i have gaps in my CV where not working and no references?

Question

how can i make my cv better?

I have skills and varied experience but

I have been off work for long gaps of time.
And had spates of temporary jobs in between.

And its getting longer as cant find work because of the gaps.

And I dont know who to ask as reference.

Any ideas?? What can I put on CV?

Answer 1

say you have been working from home during these periods, eg on ebay, but lately sales have dropped off so you require more stable employment.

Answer 2

You have to start by taking your work a bit more seriously. Think of it as a career rather than a job. Employers think you have been in clink if you leave gaps. I shouldn't tell you how to get round the system but here is the low down. Gaps of time - You were working abroad or writing a book which was a great success or pick a Company that has gone bust, preferably a large one and say you were working there. If you have a load of short terms of employment explain it away by saying "I was very sucessful in these jobs and because of this kept getting job offers from other companies and head hunters. References are not easy if you haven't toed the line in any of your jobs. Pick a mate in one of your jobs that is still employed and they will fill in the reference when it comes to them, as it will, in the Private and Confidential envelope. On your CV try and avoid rubbish like "I enjoy reading" If you have read Seven Pillars of Wisdom or something similar then it is better to say "I have studied the works of T E Lawrence but you have to have some clue about it. If you were made to go on a course because your computer skills were rotten don't say that. Say "I was selected to go on a computer course blah blah blah". If you are found out in any of this you won't get the job and if you do get it work at it hard and give it your best shot and if they find out you have been telling Porkies they won't want to let you go.

Answer 3

Hi. I am a retired? 65 years old and still very much in demand because of my now 'outdated?' skills. I have had periods in my life that were as you say 'in between jobs' the in between periods where not do to imprisonment so no one has ever really questioned it to the point where it becomes critical to obtaining employment. Just explain truthfully in a matter of fact manner, as you might do to a friend or relative , as what you were doing in the 'gaps'. A reasonable employer would see what you have been doing and hire you if you have the skills he needs. Do not be mislead into thinking you can 'con' your prospective employer, today its all to easy for them to find out. Tell the guy what you know and if he does not like it, he probably would not be the kind of person you would be happy working for. I wish you all the best in getting the job you want, do not worry too much about the past , if its unblemished you WILL find a good employer. A good employer will also find a willing worker.

Answer 4

Focus on your skills and the experience you have.
Do not mention any job that you had for less than 3 months or they think you are not a stable person. Try to get the interview so you can explain those gaps then say something like I was taking care of personal business (children or elder family members) I was planning to go back to school or change career, or I went on a trip. And If you have to volunteer for a while do it, so you can use them as a reference. Don't give up!

Answer 5

Hi Stripeysocks
Most people have similar probs when filling in job applications & C.V.s & stuff
It would take 20 pages to list all my stuff!
Don't be too specific, it would be wrong to exagerate too much in writing so just ensure that the potential employer knows that you have the experience to do the work they require
At interview stage you can be more elaborate & explain verbally about periods that you have not declared on paper, they will surely understand
you dont say what type of work you looking for?
let people know as someone may be in a position 2help you
goodluck

Answer 6

Seeking Employment is a positive way of looking to fill the gaps. It's honest and shows optomism. It might be time to consider doing some kind of voluntary work to show that you are still motivated. You could ask for a reference from the voluntary group that take you on. It's a real first step back on the employment ladder.

Answer 7

Bit of a tricky one, bless you! But from experiences really promote the fact that you can and will work in a variety of settings as your career interest is broad and varied.

In regards to your references you must contact your employers and obtain name & contact details to assist with your job opportunities. Another idea is to add in character references ie from local church, friends, even family that are in great careers.

Answer 8

properly finished to you in convalescing out of your dependancy. The lottery win substitute right into a sturdy advice, you additionally can use looking after an extremely ill relative, you have been doing voluntary artwork, you lived in another country for some years, (gen up on a undeniable usa) to procure married and your spouse substitute right into an actual earner and you have been the living house husband, you may for the reason that have divorced. Failing which you will tell the reality and provoke destiny employers inclusive of your determination and achievement in overcoming your dependancy. it could take longer yet honesty is incredibly the ultimate coverage in the tip. sturdy success for the destiny. x

Answer 9

just pick the best references (the ones where you made an impression and did ok) ring them up and say you would like them to give you a short reference,most of the time you can be pretty vague on the time front and exaggerate slightly. Any major gaps you could say you were abroad, or moving house?

Answer 10

if you did volountary work during your periods of being unemployed then you should pit that on.
if you were raising a family during that period you need to put that on too. you also need to put all your jobs down whether temporary or not because they are needed to fill in any gaps in your cv. you can also use your employers from temp jobs for refs too

Answer 11

Say you love travel and have gone away on long trips to different parts of the world. Read a few lonely planet books and you'll be well away.