Navigating Resume Gaps: Strategies for Job Seekers

Job seekers re-entering the workforce after a period of absence may encounter questions about their employment history. Experts advise addressing these gaps directly and honestly, highlighting any skills or experiences gained during the time away.

"You have to address it honestly and directly," said Andy Decker, CEO of Goodwin Recruiting. "Make sure that you’ve included anything you did during that time. Did you get certifications? Did you volunteer?"

Extended job absences have become more common, partly due to the rise of remote work and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw many individuals take time off to care for children or relatives. Some job seekers now label these periods on their resumes as a "career break" or "family responsibility."

Employers are increasingly focusing on skills and results rather than a perfect career trajectory. Volunteering with a nonprofit organization can be a way to keep skills current. Monique Di Liberto, who paused her career for 17 years to raise her children, found ways to translate her experiences into marketable skills. She highlighted her time as PTA president, which involved managing budgets and presenting project plans, and her assistance with her husband's business, including budgeting and software rollouts.

When re-entering the workforce, Di Liberto proposed a month-long trial period to a potential employer, demonstrating her tenacity and willingness to learn. She was hired and eventually worked her way up to head of client services at an artificial intelligence company. Di Liberto often shared her approach with employers: "I was fortunate enough to stay home for 17 years and raise amazing humans. And I worked from the ground up to be where I am today."

Laura Sandvik, who took time off to care for her mother and then her children, emphasized the soft skills she developed, such as patience and responsibility, in her LinkedIn profile. She stated, "In returning to formal roles, I have done so intentionally."

For those who lost jobs due to layoffs or restructuring, Decker suggests being truthful if asked about the circumstances. "I would simply say, 'I was one of 270 people caught up in this reduction of force,' or if you made it through a few rounds of layoffs, say, 'Over two years we had five rounds of reductions in force, I made it through four, I was caught up in the fifth,'" Decker advised. He also recommends practicing responses and avoiding negativity or employer blame.

Baura Zia, laid off after returning from maternity leave, described her subsequent three years raising her children as a "parenting gap" on her resume. She explained during interviews that her previous role ended due to a contract loss, not performance issues. Zia stressed the importance of self-compassion, stating, "It’s not a flaw to have a career gap. If anything, you’ve grown so much from that."

Networking can also be crucial. Zia utilized a network for women in public relations to aid her job search. "When I was ready to go back to the workplace, it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be, only because I had my network to tap into," she said.

Addressing significant employment barriers, such as a criminal record, presents unique challenges. Ryan Cuellar, who had a felony conviction at age 18, focused on his perseverance and learning from the experience. After serving a short jail sentence, he completed high school, took various jobs, and pursued paralegal certification, which allowed him to have his record sealed. Cuellar chose to disclose his history to some employers, viewing it as part of his personal story and perspective. He also volunteered at a jail, helping inmates develop post-release skills. He recently secured a full-time sales position.