7 COMMON CV GAPS, AND HOW TO EXPLAIN THEM IN AN

INTERVIEW

Marc Burrage
Managing Director, Hays Japan

There are many reasons why you may have gaps on your CV. You might have spent your time away from the
workplace to look after children, you may have been studying, travelling, caring for a relative or looking for a
job. Career gaps can also be caused, of course, by redundancy.
Most people have some sort of gap in their career history, and, as our CEO Alistair Cox explained in a recent
LinkedIn Influencer blog, these gaps are actually likely to become more and more common. Why? Because life
expectancies are increasing, thus many find themselves with little option but to also continue working for longer
– perhaps well into our 70s and 80s. Such a trend is likely to bring about a greater number of non-linear career
journeys, and thus more gaps on our CVs.

But how can you explain any such gaps to an interviewer in a manner that actually sells you as a candidate,
instead of sending employers running?

How to explain the gaps in your CV

Before I look at seven of the most common CV gaps and how to explain them during a job interview, I wanted to
firstly start by sharing some general principles you should remember:

Structure your answer well. Briefly start by explaining why you were unemployed during that time, then go on
to explain what you did, and lastly emphasise why you think this is the right opportunity for you.
 When explaining how you’ve spent your time out of the workplace, it’s important that you demonstrate that
you’ve done something productive and proactive. For instance, if you’ve been doing consulting on the side,
studying or volunteering, or even keeping up with industry news, you should mention this, as well as the skills
you’ve learnt.

Focus your answer on how you used your time, and why you think this is the right role for you, rather than
going into specifics about the reason for the gap.

Whatever the reason is, be open and honest with your answer, without going into unnecessary detail.

Use positive language and don’t apologise for taking a break or having a gap.

Seven of the most common reasons for CV gaps, and how to explain them during an
interview
While the reasons for gaps on a CV are wide-ranging, I’ve plotted out a few of the most common reasons below,
as well as some example answers you could give:

1. I had to take time off due to illness

There’s no need to provide specific details of the illness

Explain how you’ve used your time – have you learnt new skills, for example, or kept up with industry news and
trends, or volunteered in the community?

Demonstrate that you are ready to return to work, putting emphasis on why you think the position you’ve
applied for is a good fit

Example answer: “I felt unable to continue in my previous position due to a recurring medical condition.
However, I have now returned to full health and feel ready to take on this role. It’s a position that draws upon
my existing skills, fits my values and gives me the opportunity to add real value every day.”

2. I was caring for a relative

Again, there’s no need to go into details of the illness or your caring responsibilities

Make it clear that the relative has now recovered or you have more care support in place

Explain that you are ready to re-enter the workplace and why this role excites you

Example answer: “I had to leave my previous post to care for a family member. I’ve done this for the past year.
My siblings and I have since hired a full-time caregiver, so I’ve returned to job searching. I am seeking a role with
an innovative company that will allow me to build on my existing skills as a team leader, and I thought this
opportunity was a great match.”

3. One of my previous roles was made redundant

Briefly explain that your previous role was made redundant and why – for example, due to budget cuts or
restructuring

Try to provide some examples of strong performance or achievements while you were in your previous job

Spend more time explaining how you have used your time away from the workplace, and why you think the
position you’ve applied for is a good fit

Example answer: “My previous employer had to make a series of budget cuts, as a result of which, my role was
made redundant. However, I’m proud of what I achieved in my previous role as a credit controller. I’ve used my
time out of the workplace to really think about what I want from my next role and have also been proactively
keeping up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry. This role particularly caught my attention as
I’m keen to find an opportunity where I can build on my existing skill set, manage a team, and really help drive
the business forward.”

4. I went travelling
5. I’ve been looking for a job
 Focus on the reason/s why you decided to go travelling, emphasising your quest for personal development,
increased cultural awareness and gaining new perspectives

Make it clear that you’re now ready to return to work

Explain why this opportunity particularly excites you

Example answer: “I took six months out to expose myself to different cultures and gain new perspectives by
travelling to Thailand and Vietnam. Not only did I achieve both of these things during my time travelling, but I
also learned many invaluable life lessons. I’m now ready to focus squarely on the next stage of my career as a
digital marketing executive. I’m impressed by this agency’s commitment to personal and professional
development, a healthy work-life balance for its employees and continually embracing the latest developments
in its field.”

Explain how you have been proactively looking for a new job

Make it clear that you have used the time to really think about what you want from a new role and a new
employer

Show how you have used the time to upskill and keep up-to-date with industry trends

Outline why you think this position is a good fit for you – you’re looking for the right role, not just any role

Example answer: “As soon as my temporary role came to an end six months ago, I immediately began searching
for a new job and am seeking a position that would enable me to continue advancing my career, build on my
skills and make a difference. While I have had several interviews, I haven’t found the right fit yet. I’m particularly
interested in the opportunities that this role would provide me, such as X, Y, Z.”

6. I took time out to look after my children

Explain that you took time out to prioritise your family and look after your children

Focus on why you now feel ready to go back to work and what you’re excited about

Provide details on why you think this position is a good fit for you

Example answer: “I recently became a father and needed to prioritise my family and raising my young son after
leaving my last role. I am now ready to re-enter the workplace and take on my next big challenge, making the
most of my personal and professional growth.”

7. I went back into education

Explain why you decided to go back to education – such as the specific skills you wanted to build or the
qualification you wished to gain

Emphasise that you are dedicated to personal development and think your skills would be helpful in this role

Example answer: “I identified that I had a skills gap, so took the decision to return to education in a bid to
future-proof my career and upskill. Now that I’ve finished the course, I’ve been looking for a new position in
which I can use these new skills. When I came across this position, I thought it could be a good fit and one I can
bring real value and expertise to.”

Remember that there’s no shame in having gaps on your CV. Gaps in your career aren’t something you should
hide from an interviewer, or feel you have to skirt around. So, when you’re asked about any gaps on your CV by
an interviewer, answer honestly and confidently, providing concrete examples of how you’ve proactively used
your time outside of the workplace, and importantly, why you’re so excited about the position you’re applying
for.

Did you find this blog useful? Here’s some other CV advice you may find helpful:

3 burning questions your CV must answer

3 quick and easy ways to refresh your CV

Showcase these skills to make your CV shine

AUTHOR

MARC BURRAGE
Managing Director, Hays
Japan
Marc Burrage was appointed as Managing Director for Hays Specialist Recruitment Japan in October 2015.

Marc joined Hays at the beginning of 2012 as the Regional Director for Hong Kong, in 2014 he was asked to head
up Hays Asia wide Talent Solutions business before being appointed to his current role. Marc is now responsible
for the day to day operations and growth of the Japanese business across all specialisms, supplying permanent,
executive search, temporary, contract and onsite solutions. Marc has broad industry and functional expertise,
with a proven track record of continued success and has led and grown businesses in the UK, Australia, New
Zealand and Asia.

Prior to working in the recruitment industry Marc held various sales and marketing management positions in the
automotive industry. He has extensive business transformation and change management experience and is
adept at building, developing and leading cross functional teams. Marc was a board member for the Leadership
Institute of New Zealand and studied strategy at Ashridge International Business School.

Career advice, CV tips, Interview tips, Job searching tips

CV, cv writing tips, help with writing a resume, how to write a good CV, professional
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