation of a long illness or a frustrating job search. If the gap was a long time ago, do not mention it at all.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the job search you are in now will create a gap should you find yourself seeking a job in the future. Looking for employment is a full time job; however, find some time to engage in activities that will help fill in this gap. Volunteer, take a class, read books and articles about your field of work. Much information can be found online that you can use for self study. Be sure to document as much as possible all of these activities.

Mike Britner
Job Finding Master