If you’ve been out of the workforce for a while, you’re not alone. Employment gaps happen for many reasons, whether you’ve been busy caring for a family member, recovering from an illness, raising children, or even earning an advanced degree. The good news? A gap in your employment history doesn’t have to totally derail your job search. That said, you need to be careful about how you present yourself to potential employers. Here’s why.
Why a Long Employment Gap Can Be a Red Flag
For hiring managers, a long employment gap can raise questions. Once they see a gap on your resume, they will likely be wondering what you were doing during that time. For instance, were you actively looking for work or keeping up with industry trends? Also, will you be reliable or will other obligations get in the way? These are all concerns you’ll need to address in your resume, cover letter, and interviews to position yourself as a strong candidate.
How to Overcome Long Gaps on Your Resume
If you do have a gap in your employment history and aren’t sure how to approach it, here are some steps to take:
1. Be Honest and Upfront
Don’t try to hide your employment gap. Instead, explain it briefly and honestly. For instance, if you took time off to care for a child or elderly parent, explain it in your cover letter or during the interview. You don’t need to go into great detail. Simply provide enough information to help the employer understand your situation.
2. Focus on What You Did During the Gap
Even if you weren’t employed, chances are you were still gaining valuable experience. Perhaps you took online courses, volunteered, freelanced, or developed a new skill. Include any of these on your resume. Employers will appreciate your initiative and the fact that you’ve been continually learning even while out of the workforce.
3. Show You’re Ready to Return
Employers want to know you’re motivated and prepared to rejoin the workforce. To do that, be enthusiastic in your cover letter and during interviews. Discuss the current trends you’ve learned about or stayed on top of and the reasons you’re eager to return to the workforce.
4. Practice Your Interview Answer
Be ready to talk about your gap during interviews in a confident way. Keep it short, stay positive, and redirect the conversation back to your skills and goals once you’ve explained the situation.
Get Help Finding a Job After a Long Employment Gap
Employment gaps are more common than ever and with the right approach, they don’t have to hold you back. If you need help finding your next job after a long employment gap, turn to Future Force. We can connect with you top jobs in Orlando, FL, and guide you through each step of the hiring process. Contact us today to started.