Recruiters evaluate resumes as the first impression while searching for suitable candidates for the job role. Some candidates may have an employment gap in their resume because they may have left a job to raise children, gone for higher studies, have physical issues, and more. Job seekers don’t need to think that the career gap is scary. Because when recruiters ask the reason for the employment gap, you can explain the proper reasons to help recruiters understand. But candidates must know how to positively add an career gap in their resume to impress recruiters. Here are some of the ways how to fill the employment gap in your resume;
Ways to Explain an Employment Gap on Your Resume
Be honest
Honesty is essential in every work. Recruiters will reach you by seeing your resume only. So the details which were given in the resume must be true. Recruiters may ask you whether the career gap is a long or shorter time. You can give justifying reasons from your side that will make recruiters feel satisfied. If you didn’t add the employment gap in your resume, that would affect your application. Usually, employers will check background verification to check whether the provided information is correct or incorrect. Make sure to be honest with the recruiter during the interview process.
Remove outdated employment gap.
It’s safe to remove the gap in resumes if the gaps are older. The resume should be one page long that should be added with keywords and relevant work experience, which will be enough to impress recruiters. And make sure to avoid career gaps in resumes for candidates with a minimum employment gap duration of six months or below six months.
Explain the gap
It would be better if some short sentences were written regarding the gap in the resume. The only thing you can do is explain the employment gap to the recruiters properly. You will be hired if the recruiters are satisfied with your valid reason.
Use the correct resume format to reduce the gap
One of the best ways to show your resume with less employment gap is using a resume format. You can use a functional resume format focusing mainly on skills, experiences, and achievements. You can also add a career achievements summary that will give a positive note to recruiters. And using a hybrid resume format also reduces the employment gap.
Add only for the specific job role
Adding an employment gap in your resume is unnecessary for all the job roles you are applying for. Instead of adding all the gaps, try to focus on skills and achievements to write. Candidates with more work experience and an employment gap that has occurred recently mean no need to add it. In that case, job seekers may concentrate on providing achievements in previous companies that will gradually increase their value.
Add experience which you got during the employment gap
It’s more recommended to add gained experience you got during the employment gap that may benefit you for the job role you are applying for.
Add skills and knowledge
Recruiters will always expect skills and industry knowledge from the candidates. Showing your skills and knowledge will hide your career gap in your resume.
Reasons for an employment gap
There are several causes for an career gap. The reason may be due to health issues, family reasons, accidents, further education, joining certification courses, preparing for government exams, loss in business, raising children, and more. These reasons were generally accepted by the recruiters. But try to explain the reasons positively rather than negatively that make your recruiter impressed upon you.
Give importance to the cover letter
Preparing a cover letter is more important for your job profile which is a good way to explain the employment gap to recruiters. You can explain how you utilized the career gap and all the valid reasons for the career gap that makes you stand out from other candidates.
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