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A resume employment gap is as dreadful to a jobseeker as it is eyebrow-raising to employers who would be quick to question this gap, such as what you did, why you did, and where you did. No matter how somewhat devastating this gap can be to someone's career, it shouldn't stop you from getting involved in profession-related activities even while attending to the new baby. In a wired world, this is a far more plausible idea compared to decades ago. This will help you fill the gap while unemployed.
Still planning to temporarily cease working?
Are you still planning to take a long break from work? If so, follow these pieces of advice:
- Don't waste on bumming around the entire time just because you need to attend to serious matters;
- Use this gap to do activities for self and skill improvement, so as not to stagnate your work-related knowledge;
- Take a class in a subject related to your profession;
- Find a consulting project or assignment to supplement your knowledge;
- Volunteer at an organization in the same field;
- Read trade journals and attend trainings to boost your expertise.
These activities will help you fill those idle times with substantial experience you would be proud to flag on your resume.
How to fill Resume Employment Gap
A resume with employment gap is far from looking stellar and it glares (in a negative way) in the eyes of the recruitment specialist. If you've been busy doing related activities while in inactivity, be sure to describe them in detail to make a good impression. As much as possible, mention the persons you'd come in contact with during those lull times. Also describe how these activities relate to your profession or line of work.
What about long gaps with not much relevant career-related activities?
Although you can't work magic in this situation, rounding off months to years can be a tad bit helpful. Most often than not (especially for applicants with already long experiences), employers look at the number of years rather than months.
That is to say, rather than saying you worked from January 2007 to March 2008, and then from December 2008 to April 2009, simply write 2007-2008 for a particular tenure, followed by 2008 to 2009. This technique helps cover gaps for as far as you resume will take you, yet, be sure to bring convincing reasons to explain the "real" employment gap on resume when you meet with a prospective employer in an interview.
For very large gaps, though, consider writing a functional resume instead of a chronological resume. Be warned though most employers prefer the latter, and forms negative connotations about the former - they could think you're trying to hide something. (Editor's Note: Read about "Functional Resumes")
Highlight the Positive
When writing an explanation about long gaps, make it sound like the lull was an opportunity rather than a liability. Highlight the activities and the experience and lessons you learned from these in line with how these improved your skills and gave you knowledge you wouldn't have learned in an office environment.
An employment gap could also be an opportunity to stress your independence, and despite your unemployment, there was never a dull moment for you but an entirely fruitful time outside the walls of traditional employment.
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