How to Handle a Gap in Your Resume?

Listen, Life happens to all of us!

It is very normal to have the classic “career gap” in your resume.

But if you fear the gap thinking recruiters might not be as open to hiring you, YOU ARE WRONG.

We have cracked the code for you, allowing you to handle the recruiter's objections about the gap like a pro.

In this issue, we’ll cover the following:

• How to handle the recruiter's questions about the gap😎

• How to design a resume when you have a career gap🛑

Have a Gap in your resume? We Will Position it for success

Recruit.net’s Resume writing service will write your resume highlighting your skills and qualifications and position instead of the gap. Take the first step—get your expert resume review now!

How to handle questions on the Gap?

There is no point in hiding the gap in your resume. Recruiters will notice it and ask you questions about it. If you try to hide it, you will end up getting more questions.

So, Step 1. Don’t hide it.

Now, how do you handle the questions?

Let’s understand this with a conversation.

Example 1: Stay-at-Home Mom

Don’t say this: “I was a stay-at-home mom. 3 years of changing diapers. Although I enjoyed it, I look forward to returning to work.”

Say this: “I intentionally decided to step back from full-time work to take care of my children. I attended workshops and online courses and started creating content for my field during this time. I am so focused and excited to dive back into full-time work. It’s like I didn’t even miss a beat.”

Example 2: Got laid off

Don’t say this: “Well, got laid off. I gave that company 3 years of blood and sweat, which is how they valued me.”

Say this: “Unfortunately, I was affected by massive restructuring, and my entire team was let go. It was hard for me as I loved working with the clients and the team, but ultimately, I am grateful that I can pursue this role here”. 

Example 3: Got Fired

Don’t say this: “Oh yes, I got fired and couldn’t find a job for 3 months.”

Say this: “Unfortunately, I was let go of my previous role. The role was challenging in unique ways, and it wasn’t a great fit for me. It was a fantastic learning experience”.

Did you see how accepting the gap and highlighting other positive experiences can help?

It’s all about using the right keywords and honestly communicating the reason behind the gap.

So, in a nutshell:

1. Don’t hide your gap 

2. Highlight the right keywords

3. Focus on your intention behind joining back

You will be surprised how many companies don’t care enough about the gap.

How to Design a Resume when you have a Career gap

1. Use a Functional Resume

A standard resume shows your work experience in chronological order, which can clearly show the career gaps. A functional resume is the best tool to hide it.

Here’s a quick difference between a chronological and functional resume:

2. Highlight Your Skills

Shift the focus from the work experiences to the skills you possess. Give enough space in your resume to highlight your skills, and go deep into why you think you possess that skill and any demonstrable experience you have had with it.

3. Include Freelance Work and skills you learned

If you took time off from full-time employment but worked on gigs or projects, or learned anything from any course, highlight that in your resume. It shows that you weren’t entirely off work and were still in touch with the market. 

P.S. if you want an expert team to handle your resume building in a way that highlights the best parts and positions your gaps in a way that lands you your dream job, click here for a FREE resume review.

Together, let's make 2024 your year to shine!

Hope you liked reading this issue of the newsletter

Best,

Team Recruitment Letter