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How to explain your CV career gap to a potential employer

Published on: 24 Jan 2025

There’s nothing wrong with taking take a career break for various reasons, but it’s important to know how to discuss these issues when dealing with potential employers in job interviews. Depending on the length of your break, the interviewer may inquire about the reasons behind it.

How to explain your CV career gap

Career gaps can occur for various reasons, such as illness, redundancy, parenthood, or caregiving, but whatever your reason, it’s wise to prepare your explanation before heading into an interview. For some, career gaps can be challenging to talk about, so preparing an answer beforehand can prevent being caught off guard.

When addressing a career gap on your CV, consider including a brief summary statement. This can be a few short sentences explaining the reason for your break and the dates involved. Be positive about your experience and avoid framing it negatively. 

Employers may be interested in what you gained from the experience. If it was a difficult time, focus on how you made the best of it and your excitement to return to your career. The statement doesn’t need to be detailed, as the interviewer may ask for more information during the interview.

Always be truthful about your career gap. Everyone has valid reasons for taking time off, whether it’s a personal choice or due to responsibilities. Common reasons for career breaks include:

If you have a career gap, use the time productively. Depending on your situation, try to stay updated with developments in your field. Keep track of industry news, technological advancements, and how these changes might affect your return to work. If possible, take extra courses or engage in activities that demonstrate your ongoing interest and knowledge. Employers appreciate candidates who remain engaged and passionate about their work, even during a break. Show them that you’re dedicated and will put in the effort, just as you have in previous roles.

There are many other reasons, and some may be more positive than others. Maintain a positive outlook when explaining your career break, emphasizing what you learned or how you grew from the experience. Being negative during an interview can have a detrimental impact. It’s always best to stay optimistic, regardless of the situation.
Be prepared to talk about your career break in an interview. While it’s not guaranteed that the interviewer will ask, it’s likely if the gap is longer than a few weeks. If you’re not completely comfortable discussing it, provide a general answer. Ensure you inform the interviewer honestly while keeping personal details private if you wish. Being prepared to discuss career gaps can help reduce interview pressure.