'So, about This Gap in Your Resume ...'

Thanks for the advice, very helpful and appreciated!

I have a problem explaining my gaps in employment to employers in an interview. Although I took jobs out of my career, I managed to stay until I could find full-time employment. What suggestions do you have for someone like myself who needs to articulate my gaps?

Hi Carmel, and thanks for writing!

I'm not completely sure of the reasons behind your employment gaps, so I hope you write back with more details. But here are some general guidelines:

(1) If you left a job because of a layoff, firing, or you just decided to quit for what you believe was a good reason, articulate that without expressing any bitterness toward your former employer. Be honest and forthright, but don't say anything that could hurt your chances of landing a job. (2) If you did something constructive during a gap, such as volunteer work, mention it and explain how it enhanced your skills, especially if they might help you land the job. (3) If you had to tend to family or personal issues during the gap, say so but make sure you emphasize that the issue or issues have been resolved, that they won't impact your ability to do the job.

Hope this helps! Feel free to send along more detail! ~ Rick

Hello Rick, I came across your post after an internet search, and was hoping that perhaps you may assist me in finding a best solution for handling large employment gap in my resume. I’ve been out of work for a number of years now, as I’ve been the primary care giver for my grandparents who are suffering from a number of long term illnesses. They’re now under the care of professionals and I’m eager to get myself back in the job tube. However, as I’m revising my resume, I’m not sure if I ought to include the fact that I’ve been caring for my grandparents as part of my resume. Last time I have had a “job” so to speak is back in 2001. I have done few volunteer jobs when I could, and I intend to include them in my resume, but should I also include my care giving “experience” in the same section with my other work experience? Or should I put them together under the section with my volunteer experience, or, should I put everything, including volunteer, care giving as well as my actual work experience under the same title: “Work Experience”? Moreover, is it necessary to actually address the employment gap by way of stating that I was a care giver in a resume, or is this something that should be mentioned in a cover letter, and let my resume only show my job and volunteer experience (even if it ends up being that my potential employer will clearly see that I haven’t worked since 2001). Thank you for any advice or help that you may be able to provide me with. Sincerely, Kat

Hi Kat!

Thanks very much for writing. I commend you for dedicating so much of yourself - to the point of staying out of the workforce - in caring for your grandparents

The only option, as I see it, for including your care-giving experience is if it were to be a help in your efforts to land a job. For instance, if you were seeking a job as a home health aide or maybe a physical therapist. Otherwise, I would address your situation in the Objective section of your resume, something like this: "OBJECTIVE: To return to a full-time ___ position in the ___ field, working for an organization that can benefit from X years' direct experience as ______, as well as the organizational, logistical, and time management skills developed during the past X years as an elder-care provider and volunteer." If an employer calls you in for an interview, you can go into more detail at that time. But close that explanation with something to the effect of "That situation has been resolved and I'm ready to return to the workforce."

Same sort of thing with the volunteer experience: If it's relevant to the position you're seeking, by all means include it.

However, I wouldn't lump the volunteer and care-giving experience together.

Bottom line: Be prepared to explain the time gap in such a way that the employer is very clear on your intentions: to return to work. And it would be a good idea for you to ask hiring manager if he or she has any concerns or questions about hiring you and what transpired over the past seven years.

Best of luck. I'm interested in knowing how things turn out for you. ~ Rick

Hi Rick,

I had a question on how I should approach the current gap in my employment. My gap is a mixture of voluntary and involuntary situations.

1) Laid off through massive company downsizing from my last company in May 2007.

2) I'm in a financial position where I was able to take some time off. My elderly mother also had an operation shortly after my layoff, but she is fine now.

3) During my time off, I have been "selectively" interviewing in trying to land a good job I can hold for several years. I received 4 high paying offers during this time and was the runner up with two other companies (they selected internal candidates). I declined all 4 of the actual offers I received for varying reasons. Either of the two jobs I missed out on I probably would have accepted had the offer been presented to me.

I am now in a situation where I'm beginning to interview with a couple more solid companies. I'm confused at this point as to what to say. I was thinkig of saying that I chose to take some time off and also care for my mother...but do I mention the other offers I've had???? On one hand I would think not to mention the other offers but on the other hand, I want the prospective company to realize have in fact been interested in me during this gap....

Thanks for any input!

Hi Bob!

Since you've been out of work for more than a year, the gap will be noticeable. You can explain that your position was eliminated as part of a downsizing initiative, and, you've been looking for the "right fit" since then. And you can say that while this was happening, you took time to take care of a major family issue that has since been resolved and that you're ready to resume your career.

As for the offers you rejected, I believe it would be OK to mention them in a general sense (e.g., "During the last year, I was offered full-time positions at several places but turned them down because of ______"), provided you can cite a couple of good reasons why you turned them down that won't jeopardize your chances at landing a job you'd really like to have. At the least, that can create an impression in the hiring manager's mind that your talents have been in demand and that - if they want you - they should extend an offer as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, if you're serious about returning to work, be clear in communicating that so they feel confident they can land you.

Hope it all works out well. ~ Rick

Right now as I'm job hunting (in my late 30s), I have two related gaps on my resume to explain: 5 years ago my department was laid off after the dot-com bust so I spent the severance check throughout the following year (all of 2004) living and backpacking through South America while also attending Spanish school.

I then returned to the USA and did some IT project management / independent consulting work for two years (all at a different company), until the end of March '07 and then returned to school in South America until April this year. So, a current gap of 15 months.

Also, it wasn't a formal university program but I'm proficient in the language nonetheless. However, I'm ready to return to a permanent, full-time position but I need to figure out the best way to sell this (especially with recruiters, as my resume seems to get a lot of views but few calls/emails).

Prior to my travel/language adventures, I had a straight chain of 10 years of uninterrupted employment. So, should I address the recent employment gap in the initial "summary" section of the resume? Save it for the cover letter(s)? Play up the language skills or just mention them in passing and focus on the IT-related stuff? Thanks for any advice!

Hi Dan!

It looks as if you like to be productive, even when you're NOT working. The big question you need to answer is this: Would your experiences during those two gaps have any bearing on the type of job you're seeking (bilingual tech support specialist? IT consultant to a company in a Spanish-speaking area or project manager of a bilingual team?). If your experiences during those time gaps would be an asset in helping you land your next job, then I think it's good to mention them in both the summary and cover letter, as well as the resume.

If all that is secondary to what you want, explain what you did between jobs in the cover letter. That at least demonstrates that you have nothing to hide.

Hope it all works out!

Best regards, ~ Rick

Hello Rick,

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my question. I really appreciate it. I'm sorry for not being able to thank you sooner.

Right now, I'm looking into getting a paid and volunteer work. Reason being, the volunteer work is in an industry which I would like to get into: health, reasident care aide, therapy etc. However, I have to eat too. So that's why I'd like to get job in a coffee house which I love. I've already sent in an application for the volunteer work, and am busy updating my resume. I've decided to include in the main body of my resume the following: my time spent caring for my grandparents under the title: Home Support Aide, plus my volunteer experiences as well as my paid job before I began taking care of my parents. Would this be the way to go?

A number of different sites offer opposing views as to whether to state a position as "volunteer" or not. Should I acutally state a position as being "volunteer" or simply leave as is, without identifying whether it was a paid or non-paid position?

Thank you ever so much for your time and help. Looking forward to hearing from you again.

Sincerely, Kat

PS: Thank you for this site. You have no idea how much it has meant to me to have a place like this to ask questions that are not often easy to ask. Thanks!

Just a comment. I just read several articles where HR people stated without remorse that they toss out any resume with gaps regardless of job history, and I cringe. Do they realize that this indiscrentionary process discriminates against (mostly) women who have stayed home to care for children or sick/elderly spouses? It also discriminates against someone who was laid off with little notice or someone who had to move to a new area without having a job, etc. etc.

I understand that we live an a litigious society and everyone wants to make sure they don't wind up in hot water from the actions of a shady employee.

But first off, just because someone has a perfect resume and references doesn't mean they aren't going to cause problems at your company--remember that some people give references just to quickly get rid of someone they want gone.

And second, I would think that admittedly casting off resumes of otherwise qualified people because they have a gap would be even more litigous.

Could you shed some light on how widespread such practices are and if they are in fact based on statistical proof that gaps lead to problems, or if they are just based in HR urban legend?

@ Kat -- Thanks very much for the kudos for Pongo and the blog. Happy to help!

Regarding your new question: If the volunteer experience is relevant to the position you're seeking, I would advocate either of these two options:

(1) Include it with paid experience under a heading: PROFESSIONAL AND VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE, and indicate which was professional and which was volunteer.

(2) Include it with paid experience under a heading: WORK EXPERIENCE, and indicate which was professional and which was volunteer.

If you have more volunteer experience than professional experience in the job you're applying for, I'd still add another section called, maybe OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE, to indicate what kind of work you did before.

Hope this helps! ~ Rick

Hi Kelly!

Thanks for your comment. Truth be told, I've never heard or read anything about HR blindly dismissing candidates with gaps in their resumes. Personal opinion: Anyone who does is only doing themselves a disservice.

But as I stated in the post, if you have a gap in your employment history, be ready to explain it. HR and/or hiring managers will want to know. So, if you can explain it factually (e.g., layoff, personal time off to tend to a family situation), that should be acceptable to any reasonable hiring manager.

I would more than welcome any other views on this topic.

Thanks! ~ Rick

Hello again Rick and everyone...

I just wanted to post some follow up feedback regarding my post above (with my year long gap), Rick's response and also touch upon what Kelly is stating regarding HR dismissing folks with a gap.

I applied for a job recently and got a call very quickly for an HR phone screen. HR on the phone seemed a little put off by my gap, but the interview outside of that was strong. The hiring manager wanted to still have me in and I ended up doing a face to face with 6 folks, including HR. My face to face interviews with the team went very well and I'm told I'm being brought back for a second round.

Now, the important point I'd like to get across to everyone is that the "Only" person to bring up my gap in the face to face series was in fact the HR person whom I only spent a short time with! No one else seemed to care and were more concerned with chemistry and job qualifications. Over the last couple of days, I've also been contacted by two other companies I've applied to to come in for interviews.

So my feedback does not mean it's the way it is for all situations, but IMHO, a gap may be more of an HR hangup than across the board with all hiring managers, etc. I think it's worth it to be prepared to explain the gap if necessary, but to also do whatever you can to get past HR because it may just be a mute point once they are out of the picture.

Thanks - Bob

Thanks for dropping in again Bob! And congratulations on the gains you've made in your search!

I wholeheartedly agree that you must be prepared to explain any employment gap. The fact that the it wasn't a big deal to the people who really mattered in this case (with all due respect to HR professionals) is truly encouraging and may well indicate that they don't see a gap as a stigma but rather commonplace in today's working world. Yet at the same time, I'm sure there are HR pros out there who would react differently from the HR rep you encountered.

I'd welcome comments from the HR ranks on this issue.

~ Rick

Hey Rick,

On my current resume, I have several employment listings as CONSULTANT. These consultant positions were only several months so I have gaps in between and only listing years for time. In between one of the consultant jobs was a permanent position that only lasted approximately 4 months. The position started out using my I.T. skills but then ended up going off into a completely new direction of administrative type duties. It was understood between my supervisor and myself that because this position was brand new, that the possibility of it not working out could take place.

So I have the following listed on my resume in the WORK EXPERIENCE section:

JOB A (Consultant) 2008 Title Duties

JOB B (On Trial Basis) 2007 Title Duties

JOB C (Consultant) 2006 Title Duties

JOB D (Consultant) 2006 Title Duties

JOB E (Owner) 2005 Title Duties

JOB E - G 1992 - 2005 Title Duties

I have listed on JOB B as "On Trial Basis" but I am not sure if this raises red flags or not when an HR Rep or mgr sees this job. I would like to put something there so it "looks like" it was some type of consultant position but also do not want to lie. Should I leave JOB B blank to assume it was permanent or add something like "try-by basis"?

Thank You.

Pepe

Hi Pepe!

I'll tackle the harder part of this first: the "trial basis" position. I wouldn't list it on the resume because it was so short-lived and that you took the job with the knowledge that it might not last. However, if you are a frontrunner for a new position (and especially if they ask you to fill out a job application), disclose it to the hiring manager and be open and honest that the position evolved into something that fell outside your "comfort zone," that being your IT skills. And make sure you make clear that both sides knew the job might not last.

As for all the consulting positions, lump them all together under one heading. For example:

_____ CONSULTANT 2005 - 2008

Then, list a few notable accomplishments within the several roles you had. In essence, you were working for you yourself as a "hired gun." Hiring managers know full well that a consultants' role - especially in IT - can be very short-term, sometimes just to get a project up and running. The fact that all those consulting roles are preceded by a 13-year tenure at another company wouldn't scare me in the least, especially with the many changes in the IT profession during this decade.

Best of luck! ~ Rick

Hi Rick,

I graduated from college with a degree in 06. I took a job out of school which did not last very long because I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to make a significant amount of money playing and now teaching poker. I did this for about 2 years and will continue to do so in the future but much less than I have been. At this point, I am very eager to put my degree and love for science to use. I have recently obtained a solid volunteer position where I am getting some good experience. My question is whether or not I should include my poker experience in my resume. I'm worried how it would be received if I include it and I'm also worried about the gap it will leave if I don't. If I leave it off my resume, obviously the gap will come up in an interview and will need to be addressed. Any advice is very much appreciated.

Hi Bruce!

I would stress your degree and volunteer experience, if they are pertinent to the job you're seeking.

As for what you did for paid work over the last two years (i.e., teaching poker), I'd leave that off your resume since it's not pertinent to the kind of job you want. However, if they have a way of finding out what you did (in other words, if they conduct an online search), that could spell trouble, especially given the widespread negative rap that comes with gambling. It would be best to mention that experience in the interview should they call you in, and explain that you're more focused now on getting work in your chosen field: science. If they have you fill out a job application, then you have no other choice but to disclose that if you were earning money teaching poker.

As for *playing* poker? No need to bring it up at all since it's a leisure activity that shouldn't even impact your ability to do the job.

Hope this helps! ~ Rick

Dear Rick, They say that bad things come in threes. My husband passed away suddenly and I returned to my hometown to be with my family. I found work right away and the company downsized after 3 months! I found another job and worked for 2 years and then was injured in a serious car accident and was out of work for 6 months. I ran out of FLMA and mine was a "critical position" and had to be filled. I returned to new work and ended up suing the new company for blatant, rampant racial discrimination and won. It was not a frivolous lawsuit. It made case law. Clearly, not a good fit there for 6 months. I was hired shortly thereafter by a company that folded after three months. In order to find work quickly, I took a step down and took a clerical job with another company that I swear to GOD folded after 4 months!! Why do companies hire permanent employees only to close their doors after a few months? I can't believe this has happened to me! How do I explain this in a resume? I feel completely demoralized and have lost my confidence. I am a good, hardworking employee. I used to have no problems in getting or keeping a job and prior to the two year period described above, I have had job longevity as well as a good work reputation. The first question out of an interviewer's mouth? " Why 3 jobs in two years?" Companies failing are not my fault! I've become depressed over this and am at a loss. The final irony? I was an HR manager. Any advice you or Team Pongo can offer would be most appreciated. Thank you!

Dear Rick, I have a 5 yr gap in my employment history. Some of it was spent caring for a sick family member who has passed away. I've read on a couple of web sites and in some books on resume writing that this issue should be addressed briefly in the cover letter. What are your thoughts about (a) putting it in the cover letter, (b) what type of wording to use, and (c) where in the letter:beginning, middle or at the end. Thank You.

I worked for a very large technology company for 16 years and then stayed home with 3 kids for 11 years. During 5 of those years at home I had a very small business which was mostly to keep me challenged.

I'm now looking to get back into tech, but my skills are dated and I feel like if I mention having been an entrepreneur the hiring manager will expect big things, when my company was little more than a hobby. Any suggestions?

Thanks! Dusty

And one more thing....

My professional references are all more than 10 years old. I feel silly calling people (supervisors) I worked with 10-25 years ago and asking them to give me a reference when they may barely remember me. Any advice?

@ Barbara - If the gap is current and you're looking to rejoin the workforce, I'd address it in the cover letter, but no higher than the second paragraph. When you open the letter, you want to state your qualifications for the job, how they'll help the employer, and your enthusiasm for the job and company. When you address the gap in the cover letter, mention that you have been out of the workforce to take care of family issues, but add that they are now resolved so that you can devote your energy to a full-time role. An employer wants to be sure that nothing so time- and energy-consuming will detract you from getting the job done.

If the gap is at least three years in the past, I wouldn't address it in the cover letter, but be prepared to do so in the interview.

Hope this helps! ~ Rick

Dear Rick, I worked for 8 years in the Software Industry and quit 5 years ago to be a stay-at-home mom. I am ready to get back into the workforce but am very disheartened to to hear recruiters and prospective employers sound so negative about the "gap". They always end the call saying "we will get in touch when something opens up" but never do. I am very bright and hard-working (as my past employers will vouch). Since the past year I have been updating my technical skills and feel I will be an asset to any company. I am considering working free for a couple of months just so I can get actual "work experience" on my resume. What do you think? Will there be any takers?

Thanks!

-maddie

@ Dusty: To address both of your questions:

* It's hard for me to determine what you should do unless you have a specific career goal in mind. First, find out which of your old tech skills are transferrable to what employers are seeking today. If you need to learn something new in order to get hired, I would look to learn it online or at a local college or adult education program that can accommodate you. As for having your own business, that can work in your favor if the employer can use some of the skills that come with owning your own business. Two that come to mind: presentation skills and negotiation skills.

* On references: If you've kept in touch with your most recent supervisor, I'd drop that person an e-mail as a way of reconnecting. But going forward, make networking a priority and keep in touch with former supervisors AND co-workers. If you can use a more current reference or two, why not ask customers of your business if they would be willing to speak on your behalf? Barring all that, maybe you can find a personal reference or two through any volunteer work you may have done while staying at home with the kids.

Hope this helps! Best of luck! ~ Rick

@ Maddie -- If you have been tuning up your skills over the past year, that at least says something about your dedication to your career and your willingness to do whatever it takes to land and maintain a job. I think you're doing just fine on that front.

I, for one, don't believe you should offer your services for free - even for a couple of hours. If an employer would like to hire you but is skeptical of your skill level and whether you would be able to do the job, you might consider offering to work as a temporary contractor, maybe for two months, maybe less, with the stipulation that if they like your work, they can hire you onto the staff.

Hope this helps! Best of luck! ~ Rick

How do I get around a bad reference from my former employer? Believe me, I did nothing wrong, but the office administrator just plain didn't like me and I have no idea why. She even had me sign a list of "infractions" twice, which I did because I needed the paycheck. The first time, I signed because I didn't realize I had done anything wrong and knocked myself out to correct the situation. The second time I signed, I knew it was all baloney because I had corrected anything she thought I was doing wrong. I double and triple checked my work, but it didn't matter. Everyone at that firm knows she is a psycho, but she does a good job of handling the firm's money, so she stays. Working there was just plain daily torture from her and now that I have been fired, I can't even get a job anywhere. The interviews go very well, but then I never get an offer, so I think I know what is going on. I'm not damaged goods. How do I get around this? I am a very hardworking person and this is not fair to me. I know you're not supposed to say anything negative about a former employer, but I worked for a real nut, the "Queen of Mean" in that area. I moved over 1000 miles to get a fresh start and have been jobless for months now. Any suggestions?

I have been a stay at home for the past 10 years. Before that I had a great job, but was laid off by the company. Basically it was a small company and it was my turn to go. I am ready to get back into the work, but don't know how to start. Everywhere wants a resume emailed to them. How do I get started and explain the gap in my work history.

Hi Tammi!

Thanks for dropping in. Assuming you know what kind of job you want, just explain that you were out of the workforce for the last 10 years (It's not clear whether you were a stay-at-home mom or were doing something else), and think about what you did over that decade that could be similar to the skills you want to bring to the workplace. For instance, did you do any volunteer work from which you gained transferrable job skills?

Be very clear with any employer that calls you in for an interview that you're fully ready to rejoin the workforce, make sure your resume and cover letter highlight the skills and value you bring and that you want to enhance in a new role.

Many people rejoin the workforce after a significant period of time off. Employers understand that. Don't feel as if the last 10 years were a hindrance.

Good luck and best regards, ~ Rick

Hi rick I was in ireland for 4 yrs doing a course and also working part time for several frims in several areas . in dec 2005 i had to return to india reluctantly cos my grandma was seriously ill and later died. My dad also had a stroke. I spent the last 2 and a half years looking after him. He has recovered and is now going back to his job. I dont wish to work or stay here in india. Since I'd like to go abroad again on a new job assignment. Please advise me as to how i can fill this gap on my resume and also explain this in any interview without scaring the employer. what do i need to do to better my chances at landing a job abroad. thanks

@ mayur --

Thanks for writing! Without getting into details, you can simply tell a prospective employer that you needed the time off to take care of a family situation, but that all is well now and you're ready to return to work. At least here in the U.S., the issue should be left at that. I'm not sure how this would be addressed in other countries.

Can anyone else help out on that?

I need your advice on the gap employment I have.I worked as full charge bookkeeper to 1999.That time the company went out of the business and I found job to work for the agency.I was lay- off 2000.I can find the job in the bookkeeping that I did: security guard, school bus driver and home aid.How I write that on my resume? I want to go back to do bookkeeping. Some resume books say do not put the dates becuse you have the employment gap and some say you must put all your employment even if is not related to your field.If I will use cover letter what I will write in that letter?? Please, help me!

Thank you Dennis

Hi Rick -

Just a quick follow up to say thanks for your advice -- and share some encouragement for any other job seekers reading this (I posted my question to you about my resume gap back on 6/23/08, which was 3 weeks before I found my current job).

Basically, through networking connections (friend-of-a-friend-at-church kinda deal), I made my way into a really hot, up-n-coming area of IT (data forensics and security), which pays less (for now!) than I made as a project manager but will have HUGE upside in the next few years.

Anyway, thanks again for responding to my post and I'd just like to stress to the job seekers out there that, as is mentioned so often on this blog, networking with past bosses and/or friends at the gym/PTA/church/etc are SO MUCH MORE VALUABLE than wasting time responding to online job ads, newspaper ads, and so forth. Probably a good 100:1 times better return for your effort (in my opinion). Thanks again for your expertise, Rick! -Dan

Hi Dan!

Thanks very much for the kind words - and for sharing your success story. As an ex-IT journalist who's still watching that space, I agree that you've hitched a ride on a fast-rising area of IT.

You also raise a very valuable point for all job seekers out there: Don't limit your job search to merely looking at postings and want ads: There are people out there whom you should meet. You never know how you might get your next career break. Network! Network! Network!

Best, ~ Rick

I live in USA but I went to native country in 2007 to help my terminally ill Mom and came back a month ago. I don't know how to put the Employment Gap on my cover letter or resume. Please help me with that

Thanks a million

Ketura

Hi Ketura!

Thanks for dropping by.

I wouldn't mention it at all on your resume. However, since your resume will show that you were not working for at least a year, it will be noticeable. So, I would mention in your cover letter that you left the workforce to deal with a family medical issue but now you're ready to return.

Hope this helps! ~ Rick

Hello Rick,

I've greatly enjoyed reading this blog. I would like some personalized advice regarding my situation. I'm 30 years old. Let me sum it up through a timeline.

2000-Insurance sales intern Dec 2000-Earned a Bachelor's in Finance Dec 2000-Due to my Father's passing, returned home to care for my Mom who has Alzheimer's 2003-Earned a Bachelor's in Accounting 2003-Started a business trading stocks for personal gain 2007-Mom moved to a nursing home

The inherent volatility of trading stocks is too stressful. I am now seeking a job in accounting. I'm rich in education, but lacking in experience. Most jobs require some accounting experience, which I don't formally have. I'm looking for a job that requires a bachelors and minimal experience.

Should I include my caregiver experience on my resume or cover letter? If not, would my being "self employed" be perceived as a negative or gap? I wouldn't have been self employed if my Mom hadn't needed my help. On behalf of us who read this board, thank you for your help.

Jason W

Hi Jason!

Thanks for stopping by. Sorry to read about your Mom (mine had Alzheimer's too).

I'm not an expert in the finance/accounting area, but from what you tell me, your two degrees, given that you earned them within the last 10 years, should be a help, as well as your own business, where I'm sure you employed *some* accounting principles. You might get better answers by talking with someone in or close to the profession. You can accomplish this by either networking or seeking an "informational interview."

Does anyone else have some advice for Jason?

~ Rick

Dear Rick, I'm glad you have this blog. I left my former employer after just 9 months and having problem explaining to prospective employers why I left. I left mainly due to not being able to work for management there and also the extreme hours of the job. In the end, I felt that I had no other option except to resign (harsh treatment by management and extremely long hours affecting my well-being). I have been explaining about the long hours (80 hours plus) and that doesn't seem to come across well as I think that comes across as me not wanting to work hard. Except for this sitution, everything else is great on my resume and I normally interview really well except for answering this question.

Any suggestion you can provide would be greatly appreciated!

thanks! stephanie.

Hi Stephanie!

I'm sorry to read about your situation with the ex-employer and how that puts a blemish on what seems to be an otherwise strong track record of employment.

If a prospective employer brings it up, the first thing to keep in mind is to address the situation without showing any emotion. You could say that the demands of the job were upsetting the kind of work/life balance that you like to have. Or, you could say that you came to realize at some point that your goals and the company's were incompatible. Either way, there has to be an employer that respects those issues and that would offer you a job knowing that you are looking for a healthy work-life balance and/or a strong cultural fit. I'm of the school that believes most companies want happy employees, because they can be productive employees.

The other side of this is to direct the prospective employer's attention to the rest of your experience that you have presented in your resume. If they look at your track record as a whole, they may well look past the 9-month stint.

Hope this helps! ~ Rick

Wow I have enjoyed reading this blog. I too have a huge gap in my work history. To be short, I had my own medical practice until 2002 when I became disabled due to a back injury. I am still disabled, but now my pain is under much better control and I would like to know how I would put together a cover letter explaining the 7 year gap and current limitations.

Dr. J

@ Dr. J:

First, I would target jobs that you believe you can perform well in spite of your disability. Such a large time gap will probably be clear in your resume, but you should take an opportunity somewhere within the document to mention any activities - even volunteer work - that you might have done within those seven years that could help you get the job (assuming, of course, you did while you recuperated).

In your cover letter, be upfront about the gap, but spin it so that you give a clear impression that you're ready to get back in the game.

One note about disabilities: According to this web site -- http://www.eri-wi.org/Navigators/Newsletter/NavigatorNews_2007_Jul24.htm -- the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits an employer from denying someone a job based solely on whether he or she has a disability or will require a "reasonable accommodation" to perform the essential functions of the job. To quote from the web site: "If an individual with a disability is unable to do the job tasks with or without a reasonable accommodation then that individual is not qualified." That's why it's prudent for you to first determine which jobs you believe you can do well in spite of your disability.

Hope this helps! I welcome others to comment on this issue as well.

~ Rick

I am not concerned with being turned away due to my disability, but for the lack of work for such a long period. Of course I kept myself abreast of the current medical literature by reading journals and completing continue medical education activities. However that's not the same as actually patient care.

Thank you for your input I will be upfront in my cover letter.

Dr. J

Hi Rick, What a great blog and truly great information! I've really gained some insight from a few of these comments but I still have a question or two. I know you've stated to many individuals to report gaps in employment for whatever reason they may have, however, I'm not sure how to answer my gap. I have always been employed since I was 16 years old without having any gaps in a 25+ year employment history (save for the few months during graduate professional school each semester) until recently when I was forced to resign from my 5-year permanent job.

This was devastating to me as I've never had been asked to leave a job in my life nor have I ever been fired. Since I had a very hefty nest egg saved, I decided to take some time off for myself and enjoy life. All the while, I continued to read my Trade publications, do my Continuing Education credits, take/go to Live seminars and maintain my license to keep up with all of my responsibilities of my profession. I'm even in the process of reciprocating my license in two other states at this time which requires more studying and testing.

Now, I have been earnestly looking for a job since last July. My career field is by all accounts one of those that is in "dire need" for help all over the nation. I've had mega hits from recruiters and headhunters and I've been on three interviews. Still, I am not working! I'm not sure if it's the the time off that bothers them (them=recruiters and interviewers) or if I'm getting a bad reference from my previous employer. I answer truthfully when asked about the time off and about the forced resignation as I do not see any other way around it.

Do you have any advice? Any help would be most appreciated. Thank you!

Best regards, Dr. C

Hi Dr. C!

Thanks for the kind words about the blog.

If, as you say, there is much demand in your field today, your situation puzzles me. (Personally, I would not resign from a job unless I had assurances from management that they would not stand in the way of my becoming hired somewhere else.)

First, assume that any prospective future employer is going to ask you what happened. Be ready to answer truthfully, without criticizing your former employer.

Second, if your former supervisor will not give you a positive reference, find three people who will so that whatever they say can nullify any possible negative reference.

Otherwise, your not being able to land a new job could be one of several things: How strong is your resume? Are you *too* experienced, meaning they employers are looking for someone with less experience so they can pay them less? Those are critical questions to ask yourself.

Hope this helps. ~ Rick

Hi.

I actually don't have a gap in my resume, but I did take a new job in a different state from where I've worked all my life. Now, I am at this new HR job for six months and see that I really need to move on. First, the job turns out to be more Finance and Accounting, than I am comfortable with. To make matters worse, I believe the company is trying to get rid of thier IT Consultant, who's been there for about 20 years, thereby, putting me in the middle and possibly looking for me to take over that position as well, which I am not comfortable with. I have great computer skills, but I'm not IT, by far and nor do I want to be. Also, this IT guy happens to be my trainer. At times he is very rude and resorts to name-calling, which I nip in the bud right away, but the big problem is that he holds back on information (only training me 1/2 of a task). I'm not shrinking violet, so I brought my concerns up to my direct boss, his reaction was to tell me to grow a thicker skin. Soon after, he resorted to name-calling due to the errors that had occured from not being trained properly, he has admitted to knowing that I wasn't given the proper directive, but even so, he has just informed me that my work is being "audited" because he feels that my work is inconsistant (which isn't true, it's the training that's inconsistent, which he has already been informed of. Anyhow, I've worked for 30 years and had some tough environments, but this takes the cake. For that reason, I would rather bide my time, try to take it day-by-day, but start interviewing and hopefully move on. But, I don't want to mention this place in my resume, I'd rather rely on my other, solid, work experience, and tell the new places, during my interview, that I took time off for personal reasons that are resolved now (looking at the blogs above, this may be a good way to state it. If pressed, I did recently get married and moved within that time, so I do have a legitimate reason for not working for a few months). Please let me know what you think and how I should handle this situation. I truly appreciate it.

Thanks.

Regards,

Lola

@ Lola -- I'm sorry that you seem to be going through a rough patch. But not including this job on your resume in favor of saying you took time off is, in effect, lying.

As I see it, you have two options:

* Omit the job if you don't believe your accomplishments from the job and the skills you used will make a difference in your next move. However, if an employer asks you to fill out a job application, you'll probably need to mention it there, and I would do so in the interview as well.

* Put the job on your resume if you believe it will help you land your next role, especially if it's the only one - or maybe one of only two - employers you've worked for over the last 10 to 15 years.

Either way, you should be ready to mention this employer. When you're asked about why it was a short stint, explain the circumstances factually, without showing any anger or bitterness, or criticizing your boss or the company.

In fact, it would be a good idea to verbally rehearse what you would say in answer to such a question. Call on a friend or family member to act as a "sounding board" to see if your answer would be acceptable.

Hope this helps -- best of luck! ~ Rick

I worked for 6 years at the corporate headquarters of a major transportation provider. While there, I received all kinds of awards including corporate employee of the year two years in a row.

Due to budget cuts, our department received a new boss who had issues working with me; it was clear she wanted to fire me. After 80 to 100 hours per week for 6 years combined with the added stress of the new boss, I had a nervous breakdown.

After 4 years, I am returning to the work force but need to know how to handle this past employer situation.

How does HR handle these types of situations? Is HR limited as to what it can divulge to a prospective employer? Could I find out what HR is saying?

What are your recommendations on this employment gap on my resume?

Hi Jane!

I'm sorry for all the troubles you had near the end of your tenure.

To begin, I'm assuming you resigned because of your condition at the time. If that's the case, alll YOU need to do is mention that you left the job for personal reasons and that you're now ready to get back into the work force.

As for HR at your former employer, I believe they would be placing themselves at legal risk if they were to talk about your previous condition. All they would likely do is confirm that you worked there and when you worked there. They're not limited to that information, but I don't think they would divulge much beyond that.

Suggestion: Ask HR at your old employer for a copy of your personnel file. They probably wouldn't have anything beyond any "official" documentation, which would include performance reviews and anything in writing that you signed or at least reviewed. Hopefully that could put your mind at ease - if just a little.

Hope this helps! ~ Rick

Hey Rick. Im 20 years old and I've been married for around 8 months now. My work history started off back in 2005 as a sales associate at a clothing store. I worked there until April 2008. Now, at the end of October 2007, I quit that clothing store and went to work another one for one month. I quit there because of the schedule and went back to the first. Then finally in April I quit altogether because I didn't like it anymore. Now, ever since April 2008, I have had 4 jobs that has only lasted one month. I've hated all of them and I hate retail. My passion is a computer job or office job, but there is no where in my town where I've found such a place to offer that. Im planning to go to college in April 2009 to finish my Business Degree. I was wandering that even though ive job-hopped, how can I make my resume sound good even though Ive made a lot of mistakes? Im a very outgoing person now, to where I was not when I first started working. I can be a very successful businessman. My passion though is for office or computer work. Ive thought about starting my own business, but I need income. I need to support my wife. And my finiances are in such a mess. the job i have now interferes with my church, and is on the weekends. Hours have been cut from a 24 hour a week job!!!!!!! My main concern is what should I put on my resume. Please help me!

Hi Luke!

OK, you've found a passion -- that's good! You're planning to finish your bachelor's degree -- thats' also good. In the current recession, those with college degrees have more of a chance of staying employed and landing new jobs than workers without degrees.

If you're serious about computer work, your previous work in retail will serve you well in, say, a help desk or business analyst position. For instance, a corporate IT department needs people who can respond to end-user requests for support, as well as interact with them when it's time to build an application, tweak an existing application, or make adjustments on the corporate network. If you like working with people rather than by yourself, and you like working with technology, that may be a good avenue to travel.

As for the many jobs you've held since last April, my suggestion is to encapsulate that under one heading on your resume, provided they were all the same (e.g., "retail associate"). Summarize that they were with different companies, but I would also make sure that your three years with the clothing store is prominent enough for hiring managers to see. If you're aiming for an IT position, focus on those customer-facing skills in retail, and any technology skills that you know.

Hope this helps! Best of luck! ~ Rick

I have a significant employment gap due to taking care of my parents. My mom passed and my dad is in an assisted living home now, so the situation resolved itself.

Experts say to save an explanation for a cover letter or interview but if an employer only has an e-resume - how do you explain the gap?

Hi, I am trying to get back into the work force since leaving my job in retail 2003. I left due to health problems, and have been on disability since 2005. I really feel well enough to go back to work. I am looking for a job in retail management but I"m not sure how to explain the gap in my work history. I found a job I am really interested in, but how do I structure my resume so it doesn't just get tossed in the trash when they see the gap? I am qualified for this job, the gap is the problem. I assume you would advise against a chronological resume since the gap is so large? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Hi Sam!

Yes, at least on the surface, a "functional" resume, rather than a chronological resume, would appear to be the best strategy. But you should also address the gap - probably in the cover letter - by saying that you were dealing with a medical issue, but now you're ready to go.

I would also demonstrate in your cover letter - and maybe your resume where appropriate - that you're up to date on any changes that have occurred in the retail arena over the last six years. If your work history until '03 was solid, and you're up to date on current practices, you should be well positioned.

Hope this helps! ~ Rick

Dear Rick:

I'm a 33 years old male who had to resign the position of Software Lead Engineer in 2003 because of illness (chronic fatigue syndrome).

I worked full time from 1999-2003 in the Automotive Industry and now, after 6 years of struggling with this disease I am feeling better and would like to start seeking for a job as a software engineer.

How can I handle my situation with future employers and how can I explain my medical leave on my resume?

Thanks for your help, Roberto

Hi Roberto!

Thanks for writing and I commend you for your courage on getting back "in the game."

Wiithout going into detail, mention that you had to resign in 2003 because of personal reasons, but that everything's fine now and you're ready to return to the workforce.

My main question is: In the past six years, have you kept up with trends and changes that impact your profession? A future employer will probably want to know that before deciding whether to consider you, unless the job in question deals with older software that's still in use today.

~ Rick

Mr. Rick,

I read this blog and I appreciated that people like me get an advice on similar situation.

I have been out of work for last two years and I was taking care of my ailing mom. Also I did some voluntary work at local library, some work at CPA firm but without getting paid. Also I was trading stocks on daily basis. I am not sure how I can incorporate in my resume this gap from April 2007 through now. I started seeking opportunity right away from April 2007, I had couple of offers but I rejected due to the fact that my mom was still sick and I could not make full time commitment. My question to you is should I show the gap from 2007-2009 on my resume? Or do not show this at all?

I was thinking to right as follows:

2007-2009

>Took time of to take care of my ailing mother. During this time I learned some person skill such as time management, great communication skills (discussing with doctors her situation on a timely manner).

Voluntary work: >Local library >CPA Firm: To keep up with my computer skills; also obtained knowledge of Sarbanes Oxley compliance in financial reporting. Also I helped them with merger and acquisition of another CPA firm.

I have an M.B.A in Finance and I was Financial Manager for more than 15 years.

I would greatly appreciate your advice. There are so many books and lot of information on computer but I am pretty confused, different advice on this topic.

While I seek opportunity out there I am working on obtaining Certified Six Sigma Black Belt. I know it is pretty difficult for people above 45 and 50 to get a job but I hope that some employer would understand that what we bring to the table years of experience.

Thanks Susan.

Thanks Susan

Hi Susan!

If you're focusing on the same line of work for your next job, I would stress what you did as a volunteer with the CPA firm. That would resonate most with the employer.

So, they'll ask you why you were a volunteer. That's when you should mention that you had to deal with a critical family situation, but that you're now ready to return to a full-time role.

Other points:

* If talking with the doctors enhanced your communication skills and made you a better communicator, then I would merely mention the skill as part of your professional summary. * The Six Sigma Black Belt - If the job you're applying requires leadership skills, especially in team-based work, then by all means include it. * The library work - Again, if the work you did helps enhance your candidacy, it doesn't hurt to include it.

No matter what age you are today, you need to utilize every possible role, and every pertinent skill and accomplishment to make you the best candidate for the job.

Best of luck! ~ Rick

Thank you Sir. Mr.Rick I greatly appreciated your advice.

hello Rick, i have a problem related with my experience and gaps.I have done my graduation in computer application in June 2003 and after this i worked in automobile company as a computer operator for 2 years.There was a gap between july 2005 to august 2006 due to some family matters.i restarted my job again in august 2006 as a sales officer in a leading telecom company bcoz that time i changed my job field(from computer to sales/Marketing).During the sales job, i found that i m achieving a very slow growth rate of my carrier so i took admission in MBA in july 2007. Now my MBA is completing in next month.Now i m confuse to express my Pre-MBA experience and gaps.should i count my Pre-MBA experience if yes then how i will collect the two different fields(computer and Sales)work experience.

Hi Ashish!

It depends on the kind of position and field you want to work in. If you're aiming for something in sales, stress the sales work. If it's something in IT, stress the computer application work. Either way, the fact you're getting an MBA can carry some extra weight in your favor.

As for the gap, I would merely explain that you took time off to deal with family issues that have since been resolved and that you're ready to go again.

You have skills in two different fields. You might benefit from adding a section labeled "Skills" from your computer and sales work. Then, I would drop in your reverse-chronological work history.

One thing I'm not clear about: your statement that alludes to a "very slow growth rate of my carrier." I'm not sure what you're saying and how it all fits in.

Best, ~ Rick

Hi Rick,

I need to address an employment gap from 2003 to present. I'm aware of all the "acceptable reasons" I could have been unemployed, but I can't honestly claim any of them........

I am a crime victim, rescued in 6/08 and I've spent the last year in treatment for PTSD.

Since the details of DV, stalking, and stolen credit are NOT up for disclosure (too personal & too painful), there needs to be a brief, simple, and socially acceptable explanation that isn't a LIE.

I can't help it that the truth isn't pretty; sometimes bad things really do happen to good people.

ps- There are more unique employment barriers to overcome as a result of this situation. Would you be interested in helping me resolve a few more? I'd appreciate your input very much! Thank you so much for providing this useful website and your personal attention; it's a god-send for me.

Sincerely, upsidedown in Georgia

@ upsidedown -- Thanks very much for the kind words. I see how unique your situation is, especially with the 6-year gap.

The only thing I would suggest is that you had some personal and health issues, but that they've all been taken care of and that you're ready to return to the workforce. Be assertive in your resume, and be confident in your interview, projecting a strong desire to "get back in the game."

Best of luck! ~ Rick

I'm presently looking for data entry work and have been away from the workforce for quite a while to care for my two children, one with special needs. During that period I also took the time to write, proofread, edit and submit a book I wrote for publication. I presently have the accomplishment of writing the book in my cover letter, but am contemplating putting it in my resume instead to help eliminate that employment gap, especially for those who only take resumes. However, I have not included the information about one of my children having special needs. I desperately need to work to provide for us as I'm now a single parent. I just don't know what to include and what not to in the cover letter regarding our situation. My special needs child is doing much better now and doesn't need as much of the help as they once did. They still have a long ways to go, but I'm know they wouldn't be where they are without my help and I hope that the extra time I spent helping them until now was enough that they won't require the full-time help anymore since those early years are most important. Do you have any advice on this employment gap?

Hi Christine!

Thanks for sharing your story, and I commend you for your efforts in tending to your children.

The fact that you wrote (especially a book), edited, and proofread since you left the workforce speaks volumes. Think about attention to detail, creativity, and analytical skills: three skills that come to mind that go hand in hand with that work (and I've been doing it for a while - except for the book part :-) ). I recommend your resume include that information since many employers like creative, analytical people who pay strict attention to detail.

As for your child with special needs, all I would say is that you had to take time off for a family issue but there's now less of a demand on your time, hence your desire to return to the workforce. For more on this issue, read this post by Julie, who offers very valuable insight: http://www.pongoresume.com/blogPosts/291/has-caring-for-a-loved-one-left-a-gap-in-your-resume-.cfm

Good luck! ~ Rick

Hi Rick,

I have been out-of-work since March 2009 due to company reduction/laid off, should I indicate that reason on my resume to explain the gap? Thanks.

Hi Deion!

No need to mention that. They may assume you lost your job because of a business decision to cut staff. If they ask you in an interview, you can go into the details, but be positive and don't say anything negative about your former employer.

If you've been doing anything since the layoff, whether part-time or voluntary, it can't hurt to tell them that.

Hope this helps! ~ Rick

Hi, I have some questions on the same topic. I moved to Canada from the U.S. back in 2003. Since then I have had about 5 jobs (well 6 if you include one I had for only a month) but the gaps have varied in length. My longest gap was about 2 years. I was let go from one position after only 4 months, a month after my review, and developed serious back problems again(as I had been down with it previous to this job). Took one job just as a means of supplementary income while my wife was working which the hiring manager understood was my reason for accepting the job. This position was outside the industry I had been working in. Since I had enrolled back in school before this, it allowed me to study while I was at work. Then after having back surgery soon after I resigned from this job, I got a job back in the same industry I had been in and thought it would be a long term position based on the mutual understanding between me and the Operations Manager that hired me but they ended up laying me off after 4 months due to lack of work. Soon after(around a month) I accepted a job that was completely outside of this industry because I was exploring other career fields and it fell in line with my customer service/limited sales background and was there for 7 months before I resigned to take what was supposed to be a better position with better pay. But that company laid me off after only a week, stating that they had jumped the gun on changes they were making(since they hadn't dismissed the person I was replacing yet) so they didn't have enough work. Logically, I don't include this job on my resume. So Im wondering if I could explain some of these gaps due to choosing to stay home with both of my newborn daughters for a period and then going to school for a year or so? Or should I state this on my resume or cover letters? Is there a way to send you or the Pongo Team my resume to help me revise it accordingly?

P.S. I appreciate all the insight and advice on this Blog as well as the Pongo site. And sorry for making this such a long post :-)

Hi Fred!

Two points I can make here:

(1) If you did anything during the gap that is relevant to the job you're seeking, put it in the resume. That could be volunteer work or, yes, going to school to take, say, accounting courses if you're looking for an accounting job.

(2) As for all other gaps, such as health, newborn, being unemployed: Don't put them on the resume. Yes, the employer will notice a gap, but I believe most employers won't hold that against you. In the interview, however, they will likely bring it up. So, don't say anything that could jeopardize your shot at the job. For instance, on the back surgery, just say you had to take some time off to address a health issue that has since been resolved.

(3) On the short-term jobs: I agree I wouldn't even mention the one-week stint. On the 4-month-long job after back surgery: Strange, unexpected things happen. If the job enhances your credentials, put in your resume, otherwise mention it in the interview if they consider you a serious candidate. Say that your position was eliminated as part of a business decision. In the current economy, that's understandable.

Bottom line: Be prepared in the interview to explain any gap so that you can succeed in spite of it. It may help to rehearse your answers with someone you know and trust.

P.S. Thanks very much for the kind words on our work, and the additions of our blog commenters.

Hi Rick!

I have 16 years experience as an Administrative/Executive Assistant with no gaps between employers.

In 2001 I decided to make a career change and went to school for Massage Therapy, buying into the "make a six-figure income; make your own schedule; freedom", etc.

I did get a job with a large Orthopaedic firm where I worked as a Massage Therapist for 3 years. I was let go last year when I refused to take on additional responsibilities as an Exercise Coordinator, which Massage Therapy Licensure does not cover. So I would have put my license in jeopardy.

I decided the take a year off to focus on our house, which was a big renovation project. Our home is now complete and I am now looking to get back into the administrative field because this economy is not exactly lucrative to Massage Therapists.

I prefer the stability of the adminstrative field, and I'm not sure how to word my resume. Can you assist me with my dilemma?

Thank you.

Hi Faith!

Think of all the administrative-type work you've performed since you changed careers eight years ago. Did you do your own scheduling? How well did you manage that schedule? In the past year, did you manage the renovation project? (buying materials and maybe labor? lining up electricians or plumbers?). These can work in your favor when you address experience in your resume. Yes, you weren't an admin/executive assistant, but you probably used some of those skills over the last eight years.

~ Rick

Hi Rick,

So on a resume for an Administrative position do I just end my work history with 2001 since that was my last year working an admin. and just explain that I had a career change in a cover letter? Do I mention that it was Massage Therapy?

Hi Rick,

So on a resume for an administrative position, do I just end my work history with 2001 since that was my last year in field? Then would I explain in a cover letter that I had a career change & home renovation? And do I mention that I was a Massage Therapist?

Hey Rick:

Great site! I've been in sales since college (15 years). My most recent position was selling for a website. I quit in Fall '08 because it was going nowhere. Sure enough a month later everyone got sacked. In the meantime, disenchanted w/ sales and at my wife's urging I went back to school (4-year college) to get a Teaching Certification. The spring semester made realize I don't want to teach but I do want to get back into sales (different sector however). Being in class with energetic, bright, and ambitious young students reinvigorated me. I actually made the Dean's List for the first time in my academic career. Should I mention my side trip back to campus and its cathartic affect on me in a cover letter and/or interview? My curriculum was primarily history and psych classes - not necessarily ideal sales talking points. Do I mention that I knew I was going to get layed-off so I quit to focus my efforts elsewhere (I would've been one of the casualties)? Any insight would be much appreciated. Thank you for your consideration.

Best Regards,

Mr. 180

@ Faith -- No, don't end your work history with 2001! I'd headline your work history with "Experience" or "Work Experience" rather than "Professional Experience," then detail what you've done since 2001, putting the emphasis on *administrative* roles you performed as part of those newer roles that can improve your chances at landing the job.

Address the career changes in a cover letter? Sure, why not? And I don't mind anything wrong with messaging massage therapy as one of your roles *if* it helpd your chances.

@ Mr. 180 -- Good for you for going back to school! I'd include it on your resume, although I wouldn't go into a lot of detail about its "cathartic effect." Address that in the interview *if they ask about it.*

Don't, under any circumstances, mention that you decided to jump ship before they tossed you overboard! There's no shame in being laid off, but not toughing it out until the end may send the wrong message to a prospective employer. ("He just walked away?!? Might he do the same thing if things get stressful here??)

Also, I disagree with your assessment on the value of psych courses for your career direction. Getting to know how people act and react is very valuable when you're trying to make a deal.

Hoep this helps! ~ Rick

In 2006 I was discharged from my job for being absent over a week. the truth is that I started drinking heavily because I was having mental and emotional issues which started seeing a phyc and got on medicines and these medicines is what I believe started my drinking.

I'm having problems addressing this issue. I've been out of the work force for three years.

Hi Rick,

I have been in the medical industry for 10+years in sales. I was with a small company for the past 3 years. I had a past past boss, whom needed to leave for personal reasons, several months before, and I had wondered if he had been paid for a large commission which was in my territory prior to my employment, that was his sale. The deal had finally gone thru, and I received 1/2 because he was gone now, and it was my territory. So I wanted to know if he had received his 1/2 of the commission that the owner had said he was going to split with me, so I contacted him by email. We had a good rapport. I knew he was unemployed for about 5 months and thought I would attempt to pay him something, if he had not, since I had been making some decent been paid commision and it was not my original sale. He did not respond and so I asked again in another email. Shortly after that I was let go. The owner seemed very angry and did not say why. So I assume today, that I know why? So, that in combination with a kind of cocky, don't worry about me, thanks & goodbye letter to the main manager with clout...whom never responded to my request for a letter for proof of awards, leaves me without a contact at the office. However, I did receive a letter of recommendation from my ex. boss??,whom never knew why I asked him if he had been paid, after all that! He never said anything to me about it. I had emailed this main manager asking him for a letter of my contests/awards from the co. ? He ignored my request. Can I get out of calls to the office? What should I say for reason for leaving? That I am too nice? Also, my records of quarterly sales, etc. I somehow can find only two. Are these not co. private info. that should not be shown in a brag book? Also, I now have a year gap almost, but did aquire a Real Estate Brokers license for someday or my own use. I was let go in Nov.09. I sent ot a resume to a couple recruiters and they have not given too much attention to me but one interview. I was not selected obviously. Rick, please help?

@ L. Stevenson - Regarding the year-long gap in your resume, you should definitely mention the fact that you received your broker's license. That demonstrates that you weren't doing anything since being let go.

As for your departure? Anyone and everyone realize there are at least two sides to every story. What I suggest is to bring up the details that led to your departure, and make it clear that this is *your* version of events because no one from the company will address the issue from *their* point of view. If I were them, I'd be looking for as full a story as they can get if they're interested in hiring you.

On your sales records: You need to cite personal accomplishments to help you get the job. It may be private information to both you and your former employer, but it's critical for your career to tell a would-be employer what you did. It only becomes an issue for your former employer if the would-be employer releases the information to the general public (highly doubtful; I would otherwise question the would-be employer's ethics).

Hope this helps! Best of luck! ~ Rick

Hi Rick: I am stuck on filling in the gaps with respect to my current situation: 8/08 resigned from my hospital job of 8 yrs to relocate sept 08, now a year later 8/09 still not working. From 9/08-12/08 took the time off after relocation. Accepted a 3 mo. temp assign(12/08-3/09) quit after 2 wks due to position fell outside of my comfort zone. Jan 09 worked 1 wk temp assign. Feb 09-Apr/09 suffered a severe arm injury(could not afford to apply for jobs and any temp assign.). 5/09 decided to register for 2 month(starting 7/08-8/09) culinary course(in my old state) in hopes of trying a second career, so couldnt commit to any temp assign. In the midst of all this, culinary course was too intense and advance and realize was not for me, so withdraw 2 wks in to the class(7/09), now it's aug 09 and after visiting family, am ready to start job hunting again. How do I explain these rollercoaster of gaps on my resume. Thanks in advance for your advice.

@ Glenys -- I think the most important thing for you to do is to figure out what it is exactly that you want to do. It seems as if you had some "false starts" with the temporary assignment and the culinary course. Ask yourself the following: (1) What constitutes my "comfort zone?" What do I need to feel comfortable in a work situation? (2) Somewhat related: What are the things that would make me stay in a job for the long term? Then, make sure you have them before you take an assignment.

As for the resume, there's no easy way to explain the past year. It all depends on what you want to do long term. You need to figure that out first.

I was terminated due to tardiness from my job almost two years ago. I decided to just stay off of work anyway since I was planning to leave to raise my child for a while. Having a newborn was one of the reasons I was late so much because I has trouble adjusting to the changes and the baby's sleep schedule changed all of a sudden and I was exhausted! I now have another newborn, but due to financial difficulty, need to return to work as soon as possible. How can I address this issue in an interview?

Hello Rick. What a wonderful blog you have here. I have enjoyed reading everyone's unique situation and your invaluable advice.

Currently, I am seeking work because my boyfriend's job/company is not doing well financially. He has not been paid in three weeks (no health insurance now) and is our family's sole income. Unfortunately, we strongly believe the company is going under and we only have enough money saved to last us three months or so.

My job history... I left my last job in 2002 for various reasons. The company was not doing well financially, late paychecks, etc. and I didn't trust or care for the way management ran the business. We had an extreme turnover rate and were all severely micromanaged. At the time I left this job (after 5-1/2 years), my boyfriend made enough money for me to take a break and stay at home and raise my son and look after my sick Grandparent's part-time. They both passed away in 2006/2007 and my son has since graduated from high school in 2008.

I am interested in returning to work as an HR Assistant or Executive Assistant again. I have 12 years experience in those capacities and never had a gap in my resume until now. I have found a job I am really interested in; however, I am not sure how to address my gap. And how would you suggest I prepare my resume or cover letter before sending it in? I have old references, old numbers and a few reference letters too. I feel I am qualified for this job because it is almost identical to one I did years ago as an HR Assistant. I have kept up with my typing and software skills by typing extensive travel itineraries for our family, placing ads on e-bay and amazon, typing letter's to my son's school, our family schedule and finances and I used to manage doctor care for my Grandparent's - taking notes at their appointment's, typing up letter's for them, handling their insurance claims, etc.

There is one more thing. A few years ago I decided to take a course in voice artistry (voice over work) and then private lessons from my instructor for half a year. Since then, I have recorded two radio commercials and did some corporate voice over work in 2000 for my last job. Should I include this somewhere in my resume as well?

Thank you for your time Rick. I appreciate any feedback.

Hi Kelly!

Thanks very much for the kind words. And I'm sorry about your grandparents. I'm sure that was not an easy time for you.

Having kept up your typing and software skills is probably the most essential thing in your return to the workforce after seven years. And what you've done in managing your family's schedules and finances, as well as handling insurance claims and the like, is also essential. It may seem as if you never left an office setting.

That's the stuff I would address under an "Experience" heading, rather than "Professional Experience," since your experience over the last several years has not been in a "work" environment, even though it was work, and probably hard work. Cite the duties you listed, and an employer may well identify with how much you really had to do and how it required a lot of your energy.

On your references: Get in touch with some of them, update their contact information, tell them you're looking, and ask if they would be willing to act as references.

On the voice lessons: It can't hurt to include this on the resume. At the least, someone with a pleasant, well-trained voice who can speak clearly and distinctly can be an asset to a company, both in dealing with customers and communicating internally. The corporate voice-over work can be a plus.

Best of luck!

Hi Rick !

Hope you can help me out here, I was working in the software for 2 years before I got really frustrated and decided to follow my ambition of becoming a pilot. This took 2 years of my time hence an employment gap of 2 years.

Now I'm trying to get back into the s/w industry because there aren't any jobs in the aviation industry, How do I explain this since it is quite obvious that my heart is in aviation and I'm not likely to be a permanent employee if hired ?

I've kept somewhat in touch with what I've worked on previously so that would not be that much of a problem..

Hi Arun!

I think that as long as you're current in the software industry (i.e., up-to-date licenses and certifications) and that an employer gets a clear picture of what you tried to do in the last two years, you should be fine.

As for the "gap," you could do one of two things:

(1) Leave it as a gap but mention it in your cover letter so that you're being above board about it. (2) List whatever you did in those two years under "Other Experience," which you could drop in just below all of your software experience. The risk here is not knowing whether the hiring manager would get that far if it' say, on the second page of the resume.

Good luck! Rick

Hi Rick,

Wow, what a great and helpful blog you have here. Here is my situation. I was working in India in the software industry, but quit my job in April '08 to join my husband in US by Sept '08. It was a personal choice to stay out of workforce to be with him.

The past one year I was here, I did try looking into getting a MS degree, but it proved too much of an expense for us. I even waited an year so that I can try availing resident fee benefit, still not able to afford. I do have a master's degree from India and 4 years of experience in the IT industry. I'm apprehensive about the gap in my resume when it comes to applying for a job. How could I explain this? Should I maybe try taking some certification courses and then make an attempt?

Appreciate your suggestions. Thanks much!

@ Nila - Thanks very much for the kind words. I think the fact that you emigrated from India bodes well for you. Assuming you're OK to work in the U.S. legally, I think an employer will be fine with your taking the time (only 1.5 years, based on what you tell me) to join your husband and get used to living in a new country. I'd just be straightforward about your reasons.

As for certification courses: take them only if you feel that having them would be necessary to landing a job.

Hope this helps! ~ Rick

Thanks for the encouraging words Rick! It's a relief to hear the gap may not ruin all my chances of a job here. I definitely will be straightforward about my reasons. Thanks again!

Hi Rick

Maybe you can help me - I held two professional licenses - MD and RN. A long sad story I lost my privilege to practice medicine but have maintained a nursing license which I haven't used in 12 yrs. I would love to be just a nurse again - but so far no one wants to take a chance on an ex MD. How do I explain this?

@ Kim - It's hard for me to answer that without knowing the details of what you've been doing over the last 12 years, why you lost your MD license, and whether the circumstances that led to the loss of your license have any bearing on your current employment prospects.

The only thing I would encourage you to do based on what you've told me is to be sure you're current on all nursing practices. If you can land a job as a nurse, consider that a triumph since the job prospects for nurses are expected to be strong over the next several years.

Best of luck!

Hi Rick

I finished a Ph.d in economics year and a half ago but have not been actively looking for a job since then. During this time I've been working on several research projects by myself, doing independent study on fields which are relevant for the type of job I'm interested as well as studying french in France and tutoring college students in economics and math.

I don't know how to address this in my resume and cover letter since I'm looking for jobs in the private sector (consulting and market research).

would much appreciate if I could get advise on it. Thanks a lot.

@ Fernando - Don't know what kinds of jobs you're targeting, but anything that you've done recently (e.g., the research, the tutuoring) that's relevant to the job description is fair game to include in your resume.

Being a tutor myself, having an ability to communicate clearly in one-on-one situations is a skill that many employers would value.

Just think of the skills that you have used in any of your most recent work and studies.

Good luck!

Hi Rick;

I came across your blog when I was looking for info on dealing with gaps in resumes. I have only one, and it's only three months, but it falls in two calendar years so I'm concerned that it will raise a red flag. As it turned out, I found the next job as I was leaving the previous one, but it took three months for the new company to finalize the position and the hiring process. The rest of my resume does not include months in the employment durations, just years. Would it be a good idea to include the months in those two jobs only, to show upfront that it was only for three months?

Many thanks!

@ Anne - It's not clear to me how long the second position lasted, or if it's your current position. If you were there - or have been there - for at least two years, and there are no other red flags in any other experience you detail on your resume, I wouldn't even bother listing that 3-month stint (But come clean about it should someone extend you an offer, just to be clear you're not hiding anything.). Was the 3-month job just something to hold onto until something better came along? If so, again, don't bother with it.

However, if you had some significant accomplishments during those three months that can help you land your next job, and there are no other red flags in your experience, go ahead and list it, and yes, use the months. If the second job has - or had - lasted at least a year, then go back to using just the years.

Hope this helps! ~ Rick

Hi Rick,

I came across your blog when searching for topics related to Gaps in resumes.I have two gaps in my resume one between my graduation and post graduation and the other one immediately after my PG. The first one is basically for the preparation of higher studies ( around a year )and the other one when i am in search of a job that interested me ( also around a year).

I am not sure how i should go about these gaps in my resume before i move out for a better opportunity from the current employer.FYI, i have work exp of 5 years without any gap till date.

Appreciate your suggestions.

@ Kris -- I don't see an easy way of getting around those gaps, unless you were doing something that was relevant to the job you're seeking. If it wasn't, and you were working, I'd opt for another resume section titled *Other Experience*. Consider using your cover letter to explain the gaps briefly, but put the emphasis on your five years of experience.

Hi,

It seems that you have very useful comments, so was hoping you might be able to shed a little light on what I should do in my particular situation.

I graduated in May 2006 with a post-graduate degree in clinical research (post-grad to a BSc) and was immediately hired by a great research company. Just under a year into my employment I fell ill (mental health issues) and had to be hospitalized. In May 2007 I left the job due to this medical illness.

After about 6 months I started to get back on track and tried to look for work. It took me a while but in June 2008 I was hired for basically the same position, but within a hospital. In the interview for this position, I explained my gap by saying that I had a one-time medical issue which has since been completely resolved and this worked!!

However, in October 2008 (so only about 4 motnhs after I was hired) I fell ill again and had to be re-hospitalized. I decided to take one whole year off to focus on myself before looking for work again because I felt that perhaps my return had been premature and I actually hadn't been ready to work.

So since October 2009 I have been looking for work again in my field. I had a pretty easy time explaining the one medical illness occurrence/work gap, but now that it has happened a second time I wonder what to say?

I have not addresed these issues in my resume, but have been getting a lot of feedback/calls for interviews. I want to know how best to address this before I go on too many more interviews and blow my chances with too many companies!!

Cheers, Janus.

Hmmm, Janus, it's a perplexing situation given that you were out a second time. It's obvious you have the skills employers are looking for. I think it may be best to emphasize that you needed a longer recovery time the second time around even though you really wanted to get back to work after the first gap. That at least underscores your eagerness to work and get the job done, in my humble opinion.

My approach at this point would be to say something like this: "It took me a year to try and get back into the workforce this time because I wanted to be *very sure* that I was well enough to return to work - and stay at a job for a long while. I believe I'm ready."

Hope this helps! ~ Rick

I have a missed up past that I'm trying to repair.I have not worked much in the past do to drugs and alcohol and the life syle that goes with it.I have been in out of jails,prisons,institutions most of the time.I was a care giver for my grandmother for many of years.It handicapped me to live the life style I was living.When I was not in those places I was takeing care of her.But because of drugs I ended up in those places.I have lost her since and now need to seek work.What is the best approach?I have turned my life around and over to God.i'm involved with church and activities.I help at food pantry's and people ho need help.I go to Celebrate recovery and Life Healing Choices where I'am a member and work on promotion and activities for the meetings.I even have my on meetings and working on being a biblical counselor.What should I do for a job?What direction do I need to go in.

@ John -- I commend you for your courage in addressing your situation here. I would start with the organizations you're working with now. If they know you well, they may be able to go to bat for you and recommend you for work. Employers may be skeptical about someone with a criminal background but there are some who believe in second chances.

Best of luck!

I have 24+ years of experience in varied industries, im trying to prepare a job specific resume for a targeted job enquiry. Now im facing a prblem that there are gaps showing in my resume. How do i bridge that? The gaps are due to the fact that i was doing a job that is not relevant to the job advertised . Please advise me what to do?

Thanks

@ Ashley -- If, during the gaps, you were working, it's better to list them so employers can see you were active and working. If, on the other hand, you fear that filling in the gaps will make your career path look unfocused, explain in your resume summary or cover letter how you want the particular job you're applying for, and - if applicable - how the skills from those jobs can be utilized in the position you want.

Good luck! Hope this helps!

Hello Rick, I came across your post after an internet search, and was hoping that perhaps you may help me in finding the best solution for handling a 2 year employment gap in my resume. After taking care of my father for 2 years he passed away from cancer. Should I include this in my resume or cover letter and if so how would I include this in a cover letter?

@ Sophia -- First, I'm sorry about the passing of your dad. May you be left with many happy memories.

If the gap was recent, I'd address it in the cover letter. You can simply say it was a very important family matter or crisis without even getting into the details, but is not an issue anymore. If the gap concerns the employer and they ask you about it, you need to emphasize that nothing is standing in the way of you doing the job, and doing it well.

Here's a blog post that addresses the issue: http://www.pongoresume.com/blogPosts/291/has-caring-for-a-loved-one-left-a-gap-in-your-resume-.cfm

Good luck!