How do I handle this employment gap in my resume?

Question

I have a 1 1/2 year employment gap since my last job. I have read different suggestions for handling a gap, including putting it on the resume, in the cover letter, or just wait to explain it in an interview.

I took time off for educational reasons completely unrelated to the type of job I'm seeking. My work background is in customer service, so I'm looking for a customer service job to pay the bills. I left my last job in Oct 2005 for educational reasons--I took time off to take music lessons so I can be qualified to go to college for music after my husband gets done w/ law school. Obviously these skills have nothing to do w/ customer service so I'm reluctant to explain it in my resume. Should I put it in the cover letter or is it just so irrelevant that I should just wait to explain it in an interview (which I may not get)?

There's also the suggestion to change the resume to a functional format, but I also read that some employers don't like that format at all.

Answer 1

Be honest on your resume. It will look good to employers that you took time off to devote full-time to education. It shows commitment. You don't have to say exactly which courses you took. If you're asked in an interview, tell the truth. All educational courses are relevant to your current job search. They teach you more than subject matter; to organize, study, and plan your time. This is a great asset in customer service. You're right about the functional format, employers prefer a more detailed resume.

Answer 2

A person who loves music, can be very good at customer service! Don't take your hobby as a liability. Show it to everyone, tell openly that you went ahead for learning music because its more like an added tool in your life. Customer service is frustrating at times, and whenever you feel frustrated...every individual like to take help of music. When you go in bus out of 10 ,6 people are listening music, why? because they're tired and want t relax. Put that in your resume. Also don't forget to mention about studies. Music alone can't be a factor for the gap, so it has to be music and studies. So you were engaged and I personally don't see any gap.

Regarding format, I believe it depends upon job and type of company you're applying to. I applied with a very basic resume and got my job. Make sure the things that you want to explain are visible in your resume. People are confused while preparing a resume, the basic idea is that you're introducing yourself. Even at the interview, its all resume which is discussed!

Answer 3

It shouldnt be a problem. Put it in the educational section of your resume.

It will probably come up in the interview and you have an excellent answer. Employers are looking for well rounded people and any education is a plus. It means that you can converse on many different subjects.

I am a big believer in never lying on your resume. You dont really want to work for someone that doesnt like who you really are.

Answer 4

Resumes have two headings: "Employment History" and "Education." Under education simply list the date, the school and the course(s). Only explain that you took music courses for a while if they ask. Just say that you like music as a hobby if they ask further which I don't think they will.

Answer 5

I use to be in Human Resources management and this is an easy issue to deal with, put it on your resume, never lie, and when you get the interview simply explain that you took the time off for educational reasons and are completely ready to resume your career and are excited about the opportunity to work for XYZ.........the biggest thing NOT to do is leave it off, b/c that would be falsification of the application and grounds for termination.
Good luck to you, everyone has done something similar in their lives, nothing to be ashamed of, just move forward!
best wishes

Answer 6

As a former employer a gap is not necessarily a bad thing if the time was used constructively.
What I didn't want to hear what that the person was taking a year off to surf in Maui..that kind of employee doesn't sound like they will be a good candidate.
If you were furthering your education..that's a good thing.

Answer 7

Use the freelance consultant in there. If they ask you about it, mention the few jobs youve done. Say that you decided to do freelance work because you have had several personal family issues that have been resolved (be sure to mention the resolved so they know it wont affect them) that required more time than a regular job would allow. Honesty is the best answer, they will know if you are bs-ing them.

Answer 8

You can put the music lessons on your resume and explain that it is of your interest and also for you to take time off to re-think of your career path.

Employers like integrity and your serious consideration to your future career is well appreciated.

Answer 9

Volunteer work, and looking for employment.