Having gaps in your employment history is common, especially after major life events like having children, caring for a family member, or going back to school. However, extended gaps can raise questions for potential employers about what you were doing during that time and whether your skills are still up-to-date.
There is no definitive rule for how long is too long for an employment gap. Here are some quick answers to key questions about employment gaps:
Is a 1 year gap bad?
A gap of about 1 year is often not a major concern for employers. It’s understandable that it may take time to find the right job after leaving a previous role. You can explain a 1 year gap by saying you took time to travel, pursue hobbies, take care of family responsibilities, etc. The key is being able to explain the gap in a positive way.
Is a 2 year gap bad?
A 2 year gap may raise more questions, but is not necessarily a deal-breaker. Be prepared to explain what you were doing during that time – whether it was raising kids, caring for parents, learning new skills, etc. Focus on the skills you have kept sharp and how you are ready to jump back into the workforce.
Is a 5 year gap bad?
A gap of 5 years or longer will require more explanation. Employers may be concerned that your skills are not up-to-date after being out of work for so long. You need to proactively address the gap in your cover letter and interview. Talk about any volunteering, classes, or consulting work you did to show you still have relevant abilities.
How do you explain a 10 year gap on your resume?
A 10 year or longer gap in employment is tough to explain on a resume alone. This large gap will likely come up in the interview. Be ready to walk through what you were doing during the time. Emphasize any skills you used or developed, even if not formal paid work. Explain why you are ready and motivated to return to the workforce now.
What is considered an employment gap?
There is no set definition for an employment gap. It is generally considered any period of more than 6 months to 1 year where you were not working or employed. This includes time you spent unemployed, as a stay-at-home parent or caregiver, out of the workforce due to health/disability, or in school full-time.
Gaps of just a few months between jobs are common and not a major concern for employers. Larger gaps of 1-2 years may require some explanation. Gaps longer than 5 years take more effort to justify to potential employers.
How do you list employment gaps on a resume?
It’s best to list employment gaps clearly and accurately on your resume. Rather than leaving a multi-year gap in your work history, account for that time by listing your status – for example:
- Stay-at-home parent, 2015-2020
- Full-time graduate student, 2013-2015
- Medical leave, 2017-2019
This helps reduce questions about how you spent the time. Be prepared to expand on these explanations further in your cover letter or at the interview.
Should I omit employment gaps from my resume?
It’s not recommended to omit large gaps in employment from your resume, as employers are likely to notice and raise questions. Addressing the gaps upfront and being transparent is better than appearing like you are hiding something. Provide enough context on the resume to assure employers the gap was for legitimate reasons.
How can I fill an employment gap on my resume?
Ways to fill in gaps on your resume include:
- Listing your role if you were caring for family members
- Including any volunteering or freelance work
- Listing education programs or courses completed
- Describing your travel, valuable skills learned, or personal projects
- Explaining any medical, disability, family leave, or other circumstances
This demonstrates you were active and developing during the employment gaps.
How do I explain gaps in employment due to having a baby?
If you have large gaps due to maternity leave or staying home with children, highlight this experience on your resume. For example, under your employment dates, include a line such as “On maternity leave, March 2018 – February 2020.” In interviews, speak about skills you used as a parent like time management, patience, and multitasking.
How do I explain gaps in employment due to illness?
If you need to explain gaps related to illness, disability or medical leave, keep the details brief. For example, “Out of workforce due to medical reasons, 2016-2018.” Focus on emphasizing that you are ready and able to return to work with any accommodations needed. Reassure employers about your capacity by highlighting your qualifications.
How do I explain gaps in employment due to being in school?
Gaps when you were focused on education full-time are viewed very positively. On your resume, list the years you were in school and the degrees attained. Explain how your education makes you more marketable. Emphasize coursework and skills that directly relate to the job. This demonstrates you used the time productively to advance your career.
How do I explain being unemployed for a long time?
If you were unemployed for an extended time, be honest about the length and circumstances. Explain how you kept your skills sharp through online courses, professional associations, reading, and other resources. Outline your plan for quickly getting up to speed and contributing at a new job. Emphasize that you are motivated to return to the workforce and looking for the right fit.
How do I explain a gap during the pandemic?
Many people have COVID-related gaps, which are understandable to employers. Explain any gaps in 2020-2022 by noting how the pandemic affected your industry or employment status. Share how you adapted by taking online classes, learning new technology, pursuing projects, etc. Let employers know you are ready to get back on track post-pandemic.
Conclusion
Employment gaps are generally not problematic if you provide transparent, honest explanations upfront. Use your resume, cover letter, and interview to highlight how you stayed active, engaged, and marketable during periods of unemployment. With thoughtful responses, you can reassure potential employers that gaps do not reflect poorly on your abilities or work ethic.
Typical Reasons for Employment Gaps
Here are some of the most common reasons and circumstances that can lead to employment gaps:
| Reason for Gap | How to Explain |
|---|---|
| Parental leave | Highlight skills gained from childcare responsibilities |
| Caring for family members | Note your role as a caregiver during time off |
| Illness/disability | Share that you were out of work for medical reasons |
| Continuing education | Explain how schooling makes you more qualified |
| Travel/sabbatical | Describe skills, experience and knowledge gained |
| Difficulty finding work | Outline your job search efforts and preparedness to work now |
As shown in the table, there are many life circumstances that can reasonably cause someone to take time away from formal employment. With preparation and practice, you can explain these gaps in your background in a positive, transparent way to potential employers.
Strategies to Mitigate Employment Gaps
If you are concerned about how employment gaps may be perceived, here are some strategies to consider:
Stay active in your profession
Even when not formally employed, try to do some activities that keep your skills and knowledge current in your industry. This could include:
- Volunteering or freelancing in a related role
- Completing online courses and certifications
- Attending conferences or workshops
- Joining professional associations
- Reading industry publications and blogs
These types of engagements help minimize any erosion of abilities during time off.
Take on projects
Being able to point to substantive projects during employment gaps demonstrates you were still developing relevant skills, such as:
- Writing a book or blog
- Launching a website or business
- Consulting or advising organizations
- Volunteering for community groups
- Organizing local events or activities
- Learning programming languages or other technical skills
Highlighting accomplishments shows valuable initiative even outside of formal work.
Get temporary or contract work
Consider taking on temporary assignments, contract roles, or short-term projects during extended gaps. This allows you to:
- Demonstrate continuing professional engagement
- Expand your network and get fresh references
- Try different industries and companies
- Build skills through new experiences
- Potentially turn a temporary role into a permanent job
Having these types of engagements helps fill in your background and reassures employers.
Explain why you are ready to return to work
Use your cover letter and interviews to explain:
- Why you are excited to return to the workforce
- How your perspective has expanded during time off
- The timing that is now right for your comeback
- Your plan to quickly get up to speed and contribute
Conveying your passion and readiness for a new role can offset concerns about gaps.
Answers to Common Interview Questions about Gaps
You will need to be prepared to provide explanations verbally for resume gaps during job interviews. Here are some examples of tough questions and sample responses:
Question: I see you have a 2-year gap in your work history. What were you doing during that time?
Sample Response: After the birth of my second child, I took an extended maternity leave to focus on my family. However, I kept my professional skills sharp by taking online courses in social media marketing and web analytics. I also volunteered doing publicity for a local nonprofit. I’m excited to now return to the workforce and leverage this expanded skillset.
Question: Your last job ended 5 years ago. How have you been spending the years since?
Sample Response: For the past 5 years I was providing full-time care for my elderly parents. Though outside formal employment, this role required a great deal of responsibility, time management, and empathy. Now with more flexibility in my family obligations, I am eager to re-enter the workforce and contribute my skills.
Question: There is a pretty large gap before you began your most recent job. What accounts for that time?
Sample Response: During that gap period I went back to school full-time to complete my bachelor’s degree. The skills and knowledge I gained through my education make me a stronger candidate today. And my capstone project involved developing a marketing plan, which gave me hands-on experience I can leverage in this role.
Question: I noticed some periods of unemployment. What’s the reason for those gaps in your work history?
Sample Response: Like many people, I faced some unexpected job losses due to economic downturns and industry shifts beyond my control. During those times off, I focused on expanding my technology skills through online programs to remain marketable. I also expanded my professional network through alumni groups and volunteer work. These gaps ultimately provided growth opportunities.
Preparing explanations in advance for inevitable questions about resume gaps will make you more confident in interviews. You can reassure employers by emphasizing your continued development and readiness to take on a new role.
Presenting Yourself Effectively with Gaps
Here are some final tips for presenting yourself in a positive light despite resume gaps:
- Focus on skills and accomplishments, not just job titles
- Explain gaps briefly without unnecessary details
- Be honest and transparent, not defensive
- Emphasize continuing education and development
- Convey passion and enthusiasm to return to work
- Practice responses to gap questions until comfortable
With preparation, confidence, and a little creativity, employment gaps do not have to be deal-breakers. Be ready to connect the dots for employers between any off-ramp experiences and the value you can bring to the role. Ultimately, your qualifications, drive and potential should take center stage.