Employment Gaps Aren’t as Scary as You Think

Let’s face it: most of us have experienced an employment gap at some point, especially in the post-COVID era. 

The good news? 

Employers are human too, and they get it. 

An employment gap doesn’t have to be the end of the world - it’s just a part of your story.

With the right strategies, you can turn these gaps into strengths and position yourself as the confident, capable professional you are. 

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to address employment gaps on your resume, in your cover letter, and even during interviews. You’ll learn exactly how to reframe gaps as opportunities for growth, plus get practical examples, tips, and templates to put this advice into action. 

By the end, you’ll feel confident tackling any awkward career pause and positioning yourself as the perfect fit for your next role.

So, grab a coffee, and let’s dive into how to address those resume gaps like a pro!

Why Career Gaps Matter (or Don’t!)

Gaps in employment can seem like a big deal to job seekers, but here’s the truth: they only matter as much as you let them. Here’s why:

• First Impressions Count: Employers often scan resumes. A gap without context may raise questions, but addressing it head-on shows honesty and preparedness.
• Perception is Key: It’s not about the gap itself but how you explain it. Potential employers value candidates who take ownership of their story.
• Statistics Tell the Story: You’re far from alone, and hiring managers know this. According to a LinkedIn survey, approximately 64% of professionals have taken a career break at some point, and 84% of them believe the break was beneficial.

💡 Fun Fact: Some employers see well-handled gaps as a sign of resilience and adaptability - qualities every company needs!

According to a survey by Flair, approximately one-third (32%) of organizations no longer consider resume gaps when evaluating job candidates.

Employment Gaps Aren’t Career Enders

For employers in today’s job market, especially in a post-pandemic world, gaps are no longer rare or taboo - they’re expected.

But why do gaps matter at all? 

It’s not the gap itself that raises eyebrows but the lack of context or explanation. 

Employers want to see that you’ve made the most of your time and that you’re ready to bring value to their team. A well-framed gap can even highlight qualities like resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to personal growth - qualities every hiring manager loves to see.

🌟 Key takeaway: employment gaps only become a problem if you ignore them. With a proactive approach, you can transform any gap into a strength, and when framed positively, gaps can actually work to your advantage.

Explaining Gaps in Employment on Resumes

If you’re feeling unsure about how to format your resume or what to say about a gap, don’t worry. You have several strategies to choose from, depending on the type and length of your career pause.

Let’s take a look at how to write a resume with gaps in employment: 

1. Choose the Right Resume Format

There are over a dozen different types of resumes you could use depending on the job application, hiring format and your personal experiences, skills or professional background. 

Here are just a few: 

1. Chronological Resume
2. Functional Resume
3. Hybrid Resume
4. Mini Resume
5. Video Resume
6. Academic Resume
7. Skills-Based Resume
8. Portfolio Resume

When you have gaps, a functional resume format can work wonders. Unlike the traditional chronological format, it highlights your skills and achievements instead of focusing on your employment history.

A functional resume format is perfect for candidates with non-linear career paths. Unlike a traditional chronological resume, it organizes your experience by skills and achievements rather than by date. 

With research showing that 80% of employers acknowledge the growing importance of soft skills such as creativity, adaptability, and collaboration for their company's success, a functional resume might just be what you need! 

This shifts the focus away from your employment timeline and toward the skills you bring to the table that are relevant to the job.

Here’s what a functional resume might look like:

• Summary Statement: A concise introduction to your professional profile. For example: "Creative marketing specialist with 5+ years of experience driving brand growth through innovative digital campaigns."
• Key Skills Section: A bulleted list of your top professional skills, such as project management, copywriting, or data analysis.
• Experience Highlights: Group accomplishments by themes, like “Marketing Campaigns” or “Team Leadership,” instead of listing them under specific job titles.
• Education and Certifications: List degrees, certifications, and any relevant training programs.

2. Add Context to Gaps

Be transparent but concise. If you choose to use an experience-based chronological resume, here’s how you can explain gaps in a way that reassures employers:

• June 2021-September 2022 - Career Pause: Focused on professional development and completed certifications in data analytics during COVID-19. 
• August 2017-September 2019 - Career Pause: Took a leave to manage personal responsibilities; parental and family caregiving.

💡Pro Tip: Keep explanations brief. No need to share your life story—just enough to show accountability and productivity.

3. Highlight Productive Activities During the Gap

Employers love to see that you stayed proactive. Use a dedicated “Professional Development” or “Volunteer Experience” section to showcase:

• Upskilling: Online courses, certifications, or workshops.
• Freelancing: Independent projects or consulting roles.
• Volunteering: Community involvement that builds transferable skills.
• Work Experience: Short placements for exposure and shadowing.

Example Resume Statements for Gaps

Struggling to phrase your experience? Here are some examples:

• “Completed a Digital Marketing Certification through Google during career pause, enhancing SEO and PPC expertise.” 
• “Volunteered as a project manager for a local nonprofit, leading a team to raise $10,000 in funding.”
• “Completed a Coursera certification in Data Analytics, equipping myself with Tableau and SQL skills.”
• “Provided freelance graphic design services for small businesses, creating branding packages and increasing client engagement.”

How to Address Employment Gaps in a Cover Letter

Your cover letter is the perfect place to normalize and explain gaps with a personal touch. Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Acknowledge the Gap

Be upfront but professional. For example:

“During this period, I took time off to focus on personal responsibilities while pursuing a certification in project management.”

2. Highlight What You Gained

Shift the focus to your growth and readiness for the role.

“While managing family responsibilities, I completed an online course in data visualization, enhancing my technical skill set.”

3. End on a Positive Note

Reaffirm your enthusiasm and ability to contribute.

“I’m excited to bring my enhanced skills and dedication to [Company Name], aligning my experiences with your team’s goals.”

Example Cover Letter Snippet

"During my career pause, I embraced opportunities to grow professionally and personally. I completed a certification in digital marketing, developed a passion for SEO, and contributed as a volunteer at XYZ Nonprofit. These experiences have not only sharpened my technical skills but also strengthened my ability to adapt and overcome challenges. I’m now eager to bring this growth and dedication to the role of [Position Name]."

Discussing Employment Gaps & Career Breaks in Interviews

Interviews can feel nerve-wracking, but preparation is your secret weapon. Follow these steps to address gaps confidently:

Be Honest and Brief: Employers appreciate candor. Example: “I took a career pause to focus on caregiving but stayed engaged professionally through freelance projects.”

Practice Makes Perfect: Rehearse your explanation so it sounds natural and confident. Don’t look like you're fumbling for an ‘excuse’ - you don’t need an excuse, just a natural explanation!

Pivot to Skills & Experience: Highlight what you learned or achieved. Example: “This time allowed me to complete a certification in UX Design, which directly supports this role.”

Turning Gaps into Strengths

Success Stories

Meet Sarah, a former teacher who transitioned into a corporate training role after a two-year gap. How? By emphasizing her public speaking and leadership skills honed during her teaching career.

Your Opportunity

Think of gaps as a time to develop transferable skills like adaptability, problem-solving, or leadership. These are often gained during freelance work, volunteering, or caregiving—activities that might not feel like work but have incredible professional value.

Post-COVID Resume Tips

• Embrace Remote Work Skills: Mention tools like Slack, Zoom, or Trello to show you’re ready for modern workplaces.
• Prioritize Soft Skills: Highlight adaptability, resilience, and communication—key qualities employers value.
• Avoid Negative Framing: Instead of writing “Unemployed due to COVID-19,” try “Career Pause: Focused on professional development.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-Explaining: Don’t share unnecessary personal details. And don’t feel like you’re being interrogated. There is nothing wrong with having taken a career break and you don’t need to over-justify a gap in employment. 
• Being Dishonest: Gaps are easy to verify so be transparent. There’s no point in saying you worked somewhere if you didn’t as all it takes is a simple phone call for a reference or payroll check and you’re detected! 
• Ignoring the Gap: Silence can raise red flags, so always address gaps briefly and positively. It’s best to answer the questions before the hiring manager asks. Cover your employment gaps in your job application, cover letter and interview - and speak confidently about them. 

Turning Gaps Into Strengths

Think of your employment gap as an opportunity to showcase qualities like resilience, adaptability, and initiative. Here’s how:

Jane’s Success Post Career-Break

Jane, a former teacher, took a two-year career pause to care for her children. During this time, she completed a part-time certification in corporate training. By framing her gap as a period of growth, Jane successfully transitioned into a new role as a corporate trainer.

Your Turn

Use your gap to highlight transferable skills like leadership, organization, or problem-solving. Did you manage a household? Organize community events? Pursue a passion project? 

These experiences can add value to your candidacy.

Go ahead and update your resume with everything we’ve covered in this guide. And if you need a starting point, grab one of the 500+ templates inside Paybump to kick-start your resume writing! 

You can sign up here and get immediate access to our template library, interview tips AND exclusive community 🔥

Happy resume writing!  

‍

FAQs

What is the best way to explain employment gaps on a resume?

The best way to explain employment gaps is to be transparent and focus on what you did during the gap, such as upskilling, volunteering, or managing personal responsibilities. Use brief, professional language in your resume and be prepared to elaborate during job interviews.

Should you include employment gaps on your resume?

Yes, it’s better to address employment gaps than to leave them unexplained. Use a functional or hybrid resume format to emphasize skills and accomplishments while briefly noting the gap with a concise explanation like “Career break for caregiving” or “Pursued professional development.”

How do you address an employment gap due to COVID-19?

To address a COVID-19 employment gap, mention any relevant activities you engaged in, such as completing online courses, freelancing, or volunteering. If applicable, use terms like “COVID-19 Career Pause” to normalize the gap and align with industry trends.

How do employers view gaps in employment?

Most potential employers understand that employment gaps are common, especially due to events like COVID-19. What matters is how you explain the gap—focus on what you learned or achieved during that time and how it makes you a stronger candidate.

Can I hide employment gaps on my resume?

While it’s not advisable to hide gaps, you can strategically downplay them by using a functional resume format or grouping shorter gaps under one timeframe. However, be ready to address them if asked in an interview.

How do you address long gaps in employment?

To address long employment gaps, highlight transferable skills and relevant experiences gained during the break, such as freelance work, caregiving, or certifications. Provide a positive, forward-looking explanation that reassures employers about your commitment.

What are the best resume formats for employment gaps?

The functional or combination resume formats are ideal for addressing employment gaps. These formats allow you to focus on skills, accomplishments, and qualifications rather than emphasizing chronological work history.

How can I explain employment gaps in an interview?

During interviews, be concise and honest about your employment gap, emphasizing the productive activities or skills gained during that time. Reframe the gap as an opportunity to grow and prepare for your next career step.

Do employment gaps hurt your chances of getting a job?

Employment gaps don’t have to hurt your chances if you explain them professionally and demonstrate how the time was used productively. Many employers value honesty and resilience over uninterrupted work histories.

How can I address multiple employment gaps on my resume?

For multiple gaps, group them under a single explanation, such as “Career breaks for personal development and caregiving,” and focus on showcasing your skills, achievements, and the value you bring to the role.