Tips and examples to explain a gap in employment on your resume
A resume without a single gap? Pretty rare. Still, many people feel insecure if they’ve had a period without work. Maybe you traveled, cared for someone, studied, or simply hit pause for a while. Totally normal. But in job applications, a gap on your resume can sometimes raise questions.
Good news: a “perfect” resume doesn’t exist. What matters is how you explain what happened during that time. And spoiler: it doesn’t have to be complicated or uncomfortable. Life happens, and we’ll help you figure out how to share your story in the best way.
Why do employers ask about resume gaps?
Let’s be real: nobody has a flawless resume. Employers know that too. Still, a period without work stands out, and recruiters simply want to know what was going on. Not to judge you, but to complete the picture. It usually comes down to three things:
Security: they want to understand if there was a good reason for the gap.
Story: maybe you did something valuable, like volunteering, caregiving, or studying.
Honesty: by being transparent, you show you’re trustworthy.
In short: a gap is often less of a big deal than it feels. Employers are mostly curious about the story behind it, and that’s something you control. Acting secretive only creates doubt, while there are plenty of valid reasons for having a break in your career.
Common reasons for a resume gap
A gap often sounds bigger than it really is. There are countless logical reasons why you didn’t work for a while and they can actually be valuable:
Travel or sabbatical: shows flexibility, independence, and curiosity.
Study or retraining: you invested in yourself and gained new skills.
Family or caregiving: highlights responsibility, dedication, and organizational skills.
Health: sometimes taking a break is a sign of resilience.
No suitable job: sometimes it just takes time to find the right fit, and that’s better than rushing into something that doesn’t work.
The most important thing to remember: a gap doesn’t mean you did nothing. Often, it’s a period where you gained experience and skills that are valuable in the workplace. Life comes with surprises, both positive and challenging, and they can impact your career, so it’s better to know how to explain them.
How to explain a resume gap
Recruiters mainly want to know: what did you do and what did you learn? If you can show that you used that time consciously, you can turn it into a plus. There are limits to how much a recruiter can dig into your personal life, but having a confident explanation helps.
Examples of how to explain a gap in an interview
Travel: “After my previous job, I traveled for a few months. During that time, I learned a lot about self-reliance and working with people from different cultures. That now helps me in how I collaborate with colleagues and clients.”
Study or course: “I took a course in [field] during that period. It gave me new skills that I can apply right away.”
Caregiving: “I cared for a family member during that time. It taught me how to plan, prioritize, and stay patient. Now I’m ready to fully focus on work again.”
Time without a job: “I deliberately took time to look for a role that really fit me. In the meantime, I did volunteer work at [organization], which kept me active and gave me valuable new experiences.”
Final tips for adding a gap to your resume
Keep it simple: write “2019 to 2020: sabbatical, caregiving, or travel.” Short and factual.
Highlight skills: volunteering, courses, or caregiving can be valuable additions.
Stay positive: use terms like “personal development” or “career orientation.”
Show readiness: recruiters want to know if you’re available and motivated now.
Still unsure?
A gap on your resume isn’t a dealbreaker. It’s part of your story. Employers want to understand who you are, the choices you’ve made, and how you’ve grown from them. If you show that you made conscious choices and are ready for the next step, that gap can actually work in your favor. Still not sure how to phrase it? Or want practical application tips that make you feel more confident in interviews? You can schedule a free CV-scan or join one of our training sessions.
