Career Gaps? How to Turn Them into Strengths on Your Resume
Having a gap in your employment history can be a daunting prospect, especially when it comes to writing your resume. You might be wondering how to explain it, or even if you should include it at all. But instead of seeing career gaps as a weakness, why not turn them into strengths? That’s right – with the right approach, you can use your career gaps to your advantage and make your resume stand out from the rest. In this article, we’ll show you how to do just that.
Highlight transferable skills gained during your gap
One of the most common fears when it comes to career gaps is that you haven’t been using your time productively. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. Think about what you did during your time off – did you travel, volunteer, or take care of a family member? These experiences may not be directly related to your career, but they can still provide valuable skills that are transferable to the workplace.
For example:
If you traveled, you likely had to plan and budget your trip, which shows organizational and financial management skills.
If you volunteered, you may have gained teamwork and leadership skills, as well as the ability to adapt to different environments and work with diverse groups of people.
If you took care of a family member, you may have developed patience, empathy, and time management skills.
By highlighting these skills in your resume, you’re showing potential employers that you haven’t been idle during your career gap and that you have valuable experiences to bring to the table.
Focus on personal growth and development
Another way to turn your career gap into a strength is by focusing on personal growth and development. Maybe you took some time off to pursue a hobby, learn a new skill, or even go back to school. These experiences can be just as valuable as work experience and can showcase your dedication and drive.
For example:
If you learned a new language, that shows dedication, determination, and the ability to learn new things.
If you took a course or went back to school, it shows that you’re constantly seeking self-improvement and staying up-to-date with industry trends.
If you started your own side business, that shows entrepreneurial spirit, self-motivation, and business acumen.
Highlighting these experiences on your resume can make you stand out as a well-rounded candidate and showcase your willingness to learn and grow.
Showcase how you stayed connected to your industry
Even if you weren’t employed during your career gap, that doesn’t mean you weren’t keeping up with what’s going on in your industry. Perhaps you attended conferences, networked with professionals, or even took online courses to stay updated. These experiences demonstrate your passion and dedication to your field, and can work in your favor when it comes to landing your dream job.
For example:
If you attended conferences, you likely gained knowledge on new technologies, techniques, and industry trends.
If you networked with professionals, you may have made valuable connections and gained insight into the current job market and hiring practices.
If you took online courses, you can showcase the new skills you acquired and how they can be beneficial to your potential employer.
By highlighting these experiences, you’re showing that you were proactive in staying connected to your industry and that your career gap did not hinder your professional growth.
Be honest, but be positive
While it’s important to be honest about your career gap, it’s equally important to remain positive and confident. Instead of just listing the dates of your gap, use that space to emphasize your achievements and experiences during that time. Be sure to explain why you took the time off and how it helped you grow both personally and professionally. Remember, employers are looking for candidates who can turn challenges into opportunities and your career gap can be just that – a chance to show off your strengths.
In conclusion, having a career gap does not automatically make you a weak candidate. By following these tips, you can turn your gap into a strength and showcase your transferable skills, personal growth, and industry connections. So don’t be afraid to be creative and think outside the box when it comes to explaining your career gap – it might just be the thing that makes your resume stand out and lands you your dream job.
