how do I explain a gap in employment on my resume?

Answer 1

You don't have to mention that in your resume. Just list your employers in chronological order starting with the most recent employment and the dates you worked for them. They will notice the gap but that's okay.

This is how you can explain an employment gap if you are asked. Don’t bring up the gap in employment unless you are directly asked to explain it in the job interview.

Many companies recognize that because of downsizing and mergers that are taking place in the workplace today, many job seekers have gaps of time during which they were unemployed. If your employment was caused by such an event, explain it without being defensive. No matter what the cause of your unemployment, acknowledge the positive aspects of the experience, such as your increased networking connections and perspective on the industry or your chance to spend time taking a college course.

Peace and blessings!

Answer 2

Make it a good one, say you were travelling, then the prospective employer will think you got that out of your system. Don't know how long the gap was. But I was queried about a 6 wk gap in a 15 year long resume and I just couldn't believe it. I was temping at the time and didn't add it in, because I felt it was irrelevant.

Answer 3

What was the gap for? You can tell the truth if its something that you either gained from (as in volentary work for example or education) or something that was unavoidable (like you had to take care of someone ill).

Other than that, i'm sure whatever it was, you can swing it to make it into a positive - you always can. Just get it all straight before an interview and be confident.

Good luck!

Answer 4

There must be a reason for the gap. Tell the truth. Always tell the truth on employment apps, but make it sound as favorable as possible.

Answer 5

I don't think you have to, especially if you have good employment history on other parts of your resume. Some people stay home to take care of children, some people take time to travel, concentrate on school, etc.
As long as the rest is good I wouldn't worry about it but I would have a short, simple answer in case they do ask.

Answer 6

Truthfully.

You can explain it on the resume or in the cover letter if it's a reason that they will see as a positive. Explain it in the interview if not, that way you'll be able to fully explain & answer any questions.

Answer 7

"The terminology of the question determines the terminology of the answer." For a security clearance, you will need exact start and stop dates. In less formal situations, don't be in any hurry to fill in all the gaps but always, as noted above, tell the truth.

Answer 8

If you were doing something legitimate, like were in school or raising children or caring for a sick parent, or were laid off and looking for a job but it took awhile to find one, then just tell the interviewer the truth if they ask, and they probably will.

If you were dealing drugs or something, then think about what you are going to say when the question comes up.

Answer 9

Anything under 6 months shouldn't have to be explained. Possibly tell the truth as to why you were unemployeed. School, family--births, deaths, illness, disability, etc. All are acceptible. Were you in jail or something? They'll find out eventually.

Answer 10

I would say you won't have to explain anything unless they specifically ask for reasons.Then just be truth full,they can find out anything about you through background checks anyway.