How to explain employment gaps

Many of us will experience career gaps at some point in our working lives. You may have taken time away from work due to illness, caring responsibilities or redundancy, or chosen to travel or pursue further study. While career gaps can sometimes feel difficult to explain, they are far more common than many people realise.

The key isn’t avoiding career gaps or trying to hide them — it’s how you explain them. When addressed honestly and framed positively, career gaps don’t have to work against you. In fact, they can often demonstrate resilience, adaptability and personal growth. Therefore, many employers are more understanding of career gaps than you may realise.

So, how do you explain career gaps on your resume and in an interview?

How to explain career gaps in your resume

Be honest

It can be tempting to hope a potential employer won’t notice a career gap on your resume. However, recruiters generally advise against this approach. Unexplained gaps can raise questions and may lead employers to move on to other candidates without seeking clarification.

Altering dates and periods of employment on your resume can be risky as it could be uncovered when the employer performs a reference check. This could cause you to come unstuck in the final stages of the recruitment process.

The best approach is to briefly explain the reason for the career gap on your resume, keeping the focus factual and professional.

Remember, when assessing potential candidates many employers will look them up online. Make sure explanations for career gaps on your resume and LinkedIn profile are consistent, otherwise this may raise red flags.

LinkedIn enables you to add career pauses with reasons to your profile.

Focus on the positives

If you were out of work for a period but spent time volunteering or developing new skills , be sure to highlight this.
Try to link any new skills you have learnt with those highlighted in the job description of the role you are applying for.
Similarly, travel can be framed as an opportunity for personal growth, adaptability and cultural awareness.

If you’ve taken time away from work to care for children or other relatives, this can also demonstrate valuable qualities such as compassion, responsibility, and strong time management skills. You can also use this experience to highlight how you handle yourself under pressure.

How to explain gaps in an interview

The best way to address career gaps in an interview is to be open and honest. Focus on how you maintained productivity during your career break, continued learning and prepared yourself to return to work.

Employers are often interested in how candidates respond to challenging situations. If you’ve overcome adversity — such as ill health, redundancy or unemployment — and successfully re-entered the workforce, this can demonstrate resilience, determination and personal growth.

Career paths are no longer linear, and employment gaps are increasingly common. What matters most is how clearly and confidently you explain your experience and the value you bring to an employer. Positioning career gaps positively — whether on your resume or in an interview — requires careful wording and a strong focus on skills, outcomes and growth.

If you’re looking for a new career or need help presenting your experience professionally, Selection Criteria Writers can help. We offer a range of services, including resume writing and LinkedIn profile writing, to ensure your application highlights your strengths and supports your career goals.

Article References

Merritt, S (30 July 2025) ‘Addressing Employment Gaps: Strategies for Explaining Breaks in Your Career’, Hedley Scott Recruitment, accessed 8 January 2026

Seek (26 August 2021) ‘How to explain career gaps in your resume’, Seek, accessed 8 January 2026