A gap in your resume doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. Life happens—whether it’s taking time off for personal reasons, going back to school, caring for family, or making a career change. What matters most is how you talk about it.
Hiring managers will likely notice periods of unemployment, but they’re often just looking for clarity. By offering a simple, honest explanation, you can show that you’re focused, self-aware, and ready to contribute. In this guide, we’ll show you how to confidently address resume gaps—both on paper and in interviews—so you can keep your job search moving forward.
Common Reasons for Resume Gaps
Before you explain a gap in your employment history, it’s important to identify the reason behind it. Understanding and owning your time away from work can help you craft a more confident, thoughtful explanation. Here are some of the most common—and entirely valid—reasons for a resume gap:
Layoffs or Job Elimination
Company restructures, budget cuts, or downsizing can result in unexpected layoffs. These are often beyond your control and happen to professionals at every level.
Pursuing Further Education
Taking time off to complete a degree, earn a certification, or attend training programs shows a commitment to growth and skill development.
Family or Caregiver Responsibilities
Whether it’s raising children, supporting an aging parent, or caring for a loved one, stepping away for family responsibilities is both admirable and common.
Health-Related Issues
Prioritizing your health—mental or physical—demonstrates self-awareness and resilience. What’s important is how you’ve prepared to re-enter the workforce.
Travel or Sabbatical
Some professionals choose to take time off to travel, volunteer, or reset. These experiences can offer unique personal and professional insights worth highlighting.
Relocating
Moving to a new city or country often comes with a period of transition. Employers typically understand the time needed to settle in and resume your career.
Career Change or Job Market Challenges
Shifting industries or job functions can naturally lead to a gap, especially while gaining new skills or searching in a competitive job market.
How to Explain a Resume Gap: Tips That Work
1. Be Honest, But Brief
You don’t need to go into personal detail. A short, clear explanation is usually enough. For example, “I took time off to care for a family member,” or “I was laid off during a company restructure.”
2. Focus on What You Did During the Gap
Highlight any constructive activity: volunteering, freelancing, taking online courses, or earning certifications. This shows initiative and a desire to grow.
3. Update Your Resume Strategically
If your employment gap spans several months or years, consider a functional resume format that focuses on skills rather than timeline. You can also group freelance work or temporary roles under one heading to show consistency.
4. Prepare Your Interview Response
If asked in an interview, be ready with a confident explanation that ends on a positive note—ideally tying into why you’re excited about this new opportunity.
Resume Gap Explanation Examples
Example 1: Laid Off
“After being laid off due to a departmental restructure, I took some time to reassess my career goals. I also completed an online certification in project management to sharpen my skills.”
Example 2: Caregiving
“I stepped away from the workforce to care for a family member. During that time, I stayed updated on industry trends and recently completed a refresher course, and I’m now eager to return to full-time work.”
Example 3: Career Change
“I used the time away from traditional employment to explore a career change. I completed coursework and gained hands-on experience in [new field], and I’m excited to bring those skills to a new role.”
Final Thoughts
If you have a noticeable gap in your resume—especially one longer than six months—it’s a good idea to briefly acknowledge it in your cover letter. You don’t need to go into great detail, but offering a short explanation shows transparency and gives you an opportunity to reframe the gap in a positive light. For example, you might say you took time to care for a family member, pursue education, or navigate a challenging job market. What matters most is shifting the focus toward what you learned or accomplished during that time and how it prepared you to return to work stronger than before.
This is also your chance to emphasize your enthusiasm for the role and the value you’ll bring to the organization—regardless of the gap. Hiring managers appreciate candidates who are upfront but solutions-oriented, so keep the tone confident, professional, and forward-looking.
Ultimately, a gap in your resume isn’t a red flag if you explain it well. Everyone’s career has its own rhythm, and periods of unemployment, transition, or growth are often part of the journey. When addressed thoughtfully, gaps can demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and self-awareness.
If you’re navigating a job search and unsure how to present your experience, we’re here to help. At City Personnel, we support job seekers at every stage of their career journey—whether you’re reentering the workforce, changing fields, or starting fresh. Explore our open roles or reach out to our team to get personalized guidance from a recruiter who understands where you’ve been—and where you want to go.
