It is good to be honest and frame your unemployment positively
Applying for a new role after time away from work can feel daunting. This is even harder if you are concerned about explaining the employment gap. Career breaks are common, and people can take them for a range of reasons.
If you are qualified for the role, then career breaks will likely not discount you from the role. When asked about career gaps, it is good to be honest and frame your unemployment positively. You can also emphasise the skills you have learnt in that period of time.
People can take time away from work for many reasons. The reason may be outside of their control, or it can be a personal decision.
Caring responsibilities can commonly lead to career gaps. Whether you cared for a family member, dependent, or child, it can be hard to keep a job. Managing work with these duties is often difficult.
Personal medical issues or disabilities can also affect your ability to work. Both mental health issues, physical health problems, or struggles such as addiction may mean you can no longer commit to working.
Alternatively, you may have decided to take a gap year to travel or pursue further education.
Many people can struggle to find another job after leaving education, being fired, or being made redundant.
It is important to remember that you are allowed to take career breaks, no matter the reason. And as long as you address it professionally, potential employers should not hold it against you.
When discussing your employment history in an interview, the interviewer may bring up your career gap. Plan how you are going to respond to this question and how much information you are prepared to disclose so you are not caught off-guard.
When explaining gaps in employment, it is best to be honest and briefly explain the reason for your gap. An interviewer cannot legally discriminate based on disability or mental health. If you are not comfortable sharing details, you can say your break was because of a long-term illness.
It can be a good idea to say how you furthered your skills over your break. This may include learning about the industry, courses you have taken, and volunteering. It can also mean broadening your perspective through travel, building people skills, or developing resilience through hardship.
Conclude your explanation of your career gap by emphasising your dedication to getting back into work. Avoid suggesting that you are returning to work out of necessity or that you may need to suddenly leave employment again.
Turn the conversation back to the job role by noting that despite your time away, you are very qualified for the role and eager to further your professional career.
Professionally handling gaps on your CV can be hard, but it does not need to hurt your chances of getting the right job. At ACS Staffing Solutions, we can help you secure a job after a career break. To learn more, get in touch by emailing info@acsstaffingsolutions.co.uk or calling 01604 704058.
Are you an employer in logistics with hiring issues? You're not the only one. Many logistics businesses struggle to hire. Discover the hiring challenges facing the logistics sector and how to prevent them.
Read here
There are many hidden costs in recruitment. They quietly drain your budget, and you notice too late. Discover the real cost per hire and protect your recruitment spend.
Read more
Do your recruitment costs keep rising? Discover the hidden costs that come with hiring and how to prevent them while protecting recruitment budget.
Read more
We'll answer you in less than 24 hours
