Career gap is the time when you are not formally employed. For your gap to be considered a career gap it needs to extend beyond a few months. Sometimes taking a career gap becomes a necessity be it due to higher studies, family responsibilities, health issues, entrepreneurship, or even travel.
It is necessary to explain it properly when you decide to re enter the job market after a career gap. Employers may be curious regarding your gap when they view your resume. So, let’s walk through how to explain a career gap to employers to position yourself as a strong candidate.
Why Career Gaps Happen? (and why it’s okay)
Before we go into how to explain career gaps and re-enter the job market lets go through some common reasons as to why career gaps happen:
1. Higher studies
Many people take a career break to continue their education. It might be pursuing a graduate degree, professional certification, or specialized training.
2. Health concerns
Health is an essential part of life, neglecting it can lead to effects that last a lifetime. So taking a break due to health concerns is a very valid reason.
3. Career switch
A career gap can happen when someone decides to switch fields. Transitioning to a new field has extra requirements and often requires upskilling.
4. Skill enhancement
Sometimes professionals may feel like they need to upgrade their skills to enhance their career.
5. Travelling
While travelling is a step away from work, travelling builds valuable skills like adaptability, cultural awareness and problem-solving which are essential soft skills for the workplace. Not only this but it also enhances creativity, brings forth new ideas and freshens your mind.
6. Family responsibilities
Family commitments like raising children or caring for elderly people are another common reason for a career gap. Once those obligations become more manageable many professionals return back to their work.
Most hiring managers do not mind career gaps as it gives people the opportunity for personal growth and helps them reset .
How to re enter the job market after a career gap?
1. Consider Freelancing or part time roles
Going for a full time job straight after a career gap especially a long one can be overwhelming. If possible you should opt for freelance work, or part time roles.They help you:
- Gain experience
- Rebuild confidence
- Show active engagement
2. Enhance your skills
The job market changes rapidly so it is essential to keep up with it. When you decide to re enter the job market make sure to analyse the skills in demand for your position and use the information to upskill.
3. Update your profile
A career doesn’t have to leave a negative impact on your profile. Just highlight the experiences and the skills that the time off allowed you to build.
4. Be open to opportunities
Instead of waiting for a job that is “perfect” for you, stay open to opportunities. It might mean applying for jobs whose descriptions fit your skills or ones that are the most comfortable for you right now.
How to explain career gap?
1. Be prepared to talk about it
Hiring managers are very likely to ask you about your gap in interviews since it's their job to get to know the candidates. Make up your mind on what you want to talk about and how you want to talk about it.
2. Give a good reason
When explaining your absence from the job scene make sure to keep it brief but professional. Without a valid reason the hiring managers can brush you off as having no interest.
3. Mention what you learned
A career gap is an opportunity for you to grow. Even if you weren’t formally employed you can still mention the skills you may have fostered during this time.
4. Show enthusiasm to return
Despite you taking a break the employers need to know whether you are enthusiastic about the job now. So emphasize your eagerness to return and show them you are ready to contribute to the workforce.
A career gap doesn’t stop you from future opportunities. Make sure you are honest about your gap and show your eagerness to return. Employers value skills, growth and commitment more than the gap.
