Should you explain gaps in your CV or should you lie and cover them up? Whether you’ve been travelling, unemployed, had a baby, been sick or even cared for a loved one, having a ‘gap’ in your career history can often leave you feeling awkward and lacking confidence when applying for a new job.
If a gap was a long time ago in your career history, or for a short period of time, you do not need to mention it. If the gap is substantial it is always best to account for it. You could leave the explanation of your absence in a covering letter. Otherwise, the truth will most certainly come back and haunt you should you omit it.
Whilst you’ve been out of paid work you may have been volunteering, attending workshops, courses, or improving your foreign language skills. This information should certainly be included within your CV.
Experience counts
Whether you have kept up any relevant studies or have networked within the industry, as long as you include anything that could add value to your ‘absence’ then do so.
Have you done any freelancing or consultancy? Include it, even if it’s for a short period of time. It is still experience.
Don’t gush and enthuse about wanting to return to work (what potential employee wouldn’t want to get a job?) Instead make a strong case for a future employer to want you over others.
It could be that you may need to transform your CV from a more functional one to a skills based CV, highlighting your abilities and strengths, instead of the career gaps.
Most importantly be proud, and confident, of your past. If you don’t feel confident in your abilities it is highly likely a future employer won’t.
Remember situations give a person other skills. Being sick, being a sole carer, being a stay at home parent – these are credible reasons for not working and the experience brings with it a whole range of hands on personal and practical skills that no masters degree could provide.
If you have been unemployed for a long time then it is crucial that you include positive actions that you have taken to improve your employability – any training for example. Failing that any voluntary work.
Filling the gap
There are always charities looking for people to help so whether you’re already employed, or have been looking for your next job for what seems like forever, voluntary work can provide you with skills that you may not have even tapped in to. A great website to find a suitable local role is http://www.do-it.org.uk
Also, don’t think about exaggerating any employment – either the length of time, the roles or the responsibilities. Most companies will seek references from your past employer. Don’t risk it.
Most people have had a gap in their CV so be confident, believe in yourself and stay confident.
