The Best and Worst Ways to Explain a Career Break

Finding a job is not easy these days, especially given the circumstances surrounding the pandemic, recession and, you know, life. A survey released earlier this year found that 68% of workers experienced a job interruption, with 39% citing family responsibilities as the most common reason. Among the surveyed workers, 60% believe that the gap makes it more difficult for them to find a job.

However, career and business coach Curtis Morley , founder and CEO of The Entrepreneur’s Paradox, says employers view career gaps from different perspectives.

“Sometimes gaps are seen as a wake-up call, while other future employers realize that life happens,” he says. “I hired people with career gaps who were exemplary workers.”

How you explain the breakup is as important as the breakup itself, Morley says. There is a right way to solve this problem, and there is a wrong way.

The Best Ways to Fill a Career Gap

Training

When it comes to explaining a career gap, Morley says it’s important to stay on top of your skills, trends in your field, technical know-how, and relevant industry knowledge.

“It shows that you were active and committed to continuing education,” he explains. “List any courses, degrees, certifications, or trainings you participated in during the break. Do things like certificates, seminars or courses to improve your skills and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth.”

If asked during an interview, he suggests saying the following: “During my time between companies, I actively engaged in additional training and education [insert your skill/subject here] to improve my ability in [your specific ability]. I was able to stay up to date with industry trends and expand my experience.” You can also include this in your cover letter.

Sabbatical for personal development

Demonstrating a balanced approach to life and striving for personal growth can lead to an employee being more versatile and adaptable, Morley says. He quotes a number of major companies including Adobe, Bank of America, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Charles Schwab, Cliff Bar, General Mills, Hubspot, Intel, Microsoft, Nike, Patagonia, Paypal, PWC, Purina, REI, SC Johnson, Shopify, Timberland, VMWare, Whole Foods, Cliff Bar and Zillow as they all have creative plans for their employees “[to] understand and maybe respect this decision.”

In an interview or in a cover letter, he suggests the following scenario: “I decided to take a sabbatical to focus on personal development. My free time included volunteer work, personal and family development, as well as hobbies and activities aimed at improving my view of the world and creating a balanced and fulfilling life. I was able to see things in a new, more global perspective and change my perspective on some important topics. This experience gave me a new sense of purpose.”

Freelance or consulting work

According to Morley, any freelancing or consulting activity indicates that “you are ready to continue doing your job even during a break.” He demonstrates self-motivation, adaptability and commitment to continuous learning.”

When asked about this, he recommends saying the following: “During my career break, I freelanced to maintain professional skills and participate in various projects in my field. I learned a lot about project management and full business flow.”

Responsibilities for Care

Life happens and sometimes we need to be close to our families. Morley says it’s not something to ignore. Instead, he “demonstrates strong personal values, loyalty, compassion, and adaptability. It also highlights the transferable skills gained through care work.”

In an interview or in a cover letter, you might say to a recruiter, “I took time off to do some caregiving duties for a family member who needed me. It gave me the opportunity to learn some very real life lessons about empathy, emotional intelligence, love and resilience.”

Worst Ways to Explain Career Gap

Blaming others

“It’s the fastest way to end an interview,” Morley says. “Don’t put the blame on your former boss, colleagues, or the company. Taking responsibility for a gap is professional. Blaming is rude and does not bode well for you. Employers will take what you say and project into the future what you say about them when you no longer work there. Focus on your own growth and choice.”

No explanation

You might consider not mentioning it, but Morley says don’t assume an employer will skip a gap on a resume. “Most likely they won’t. This is what recruiters and employers are especially looking for in a superior process. Leaving it without explanation creates doubts that may create enough doubt to disqualify you from holding this position.”

Vague explanation

Vague explanations won’t help either. “Trying to dismiss or obfuscate the issue is likely to arouse suspicion and uncertainty,” Morley explains. “Employers may question your integrity and suitability for the role. Be clear, concise and frank so that the employer does not have any questions.

Too many explanations

We can also switch to the other end of the spectrum if we share too much, usually when we are nervous or embarrassed. But Morley insists on sharing what is relevant and important for your employer to know. “Leave the unnecessary and unimportant behind,” he says. “Employers will most likely want to know why there is such a gap, but not the details of your yoga retreat in India. Excessive explanation and inappropriate details about the breakup may cause discomfort to employers and may not contribute to a positive application or interview process.”