So, you’ve got a considerable gap on your resume.
There are plenty of reasons that you may have a gap in your resume. Maybe you took time off because you recently had a child. Others take time off to care for sick relatives or use a hiatus to go back to school.
Regardless of whether you left the workforce by choice or you faced unexpected unemployment, you should know how to explain it in an interview.
The best way to explain any gap in employment depends on the situation. Keep reading to learn more about employment gaps and when to include them on your resume.
Including Employment Gaps on a Resume: What to Know
Is it OK to Have a Gap in Your Resume?
When putting together your resume, you might ask yourself: Is it OK for me to include an employment gap?
The simple answer to this question is: yes. Generally, you aren’t required to include your complete employment history on your resume. This tip is especially valuable for experienced professionals reworking their resume.
Let’s say you were unemployed for a few months in 2023 and didn’t get another job until 2024. The period that you were unemployed in 2023 would be considered an employment gap. In fact, career breaks are becoming increasingly normalized, with many companies even asking candidates to share what they learned or gained during their time away.
Thankfully, you don’t have to be proactive in calling out this gap on your resume. But how should you approach explaining this gap to a hiring manager? Most resumes only highlight the past 10–15 years of experience, so smaller gaps beyond that time frame won’t even need to be addressed.
Tips on How to Explain Employment Gaps to a Hiring Manager
Be honest about employment gaps on a resume
When you are writing your resume, you should always be honest! A hiring manager will verify your resume’s work history during the hiring process and quickly discover if you’ve lied. Plus, the consequences of lying on your resume are never worth it.
It may seem tempting to change dates on your resume to cover up an employment gap, but it is always a bad idea. The best approach is to remain honest and, if necessary, mention any recent employment gaps. Plus, an employer is likely to recognize the confidence and courage it takes to share unemployment history.
Instead, briefly acknowledge the gap if you’re asked about it. A simple, direct statement is usually enough. For instance:
- “I took time off to care for a family member, and now I’m excited to return to the workforce.”
- “My role was eliminated during a company downsizing, so I used the opportunity to reassess my career goals and sharpen my skills.”
Find value in the gap
No matter why you have a gap in employment, you should convey confidence in an interview. If a hiring manager does ask you about a gap in your resume, give them an honest explanation. If you took time off to return to school or raise a child, say that.
Your hiring manager won’t need to know everything about this gap. However, there are plenty of ways to find some value you gained during that time.
Let’s say you have a recent gap in employment because your last job had a series of layoffs. When asked about this gap, be honest about why the gap exists. Then, take some time to share how you benefited from the time off. Mention any relevant skills you might have gained during this time. Maybe you attended a few workshops, classes, or even conferences during your employment gap. Presenting this can help highlight how you’ve continued your professional growth throughout this employment gap.
Not all growth happens at a desk job. Even if you weren’t employed, you likely picked up valuable skills, stayed involved in your community, or pursued professional development in other ways.
For example:
- If you returned to school, highlight the new qualifications or certifications you earned.
- If you raised a child, you could mention the organizational, multitasking, and problem-solving skills that parenthood sharpened.
- If you were between jobs after a layoff, emphasize the ways you stayed engaged—such as taking online courses, volunteering, attending workshops, or freelancing.
Keep It Brief and Positive
When explaining a gap, avoid going into unnecessary personal detail. Hiring managers don’t need your full life story—they just need enough context to understand the situation. Keep your answer concise, professional, and focused on the future.
For example:
- “I took a year off to relocate and settle my family after my partner’s job transfer. I’m now eager to reapply my experience in a new role.”
- “After being laid off, I took some time to upskill through online classes and contract work, which has prepared me well for this opportunity.”
The key is to redirect the conversation from the gap itself to why you’re the right candidate for the position.
Practice Your Explanation
If you know you’ll be asked about your employment gap, rehearse your response ahead of time. Practicing helps you answer calmly and confidently instead of stumbling or oversharing in the moment.
Think of it like a short elevator pitch: explain what happened, what you gained, and why you’re ready to contribute now.
Bottom line
Employment gaps are not career-ending. They’re part of many people’s professional journeys, and when you handle them with honesty and confidence, they can even highlight your adaptability and growth.
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