how would i explain being out of work, gaps on my cv?

Question

I have not worked since April. I have had quite a few gaps on my cv, partly due to bereavement, and associated upheaval to do with that. Previous to that I have left a couple of jobs and been out of work for a while before getting another. Also how can i put a positive spin on 'time out' which i have had lots of. I know i'm a good friendly worker with varied experience but how do i convince people. On paper my cv looks a bit gappy. I want to be interviewed at least - not even got to that stage for a while. Hope you can help

Answer 1

You could always tell the truth like someone else has suggested that it was because of bereavement. Or you could make up that you have been researching or workin voluntery somewhere that will do with your carrer choice for the future. And say it was experience however it was on a voluntary basis and you werent earning money. It depends what it is but if for instance you say I worked voluntary at a school to help with the children you could say that got me experience to work with younger people to communicate to organise. If you dont give any contact details they cant check it out. Or say you worked with a friend who owns there own buisness sorting out their accoutns that will then show that you are good with numbers. It depends what you are doing if it was Geography work you could say the gap was for travveling different places if you are interested in photgraphy you could say I did some experience with cameras in unusual places. Everyone lies on their CV. Make it more interesting for people to read. Sell yourself make you look more important and as if you've done loads of stuff thats really interesting and shows you can cope with a change in things.

Good luck!

Answer 2

i know the right answer is to say tell the truth- but this is business, not a moral dilemma - the fact is they won't want someone who's going to take time off for bereavement and stress. Sorry but you're going to have to lie if you want an interview. You can say a number of things - you were working for an agency (but don't give the agency as a reference), you took a class in something, you moved house and were redecorating, you did some temporary work for a member of your family, you went travelling, you worked in a pub. Yes, they are all blatant lies, but these people aren't interested in your life history, they want a reliable employee. You may very well be reliable and keen but it wont look good on a CV if there's alot of gaps

Answer 3

I have this problem, you have two choices 1: stretch the dates of the jobs you had in between. or 2: add a small paragraph to the bottom of you CV. saying for example "REASONS FOR GAPS IN MY EMPLOYMENT HISTORY AVAILABLE ON REQUEST" You see that way you stand a better chance of getting an interview and the opportunity to explain. What i always said was "IN BETWEEN JOBS I WAS ACTIVELY SEEKING WORK" Its all in the interview selling yourself is the key , saying the write things. Hope this helps!

Answer 4

Just put years and don't be too specific with dates. I personally put months like jan-dec, 2006. But if you have huge gaps, maybe just putting the year would be better.

Maybe you could claim the blank spots were time off taken to help with the family business. Then you have to figure out what you want this "family business" to be, but at least it could be credible. I played in a family band so that's one I would use.

Answer 5

nicely performed to you in getting better out of your habit. The lottery win turned right into a reliable suggestion, you could also use being concerned for a really ill relative, you've been doing voluntary artwork, you lived overseas for decades, (gen up on a particular united states of america) you obtain married and your spouse turned right into a real earner and also you've been the residing house husband, you should because have divorced. Failing that you'll tell the reality and provoke destiny employers with your decision and fulfillment in overcoming your habit. it ought to take longer yet honesty is truly the acceptable coverage interior the top. reliable success for the destiny. x

Answer 6

Best to only use years - any gaps that do not cross from one year to the next can thus be eliminated. If you were unemployed over Dec & Jan holidays, then you can say that it was for family reasons, but you are are back now, and willing to work.

Better to say family, rather than personal. Personal implies something was wrong with you. Family can refer to anyone from spouse to kids, to parents to cousins, and they do NOT need to know any details.

Answer 7

dont lie or cover it up
If I were you I would get a job with a temp agency and work that way for a while
that way you have a valid true reason for changing jobs and only working for a while
pick a place where they have the right to hire you
you could always say that a family member hired you seasonally and occasionally to painting

Answer 8

I would be tempted to put that you took a career break due to personal circumstances.
You still have your experience but the truth doesn't hurt and people have difficulties - such is life unfortunately!!

Answer 9

were you in school during any of these gaps? You can mention this if so. Also, have you done anything productive during these gaps? (volunteer...etc..). If you did mention this.

In short, if there is anything productive you did during these gaps mention it to fill them in. Even if you were helping your family during these time periods, mention it.

As long as you have some valid reasons you should be ok.

Good Luck!

Answer 10

You could

a: just tell the truth or

b: don't put specific dates just do the years i.e 2001-2003. That way you aren't lying just 'bending the truth'.

Good luck!!!