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elderly_parent, employment history, employment_gaps, functional_format, functional_resume, job seekers, job_candidate, personality, prospective_employer, prospective_employers, resumes, traumatic_accidentBy Peter Newfield
Did you try your hand at consulting after a layoff? Take time off after the birth of a child? Have a disability that lasted several months?
Life would certainly be easier if your employment history could be perfectly presented on a resume. But for many job seekers, a few missing years can haunt you when sending these critical documents to recruiters and prospective employers. How do you tactfully and accurately address the missing years in your resume and cover letters?
The most common reasons for unaccounted years on a resume include taking time off to have a baby/raise a family, going back to school for higher education or technical training, enrollment in the military, recovering from a traumatic accident or illness, caring for an elderly parent or sick child for an extended period of time, residence in a rehabilitation facility, or incarceration.
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Clearly, some reasons are not viewed as favorably as others, even in this enlightened, politically correct employment era. But whatever the reason, do not make the mistake of including gaps in employment history on your resume. If you can explain the time away from employment and feel that it would be important for a prospective employer to know this information, include it briefly in your cover letter.
Although a standard Reverse Chronological or Modified Functional resume works best for those who have consistently climbed the ranks in a particular industry, these formats are not appropriate for job seekers with employment gaps. The best type of resume for individuals with gaps in employment history is the Functional Format because it provides the platform for you to showcase your varied strengths, talents, and experiences. It prevents a job candidate from being pigeon-holed into one specific field or level of experience or penalized for gaps in employment, per se.
For example, let’s say you have been out of the workforce for several years and are now looking for a job. Your resume should start out with a brief "Summary of Qualifications," which is a three- to eight-sentence overview of skills and areas of experience. It would then present a section entitled "Areas of Strength," which either lists key words appropriate to your professional experience or is broken down into several distinct areas of experience with bulleted items. Maybe your "Areas of Strength" include Sales and Public Relations or Teaching and Office Administration. You can make each one a separate category and list three or four items under each heading to indicate your experience and skills in these areas.
The next section, "Professional Experience," lists related jobs, titles, and responsibilities. Do not omit the dates! By leaving off dates of employment on a resume, you will raise more questions than if you list dates from the 1970s or 1980s.
In the time that you were not formally employed in your field, you may have gained additional experience while you were out of the workforce. Include this experience on your resume within a section called "Additional Experience." Were you Treasurer of a civic organization for the past five years? Were you an unpaid docent in the local museum? Did you direct or plan activities as a volunteer for an after-school center? Were you a sports coach or Scoutmaster on the weekends or during the evenings? List this experience, dates, and responsibilities under "Additional Experience," then end the resume with a "Computer Skills" and/or "Education" section.
Non-work Related Absences. The second most common reason for gaps in employment history is faced by job seekers with disabilities, illness, or family-related issues. Again, the advice is to not include any mention of your particular handicap, disability, or medical history in the resume: it is against the law regarding equal opportunity employment for employers to demand that information. Instead, the disabled job seeker should use a Functional Resume format to address gaps in years of employment or changes in fields of interest. Highlight your skills and accomplishments so that your overall experience and knowledge can be presented to your best advantage. Include any classes or technical training or part-time or volunteer work while you were rehabilitating from an automobile accident, caring for an elderly parent, or staying by the side of a seriously ill child. These work and training efforts should be included on the resume under "Additional Experience."
Using the Cover Letter for Explanations. If you feel that your particular circumstances should be expressed to the prospective employer or job screener, then you can briefly mention this in your cover letter. The value of a cover letter is the ability to present your intentions, qualifications, and availability to a prospective employer in a succinct, appealing format. While your resume gives the specifics on places of employment, responsibilities, and educational background, a cover letter is your first chance to make an impression on the job screener and personalize the attached information contained in the resume.
Never include negative information in your cover letter such as personality conflicts with previous employers, pending litigation, or sarcastic remarks like "I was making dirt!" If you bad-mouth past employers, interviewers will feel uneasy and may not call you in for an interview.
For example, a returning teacher may include a sentence or two in the cover letter such as: "As you can see on the enclosed resume, I have a Masters Degree in Special Education and have more than 10 years of teaching experience in the XYZ and ABC School Districts. While I have taken a leave from teaching over the past five years to raise my two daughters, I have recently begun working as a substitute teacher in several local school districts and am anxious to resume a full-time teaching position." The applicant is focusing the Personnel Director’s attention on his or her 10 years of relevant teaching experience and is also providing information that he/she is pursuing current experience in the field through substitute teaching.
An operations manager who was downsized and took time off to go back to school in preparation for a career change may include the following information in his cover letter. "I would like to transfer my strategic planning and project management skills into the financial management arena where my interests are targeted. I have already completed six hours towards my MBA in Finance and would like to build a new career in the financial services field." Again, the job applicant is stating that he has skills and experiences in a different industry but that he is redirecting his efforts, attending graduate school, and seeking an entry into a new field.
Take the time to craft your resume and cover letter to accurately present your skills and experiences, and your efforts will be rewarded.
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I recently got fired from my last job. I was only there for 5 months. I would love to be able to lea 
my mother is a headstart teacher and during the summer she has to drwn her unemployment.headstart is 
15 jobs in 3 years?? How did you get job #10 - #15??? I have had three jobs in five years and most r
32 Responses for "How to Address Gaps in Your Employment History"
There is a fine line between opening a door with a long winded explanation that may lead to lots more questions and explaining a gap. When in doubt about what to say, the truth is the best answer but keep it short and to the point. The most important thing is to not be too apologetic and just think of it as report the facts.
Hi,
I would really appreciate some advice on if my reason for my 7 year gap is due to an accident that happened on my job after working for United Airline’s Terminal B in the restaurant for 15 yr’s as a cocktail waitress/Bartender. Then should I tell them I was hurt on the job or hurt at home,etc.? I have alway’s been told not to say due to Workman’s Comp, but even when I just say I went back to school to advance in my career goal’s or etc., I still do not get hired!!
Please respond if possible. I would truly appreciate some advice.
Thankyou very much and if there are any question’s please feel free to contact me at (916) 335-1060.
Sincerely,
Cindy B.
I could use some guidance regarding a gap in my resume, resulting from blowing the whistle on a Federal employer. I have been blackballed for nearly 12 years. I have been involved in representing others in proceedings before the US Department of Labor, and have had only the odd job since leaving Federal employment. I would like to fall back on my previous skill set, prior to this whole ordeal. Other than public vindication I see no hope in the use of me resume to gain employment.
I have been out of work for 2 years now do to the employment here in ohio, plus i have jumped from job to job just to make a living and i have alot of gaps of employment
You might want to work on your grammar, as it should be written “due to the employment…”. A first impression is essential and how well one writes (without the help of spell check) is paramount. I was one of the 2.5 million that lost jobs in 2008, and I know people in Ohio and how tough it is, but don’t give up and take the time to invest in, and better, yourself.
I volunteered at a non-profit agency while I was still in school and I was working full-time. They told me I could work for them after I graduate. After I graduated I was diagnosed with cancer. My job terminated me beforeI started radiation. After my treatment was over, I felt better and I applied at this company where I volunteered. In the cover letter I explained the gap by saying I was diagnosed with cancer, but was ready to return to work. I also reminded them about the volunteer work I had did for them so they would remember. they avoided my phone calls, and would never return them when I called to follow-up.
Im glad I found this web site. I have had a really difficult 2008, having worked for 3 employers and having been laid-off/dismissed from all three. These were all jobs that I took for “survival”, to pay the bills. They were not in my original career path of graphic designer. Anyway, I need to know how to fill out a job application, not being particularly proud of my 2008 experiences. Prospective employers all want to know my most recent jobs, do I have to include the “survival” jobs? Thanks.
You should just put on your applications you where downsized if you where dismissed for sales objectives or something like that.But make sure you do talk to your previous employers and let them know thats what you r putting on your applications and you may even be able to get them to write you a nice reference letter .
To Michael–I can relate a little. I haven’t had steady work since 2005. Each year since I’ve had about 3 months work. Like you I’ve had survival jobs and this article failed to address that.
To Connie — Shameful company. What shoddy treatment of a volunteer. Hope you are in full recovery!
To David–I’ve also had many survival jobs none of which had anything to do with my real interests. It’s better to include almost any job then to appear having done nothing. When you fill out an app, pull out key words and phrases from the job description that match your experience and include them in your resume and cover letter. This is how they filter apps.
Here’s a website that may help you all:
jtanddale.com
This is exactly what I am facing with looking for employment. I have 3-4 year gap. I have been ill and disabled during that time. Now I am ready to return to work. Not all employers are going to be lenient about it. It’s to their discretion to think you’re well enough for the job. It’s a total disadvantage. I fear applying for jobs due to rejection. Really? Who’s going to hire someone who’s been ill? I know it also depends on the kind of illness, but mine has periods where I’m fine, but then it acts up too. But I more or less need a job right now. I get very hesitant to even apply.
Stick to the truth without making yourself looking weak or adding negative points. Be firm in addressing why there is a long break between employment. The point is, don’t be defensive or tell more than you need to. Supply the skills you currently have and stick to that.
Always, ALWAYS, be honest in your answers from prospective employers! Even a small lie will come back to haunt you at some point, usually with bitter consequences. If you were fired through no fault of your own say so. If your former employer says ANYTHING negative about you to a prospective employer, notify your former employer in writing by registered mail that should they continue to pass on negative information about you, that you will pursue a lawsuit against them for slander or libel or defamation of character. Remind the ex-employer of that and see what happens.
Another thing to remember is that an employer does not necessarily have a right to know personal details like what type of illness you had.
As an example in the case of an illness you need to say 2 things. I was ill but now I’ve been cleared to go resume working full time by my doctor and I’m ready to go.
If you have been working various jobs and nothing for any long period of time, I tell candidates to put that as a single block of time and list the job as it as various short term positions and then list out some of the jobs underneath. Visually it does not look as if the time is a large gap. If questioned tell the truth that you worked a number of short term positions to keep working.
I was deemed disabled by the SSA beginning in late 2001 (although they did not begin sending my benefits checks until 2002, all part of the application process they put individuals through). I had already completed 56 semester units at a community college by then, but due to some poor grades around the onset of my disability, I took time off before going back to college to re-take some classes and apply for grade corrections. At this point, I am roughly a year from graduation with an A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies, however; I have no idea what I’m going to do to make myself a more attractive prospect for internship(s), much less when I face re-entry into the workforce. My last job was in 2000-01 as a retail CSR, I don’t have any appropriate references for my resume, and on top of these issues, my 3.0gpa still has a shaky foundation of W’s and “probation” periods beneath it. Should I consider the possibility of never returning to employment or is there hope somewhere that I can salvage things?
Never give up, Ive been there and done that always think positive there are alot of attorneys out there that will give you a honest chance.
I am 52 and have been out for 9 months. The biggest problem I have is just getting an interview!
Mr. Stine, what state are you located in? What type of law do you practice? Have you thought about Florida?
Guys I need some practical advice here. I’m 27/m from India. I used to work for a call center in India as an Operations Mgr. I got fired from my job and now its been close to 4 months.
Lately I have been having a tough time explaining why I would ‘voluntarily’ choose to leave my high paying job… I mean, of course I cant mention that I was asked to leave…
I made up a story of how my parents are working in the middle east … and how one of them fell ill due to which I had to go abroad for 2-3 months…etc etc
Does this sound too lame? Any suggestions ?
Thanks in advance
Milind
I have had a history of drug addiction. I haven’t worked in 7 years,. Should I say that I am trying to start all over?
Milind,
Your references from your last company may be sabotaging your ability to get work. It is best to be truthful about the matter and let the hiring manager know that you were asked to leave due to irreconcilable differences. This way, you come across as being truthful and up front about the problem rather than letting the hiring manager call your previous company on his own.
Hope this helps.
i think that ur story is really lame, is the reason u got fired so bad that you have to lie? Well maybe you should make up a different story.
All I can say is don’t lie. it will come back to bite you. pray and ask Jesus to help you with the right words. I promise it works. Best of hope for your future. I’m praying for you.
I need some advice from someone who has been in the health care field. What appropriate words do I use when filling out a job application. I have had pesonality conflicts with 2 previous managers-one being a physician from Pakistan and the other a DON. I have been a nurse for 23 years and have had a difficult time working with insecure managers. I would appreciate any comments.
Of asked why you left these jobs, state that you were not a good fit (duties were not challenging, you were limited as to how you could contribute, etc. They wont know that you were terminated if you don’t volunteer that information. Besides, companies are not allowed to tell a perspective employer that an employee was terminated. They are only suppose to confirm your hiring and departure dates.
I have huge gaps in employment from 2002 on, for a variety reasons.
A great amount of time was spent furthering my education as I’m one of those people who either has to work OR go to school, I can’t do both simultaneously.
I’ve also had significant medical problems including open heart surgery, a broken ankle and pneumonia.
Good day to you!
You stated that you spent a significant amount of time furthering your education. That explains the gaps. Stop worrying about it. The question is, did you complete your educational commitment? Dropping out of the job market to pursue educational endeavors is not a “red flag” to employers that you would not be a good employee. If anything, it shows that you can start a project and finish it.
Good luck!
Actually Rose, in 2007 I was in school full time to learn medical billing and coding.
The rest was taking business and computer courses through Mindleaders on my own, at my own pace, between sending out resumes.
To this day, I must maintain my coding certification with quizzes each month.
I’ll probably have to get a Bachelors eventually, but with me turning 47 in a couple of months not sure I should put that much committment unless an employer picks up part of the tab.
Actually, I believe in the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. In other words, do not volunteer any information.
Good luck!
I am curious to know how are people to gain experience if all these employers are asking for many years of experience even for the mediocre jobs? This makes it difficult for those coming out of college/trade schools to find jobs. In addition, it will be virtually impossible to change career path.
Any suggessions?
Rose a lot of the requirement for jobs are mostly artificial. For example a job opening starts as a problem. Maybe there isn’t enough people to do all of the accounting for a firm. The first thing a employer does is looks for the easy solution. Maybe transfer someone from a different section to there own or promote someone to make room for advancing a less experienced worker. If the easy way doesn’t work they look to hire from the outside and here is where the problem comes in. The employer is going to need a list of requirement and he/she will take advice from his/her staff.
The need a new accountant. The senior is going to say “Well I have been here for 5 years why not put in a seven year experience requirement on it.
This sounds like the senior accountant maybe worried about fresh new talent coming in. This could very well be the case. This sounds childish but this is how businesses work.
So you have to get to the employer before they get to the advertising phase which is when the opening promote to the public they are looking for jobs.
When reading some of these emails, I think that there should be a list of companies that have such horrific practices towards their employees. We need a list so that others do not have to go through such treatement. Those people should not be a reference. You do not have to list them as a reference. A prospective employer only needs to verify if you “worked” at that company…you do not need them as a reference. If there are other people that know you better – coworkers, etc., use them instead.
Wow i just want to say thanks for all the great examples. I reciently was fired from a position because a Dr. was so unorganized that she blamed me for loosing her x-ray report. There were other things although they were very small. I currently am looking into a law suite and was told there sounds like some discrimination going on. What do you tell an employer about that. I have had such bad luck with employers. I,m starting to feel like the reason they are looking for employees is because there not good places to work. I will not give up i have great professional and personal references its just hard when you go into a place for an interview and try to explain why you haven’t stayed at a company for a long period of time. Oh just one more thing the person who was badgering about proper grammar that does not make you a bad person or a person who should not be hired. My grammar is bad but I’m a great nurse caring and patient what does that have to do with grammar.
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