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5 Points
How to explain the gap in your resume
There can be several reasons why you may decide to
take a break from being part of the workforce. Whatever might be the cause of
the gap but addressing them in a right way during your interview is very essential.
Failing to do so can act as a hindrance in your job search. Here, are 5 simple
tips on how to explain that gap in your resume.
1. Have an answer ready for, “Would you explain the
gap?” :
The interviewer would most likely
want to know the reason for the gap in your resume and how did you utilize your
break. Always mention your gap in the resume and try to explain it during the
interview. Emphasize on the activities you undertook or knowledge and skills
you gained during your gap and how it helped in your professional development.
For example, if the reason for the gap was travelling and visiting new places,
then, talk about how getting to know a new culture has helped you gain a new
perspective about life and how positive you feel to start afresh. There might
be several other reasons of taking a break maybe family issues, health or
monotony but you must always know how to put it forward in order to add value.
Always go prepared having a reason for your break else you have just given a
reason to the interviewer to consider someone else.
2. Keep it positive while mentioning about your gap:
Always remember managers
like employees who are optimistic. So, keep it as positive as you can. Saying,
“I couldn’t find a job that matched my capabilities” to “I took time off to
pursue a career in a profile or industry where I can excel” sounds much better,
doesn’t it? Also, if you did some sort of value addition in your break, don’t
forget to mention it. You can say that you were fortunate enough to take time
off to figure out your next move and apply for jobs you want to do. Also, talk
about the steps that you have taken to improve your overall performance.
3. Be honest:
Honesty is always the best policy. Whatever was the
reason of your break, never try to lie about it or cover up your gaps. Being
honest and explaining your gap positively won’t destroy your possibilities of
getting hired but lying will. Try to put your break in manner that would add to
your strengths and help you in getting that offer letter you have been waiting
for. Never, hide your gaps in the resume. There can a possibility that the
interviewer might call up your previous employers to verify your time duration.
Honesty and confidence are two traits that an employer always looks in an
employee.
4. Mention how the gap helped in the overall
professional development:
Do not forget to talk about any activities, skills,
certifications or courses that you have done during this gap. Try to lay
emphasis on the freelance work, blogging, consulting or any voluntary work you
did in your break. These will not only leave a positive impression on the
interviewer but would also show that you are proactive and eager to enhance
your skills and growth.
5. Own your decisions:
When discussing the gaps in your
resume, you must be able to take the full onus and responsibility for all the
decisions you have made and choices you have opted for. Show no regrets.
Employers always like people who are mature and take the charge of their own
decisions.
However, a few months of career
break some years ago is probably fine but if you are out for a couple of years
then planning needs to be done. The most important factors are honesty,
confidence, passion and readiness with which you want to re-enter the industry.
If you possess these qualities and have the right explanation for your break
you have nothing to fear about.
Thanks
Amrut Gupta
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