How to address a gap in your CV
Worried about a CV gap?
Here are some top tips on how to talk about a gap in your CV with authenticity and confidence.
Career gaps on CVs are more common than you might think. Whether you took time off to travel, care for family, focus on mental health, or faced redundancy, it's completely normal and sometimes necessary before you can be the best you can be in your future role. So, how do you address these gaps when applying for jobs?
Employers often want to know about gaps on your CV not to judge you negatively, but to seek clarity. They like as much certainty as possible and want to be assured that any gap was used to upskill and put you in a stronger position within your chosen job market. Remember, life isn't a straight line, and neither are careers - and a good employer will understand that.
So, here are some tips on how to address a gap in your CV with positivity and condfidence:
Communicate clearly on public platforms such as LinkedIn
Be upfront about your career gap on LinkedIn. Potential employers will often peruse your LinkedIn profile so you want transparency and clarity around any gaps so this doesn’t unintenitionally set you back. Highlight what you did during that time, such as learning new skills or volunteering. Use your LinkedIn profile to show how the gap was a period of growth and development.
Frame it positively in interviews
When discussing your CV gap in an interview, focus on how you used that gap in a positive way. For example, if you faced redundancy, instead of saying “I was made redundant and was job searching at that time”, explain how you used that time to learn a new skill or earn a qualification. Employers appreciate candidates who can turn a gap or what started off as a negative experience into a valuable one.
Emphasise skills and experiences gained
Highlight any skills or experiences you gained during your career break. Whether it's a training course, freelance work, or volunteer activities, emphasise how these experiences have made you a stronger candidate. Even if you took time out to, say, travel, you can highlight how you challenged yourself to experience new environments and cultures, and experience things outside of your comfort zone.
Don't lie or cover it up
Employers can easily spot a gap on your CV, and trying to hide it only raises unnecessary questions. It will break any trust between you and employer at the outset, which will be hard to claw back. Be honest and upfront about your career break, and focus on what you achieved during that time.
Prepare for questions
Be ready to discuss your CV gap confidently. Practise your answers so you can address the gap without hesitation. Show that you’ve thought about how this period has prepared you for the role you're applying for.
Career gaps are normal and often bring valuable experiences. By being transparent, framing your gap positively, and demonstrating continuous learning, you can turn a potential red flag into a highlight of your CV. Employers are looking for resilient, adaptable candidates – and your career gap might just show them that you're exactly what they need.
