How to present employment breaks on your CV?
How to Talk About Employment Breaks in a Job Interview?
When is it not necessary to explain breaks in employment?
Summary
Employment gaps are a common problem that job seekers face on the job market. Whether they are due to personal decisions, health issues, or other circumstances, they can be a challenge when it comes to creating an engaging CV.
So how can you present indonesia phone number example these periods of unemployment so as not to harm your chances of getting your dream job?
Why are employment gaps problematic?
Recruiters often see gaps in employment as a potential “red flag.” They can raise concerns about:
Motivation: Is the candidate motivated enough to take on a permanent job?
Skills: Has the candidate lost any of his or her skills during the break?
Stability: Will the candidate be a long-term employee?
Remember, however, that a break in employment doesn’t have to be an insurmountable obstacle. The key is to present these periods appropriately on your CV and during the interview.
How to present employment breaks on your CV?
1. Don't hide gap
2. Be specific: Instead of leaving large gaps in time, provide an approximate duration of the break.
3. Explain the reason: If you feel you need to, you can briefly explain the reason for the break. Just remember to do it concisely and professionally. You don't have to share every detail of your private life.
4. Focus on the positives: Instead of focusing on what you didn’t do during your break, highlight what you did accomplish. This could be personal growth, new skills, volunteering, or personal projects.
5. Customize your resume format: If you have had a lot of gaps in employment, you may want to consider using a functional resume format that emphasizes your skills and experience rather than a chronological list of jobs.
Examples of wording:
A break in employment due to raising children.
A period devoted to personal development and acquiring new qualifications.
Break due to relocation and change of industry.
How to Talk About Employment Breaks in a Job Interview?
Be prepared
Before you go to your interview , think carefully about how you will answer questions about your gaps in employment. Think about the questions interviewers might ask you and prepare honest but positive answers. It's worth practicing your answers out loud to feel more confident during the interview. Think about what you did during your gap that could be valuable to a future employer, such as courses , volunteering , taking care of family, or developing your own projects.
Speak with conviction
When discussing your employment breaks, show that the break was valuable to you and that you are ready to return to work . Explain how you benefited from the break, such as gaining new skills, better understanding yourself, or your professional goals. Speak with conviction and confidence , showing that you are fully prepared to take on new professional challenges. Avoid a defensive tone by focusing on the positive aspects of the break.
Focus on the future
Instead of dwelling on the past, focus on your career goals and how your experience , even outside of work, can be useful in your new role. When presenting your future plans, show that you have a clear vision for your career and how you can apply your skills in your new job. Talk about your long-term goals and how your new role fits into those plans. Emphasize how the break helped you better understand what you’re looking for in your career and how you’re now better prepared to succeed.
Highlight acquired skills and experiences