How to Handle Gaps in Your Resume Like a Pro

How to Handle Gaps in Your Resume Like a ProHow to Handle Gaps in Your Resume Like a Pro64Gaps in your resume are the elephant in the room for most employers. No matter how you try to hide them or downplay their significance, its very likely that theyll be noticed, which means youll need to be able to explain them effectively.Fortunately, there are strategies you can implement at each stage of the job search process that can help you reframe glaring gaps as good moves from a hiring perspective.Heres how explain gaps in your resumeDuring a break in employmentPreparing to strategically incorporate gaps into your job history should begin long before youre ready to return to work. While taking time off of the traditional career path- whether due to staying home to provide child care or elder care, voluntarily leaving a job, being laid off, or doing flex or freelance work- keep your future career goals in mind.Chris V. Nicholson, head of recruiting at FutureAdvisor, suggests working on a side project during your break that in some way ties to your career goals. ansicht work-related activities, such as online courses or relevant volunteer experiences that relate to your profession, are more than just fillers. They signal to your prospective employer that you focused at least some of your time out of the workforce on staying up to date and developing new skills.When applying for jobsSome career experts recommend using a functional resume format, rather than a standard chronological format, to bring attention to your professional experience rather than specific job dates. Functional resumes highlight your skill sets and accomplishments without matching each position with dates of employment.Career coach Cachet Prescott suggests that those with employment gaps may want to consider using a combination of the chronological and functional resume formats. However, she notes that employers have mixed feelings about functional resumes. Some people feel that functional resumes make it obvious that youre trying to hide something, says Prescott. Theres no right or wrong answer here do what you feel is best.When interviewingIts important to be well prepared to address questions about any breaks in employment that appear on your resume. Jeanine Hamilton, president of Hire Partnership, emphasizes that honesty is always the best policy. Dont try to lie or gloss over the gap the interviewer will most likely see right through you, says Hamilton. The interviewer will be listening for clues in your explanation that give insight into your character- e.g., if you sound unsure or defensive about your actions, they are likely to pick up on that.A resume gap- including those that exist due to a commitment to flex work or freelance gigs- doesnt have to derail a successful job search. With some thoughtful planning, your strategic approach and solid explanation can help you land the position you want instead of lose it.Readers, have you had to absprache with gaps in your resume? How did you explain the gap? Share your tips with us below