How to Explain Gaps in Your CV Effectively: Strategies for Making a Positive Impression
Let’s face it. Life happens. Sometimes that means your CV ends up with a gap or two, those little blank spaces where you weren’t clocking in somewhere. And while it’s tempting to panic about how a recruiter might see them, here’s the good news: gaps are common, and they don’t have to sink your chances. The trick is in how you handle them as you write your CV.
This blog is all about giving you practical, no-nonsense tips to explain those gaps effectively, turning potential red flags into something that makes a positive impression. Whether it’s a few months or a couple of years, I’ve got you covered.
Common Types of Employment Gaps in CV
Not all gaps are created equal. How you explain them depends a lot on why they happened. Let’s break down the usual suspects and figure out how to spin them right. Remember: always get a professional free CV review if you're not sure exactly how to word it!
Gap 1: Unemployment
We’ve all been there, or at least know someone who has. The job search drags on, the right role just isn’t out there, and suddenly you’ve got a gap. Recruiters can be quick to assume you’ve been twiddling your thumbs, so this one’s tricky to frame positively. But it’s not impossible.
The key? Show you weren’t idle. Maybe you took an online course, volunteered at a local charity, or even picked up a freelance gig. If you didn’t do much, it’s not too late. Find something you can add to your CV, like a quick certification. Then, in your explanation, focus on how you stayed proactive and kept your skills sharp. Something like: “2022-2023: Actively pursued new opportunities while enhancing my skill set through [specific activity].”
There's also redundancy and frequency of job changes that might concern recruiters. If you were let go due to redundancy, be upfront but brief: “2022: Gap due to redundancy, used to upskill in [area].”
To address the frequency of job changes, whether too many or too few, highlight the positives, like adaptability or stability: “Moved roles to broaden experience.” Tie it to new skills gained and your readiness for the next step.
Gap 2: Parental Leave or Sick Family Member
Maternity or paternity leave is increasingly common, and honestly, it’s a perfectly valid reason to step away from work. Caring responsibilities for any sick dependent family member are just as valid. Employers aren't completely heartless and they know this, and new responsibilities can be viewed favourably as a sign of maturity. Still, leaving it unexplained can raise eyebrows, so it’s worth addressing.
On your CV, a simple line works: “2021-2022: Parental leave.” If you did any part-time work or studied during that time, mention it. For example: “2021-2022: Parental leave, including part-time freelance projects.” In your cover letter, you can add a bit more: “I took time out to care for my newborn, and now with childcare sorted, I’m raring to get back to work.” It reassures them you’re ready to hit the ground running.
Gap 3: Illness, Injury or Imprisonment
This one’s delicate. You don’t want to overshare, but you also don’t want recruiters guessing. Whether it's a broken leg, mental health issues or something even more serious, the goal is to show it’s behind you.
Keep it vague but upbeat on the CV: “2020-2021: Career break due to personal health, now fully resolved.” At the interview (if it comes up), you can say something like: “I had a health issue that needed time to sort out, but I’m 100% fit now and eager to get stuck in.”
For imprisonment, you might focus on rehabilitation or skills gained, like: “Used the time to complete [training].” No need for gory details until the interview. Emphasise growth, recovery and readiness.
Gap 4: Travel or Sabbatical
Here’s a gap that can actually work in your favour. A lot of employers see travel to exciting environments as a plus - proof you’ve got independence, cultural nous, and maybe a bit of grit. The catch? It depends on how long it was and what you did.
If it was a short jaunt, you might not even need to mention it. Just list years, not months, in your employment history. For a longer break, say six months backpacking through Asia or a gap year, try: “2019: Career break to travel, gaining cultural awareness, new perspectives, and adaptability.” If you worked odd jobs abroad, mention those too. It shows initiative and makes the gap a selling point.
Remember: a long period spent travelling can work in your favour as it shows you've got it out of your system and you're more likely to settle into your new role. A common fear of many employers, particularly among young people, is they can up sticks and move abroad at any moment.
Gap 5: Education or Training
This is the golden ticket of gaps. No one’s going to bat an eyelid at time spent levelling up your skills. In fact, it’s a no-brainer to include it.
List it in both your employment and education sections to make it crystal clear. Provided you clearly state the dates in both your Career history and Education and qualifications sections, the reader will hopefully be intelligent enough to put two and two together. For example: “2020-2021: Completed [qualification/training] to enhance [specific skills].” It’s straightforward, and any half-decent recruiter will see the value. No special spin needed here. Just state the facts and let it shine.
How to Address CV Gaps
Now that we’ve covered the types, let’s talk about general ways to present gaps so they don’t scare off recruiters. These tailored approaches work across the board in CV writing, whatever the reason for the hiatus.
Be Honest and Positive
First rule: don’t dodge the issue. Unexplained gaps make recruiters twitchy. They’ll assume the worst, like you’ve got something to hide. A brief, upbeat explanation in your work history beats silence every time. Even if it’s unemployment or illness, frame it as a chapter that’s closed and show you’re raring to go. My advice is to avoid making an issue of gaps on your CV. Research shows that less than half of recruiters notice gaps during their initial sift.
Highlight Skills Gained During the Career Gap
Never view gaps as empty space. Did you learn something? Pick up a new hobby? Volunteer? Even soft skills like resilience or time management count. Weave these into your CV or cover letter to show your personal development. You can even relate it to skills already gained in a previous role. For example, post-travel, you might say: “Developed adaptability and problem-solving skills through independent travel.” It turns a gap into a strength.
Use a Cover Letter to Explain
Your CV isn’t the place for long stories, but a cover letter is perfect for adding context to your personal circumstances. Keep it concise and tie it to your enthusiasm for the new job. Something like: “After a brief career break for [reason], I’m excited to bring my [skills/experience] to your team.”
Need help crafting one? Check out our cover letter services.
Don't Be Tempted To Lie
Here’s a big no-no. Fudging dates or making up jobs might seem clever, but it’s a gamble you’ll lose. Employers check references, and getting caught in a lie tanks your credibility. Stick to the truth. It’s easier to defend and shows integrity.
How to Explain CV Gaps
Beyond the basics, there are a couple of extra tricks to make gaps less of a headache, from tweaking your CV to nailing the interview stage.
Adjust Your CV Format
If gaps in your CV are glaring in a standard chronological CV, switch it up. A skills-based or functional CV puts the spotlight on what you can do, not when you did it. List your skills and achievements up top, then tuck continuous employment dates further down. It’s not hiding anything, just shifting the focus. For minor gaps, stick to years only (e.g., 2019-2020). It’s a neat trick that smooths things over without fuss.
Some positions may require further information on specific months, and you should definitely list in months for medical positions, but you can cross that bridge when it arrives, or if specifically stated in the application.
Prepare for Interviews
Gaps might not catch a recruiter’s eye on paper, but they could come up in person. Be ready. Practice a short, positive explanation that ends with your eagerness to work. For example: “I took time out for [reason], which taught me [skill], and now I’m keen to apply that here.” If you’re rusty on interviews, our interview coaching can sharpen you up.
Bespoke CV Writing Services and Advice
Still worried about these common CV gaps? You don’t have to go it alone. Professional help can make all the difference. At The CV Centre, we’ve got tailored services to polish your CV and turn any rough spots into strengths. Check out our CV writing FAQs and review section to get you started!
Take your career further by getting in touch with us!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How Long Is Considered A Gap In Employment?
A gap of over two to three months might stand out to recruiters. Shorter breaks of this length can often be masked by listing years only (e.g., 2019-2020). Longer gaps need a brief explanation, but they’re still common and manageable with the right approach.
How Do I Explain A Gap Due To Illness?
When explaining CV gaps due to illness, use a concise, positive line on your CV: “Took a career break for health reasons, now fully resolved.” Avoid details. In an interview, reassure a potential employer you’re fit and ready for the new job, focusing on your current energy and enthusiasm.
Is It OK to Have Gaps In A CV?
Yes, gaps are normal and most people have them. They only become an issue if left unexplained, as recruiters might assume the worst. A short, honest note keeps your CV credible and professional. You should also take care to include a positive outcome from the gap, whether it's a short course to enhance hard skills or important transferable soft skills that you've gained from the break.
How Much Detail Should I Include About My CV Gap?
Keep it brief: one or two lines on your CV, like “2021: Parental leave: cared for my newborn child.” Expand slightly in a cover letter if needed or if the opportunity presents to include a skill gained. Save deeper explanations for interviews, only if asked, to maintain focus on your skills.
What If I Didn’t Gain Any Skills During My CV Gap?
Focus on staying active, even minimally, and add comments such as “kept engaged with industry trends.” This will highlight your eagerness for the role. If possible, and definitely if you're considering a career change, complete a quick free online course or volunteer stint to boost your CV’s appeal. You can even list something that you are currently doing to aid your professional development. This will look much better than adding nothing at all.
