Let’s talk resume gap and how to address it

“What do I do about my career gap?”

This is one of the most common questions people ask me each week.

The last few years have been TOUGH for candidates:

• Global pandemic in 2020 & 2021
• 1,000’s laid off in the last 2 years
• RTO and relocation mandates

It’s no surprise that more people have gaps on their resumes.

This might even be you.

And the insecurity you feel about representing or talking about the gap is overwhelming.

This ends up creating a snowball effect – where you feel scared that an employer will ask you.

Or that they won’t even ask and instead will just not interview you

Some people have even asked me – should I just make something up to fill the gap?

No, please don’t do that.

My foundational belief is always:

Do. Not. Lie.

In today’s newsletter, we’ll tackle the challenge of how to address a career gap so your job search is more efficient and effective.

First of all, if you have a career gap, you can’t change that. It is there.

You do not need to hide, lie, or cover it up.

Instead, identify how this is an asset for your candidacy instead of a liability.

4 steps to use your career gap to your advantage

1. Get clear on what you did during your career gap

I imagine you spent some time watching Netflix, but that’s probably not all you did.

Your time probably fell under one of these:

• Did you reflect and get clear on your next step?
• How about giving back and volunteering?
• Or trying out passion projects?
• Did you learn a new skill?
• Maybe even invested in your physical & mental health?
• Were you investing more time in your family?

It’s important for YOU to see the value in your career gap and how you took advantage of the opportunity of time first before you can convince other people.

2. Understand how this makes you a better candidate

Identify how this gap gives you an edge:

• Do you bring a new perspective they’ll value?
• Are you more certain about what you want to do next?
• Do you have more clarity on your career path?
• Did the gap allow you to see the value of the new industry you’re aiming for?
• Are you in a healthier place and ready to join a team?

3. Find the invisible string between your last role, your gap and this new role

And now that you’ve reflected on it above, you need to craft your story:

• No need to go into all the details, but address why the last role ended
• Address what you’ve been doing during your career gap
• Lastly use the reason the last role ended as the catalyst of why THIS role (the one you’re interviewing for) is a better fit
• Spend a couple more sentences talking about why you’re excited about the team, mission, company, etc.

4. Practice, practice, practice

Keep practicing until you feel super comfortable addressing this question. I highly recommend you record yourself and watch it over. This will give you the best feedback.

Final Thoughts:

Hiring teams ask about career gaps because they don’t want you to leave this role any time soon. They need to feel confident that you’ve done what you’ve needed during your gap and that you’re ready for this role.

Even if you were laid off, you’re probably aiming to land a role at a company you believe won’t be doing layoffs soon.

So SAY THAT.

Show your excitement and enthusiasm for the role and company.