1. Don't hide gaps: Never try to hide gaps in employment. False information will quickly come to light and can seriously damage your reputation.
2. Be specific: Instead indonesia phone number example 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
During your break, you may have gained valuable skills and experiences that could be useful in your new position. Highlight these aspects during your interview . For example, if you took online courses , earned certifications, worked as a freelancer, ran your own business, or volunteered, talk about it. Show that despite the break from traditional employment, you continued to grow and acquire new skills.
Avoid excuses and be honest
Avoid making excuses and don't try to hide gaps in employment. Be honest in your explanations, but try to present the break in a positive light. For example, if the break was to care for a family member, explain it briefly and go into what you gained during that time. Remember, recruiters appreciate honesty and openness.
Demonstrate your motivation and commitment
Show that you are motivated and committed to returning to work. Emphasize how excited you are to take on new challenges and how ready you are to get to work. Share what you are doing to stay up to date with industry trends and how you are preparing to return to the job market. Show that the break has not diminished your motivation, but has actually strengthened your determination to succeed.
When is it not necessary to explain breaks in employment?
In the case of short breaks (e.g. a few weeks), it is not always necessary to explain the reasons in detail. You can limit yourself to a general statement, e.g. "a short brea