Employment gaps are not uncommon. Matter of fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that ‘a majority of people have been unemployed at some point in their lives.’
Employment gaps, usually considered for a period of six months or more, may raise a red flag on your application if they are not explained in detail. To avoid your application from being passed up, it’s best to provide a concise explanation for those gaps.
Common reasons for employment gaps can include:
- Health or medical issues
- Company lay-offs
- Termination from a company
- Electing to stay home to care for children or a sick family member
- Moving to a new location
- Pursued further education
- Active searches for a new job haven’t been the right fit
General Considerations for Explaining the Gaps
When explaining gaps, be honest, brief, and focus on what you gained during those time periods, such as how it may enriched you or how it provided you with new skills. Did you volunteer during this time, do any freelance projects, or work on any personal development activities? How did these activities make you a stronger candidate for the job you are applying to?
Providing an Explanation of Caring for Children or Sick Family Members
- ‘I took time off to focus on my family, and during this time period’
- ‘I was a full-time caregiver’
- ‘I volunteered at a local shelter’
- ‘I got an online training certificate in Advanced Safety’
Providing an Explanation of a Medical Leave of Absence
When explaining a medical leave of absence, it is important to emphasize your ability to perform work in your current condition. Sample explanations include:
- ‘I took time off for a medical issue. I am fully recovered and have been released by my physician’
- ‘I took time off for surgery, and I am cleared by my physician to resume normal work duties’
Providing an Explanation of a Layoff or Termination
If you were laid off, highlight the value you added to the company, what you gained or learned with the company, and a factual number if the layoff was due to a company-wide downsizing. If you were terminated, state the reason why and any responsibility you had towards the reason. Background checks and employment verifications most always provide the actual details. Sample explanations include:
- ‘I was laid off along with 30% of my work peers due to downsizing’
- ‘I was terminated for failing a drug test. I have completed the SAP and am current with testing’
- ‘I was terminated for getting in an at-fault accident, and my company was required to let me go’
- ‘I was terminated for too many company safety violations (state which). I have since been employed with a successive employer for two years without any violations’