07 Oct How to Explain Those Weird Gaps on Your Resume
Your resume is essential to help you land your dream job. However, if there is anything unusual or out-of-the-ordinary on it, hiring managers and human resource personnel may inquire about it and place you low on their “favorite’s list.” So, what should you do if you have weird gaps on your resume? Can you use these questionable aspects of this document to your advantage?
Here are a few tips to help you best explain those weird gaps on your resume.
Be Honest
The best thing you can do when asked about any unusual points on your resume is to be honest. Employers value honesty and will applaud you for telling the truth, even if it doesn’t put you in the best light. However, be aware that you don’t have to share every detail about this time in your life. Be honest but be mindful of how much you share. A quick, concise answer will often be enough.
Don’t Shy Away From Addressing it Directly on the Resume
If you are worried that the gaps in your resume will affect whether you are asked to interview for a position, address the gaps directly on your resume. In just one or two sentences, explain what happened during that particular time in your life and why you had no employment. If there is no room on your resume, consider addressing it in your cover letter.
Prepare Your Answer Well
You don’t want to be caught off guard when asked about any unusual gaps or details on your resume. If so, this may cause you to stammer and be flustered, losing your credibility and trust with the hiring manager. You may also lose your own train of thought and confidence, affecting the rest of your interview.
Before you head into the interview, be prepared to answer this question. Know what you will say and the details you wish to share. Again, avoid oversharing and try to keep your answer simple.
You Don’t Have to Justify Your Reasoning
Some individuals feel the need to provide a long list of excuses about why they may not have worked during a certain period of time. There is no need to justify your actions to the hiring manager or the individual who is interviewing you. Provide a brief explanation and move on.
Don’t Stress About it
Some job seekers can get hung up on unusual gaps on their resume. They can fret and worry that this detail will cost them the job. However, it is important that you simply move on and focus on your own skills, characteristics, and qualifications that can help you land the position. Weird gaps on a resume are more common than you may realize and you will likely not be the only applicant in this situation.
There are many ways you can address gaps on your resume such as during the interview or directly on the resume or cover letter. By utilizing the above tips, you will feel more confident, happy, and enthusiastic about a career change and will worry less about how this small gap will affect your chances of landing your dream job.
