Resume Gaps? Don’t Stress! Here is What You Can Do About It!

A gap in your resume can bring feelings of sheer terror, and for a good reason. Employers do not like to see employment gaps in resumes. Even though there might be a perfectly reasonable explanation, it throws up an immediate red flag until an answer is provided. However, there’s no reason to panic. There are steps you can take to make the gap in your resume a non-issue.

Honesty is Always the Best Policy

The last thing you want to do is get caught in a lie about a gap in your resume. Your deception could very well be discovered when checking references. Even if there is a legitimate reason for a gap, you will likely be taken out of the running just based on the fact that you were dishonest right from the start. Dishonesty is not a quality employers admire.

Spin the Gap into Something Useful

Find the value in the activities you participated in while you were taking a hiatus. Did you volunteer? Lead a workshop? More than likely, there are skills you used that will be useful in the position you are applying with. For instance, if you are on the board of a charity organization, then you have leadership skills. You can use this on your resume as a skill. If possible, spin that employment gap into something useful.

Make It Clear That the Issue Has Been Resolved

There may be a gap in your resume because you took time off to care for a sick loved one. Maybe you were in an accident that required prolonged recovery time, or you might have taken time off to raise your family. Whatever the reason may be, make sure to make it crystal clear that the issue has been resolved and will not affect your ability to perform in the position should you be chosen.

A Cover Letter Will Go A Long Way

Including a cover letter with your resume to gracefully explain the gaps can help to make sure a potential employer doesn’t write you off before they know the reason behind the gaps. You might say something like, “You will notice I was absent from the workforce from 2017 – 2018. During this time, I was caring for a terminally ill loved one, who unfortunately has since passed”. This not only explains the gap but also conveys that the issue is no longer relevant and will not affect future employment.

Receive Professional Help with Your Resume

Staffing agencies are not only excellent resources for helping you find your dream job, but they can also help you with your resume. When you work with Arrow Staffing, the leading recruiting agency in California, Grand Rapids, and Minnesota, you can expect help from start to finish. Their dedicated specialists will help you positively convey any employment gaps. Contact us today!

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