How to Address Employment Gaps on Your Resume and Cover Letter
The Gaps to Focus On
Short-term and volunteer work, higher education opportunities, personal issues and milestones, what about the cover letter.
Your resume should focus on your relevant full-time work and outline your recent experience. But if those two things don’t overlap completely, it can produce employment gaps. Breaks in employment are often a red flag for hiring managers but don’t be discouraged. There are many credible reasons for not having worked full-time and just as many viable ways to cite them on your job search documents.
When drafting your resume, you should include your months of employment. It provides a clear view of your work history and is often better from an ATS standpoint. You don’t need to worry about explaining any employment gaps that only lasted a few months. Hiring managers understand that there are plenty of instances where a person might have lost their job unexpectedly through no fault of their own (especially in the past couple of years). Only when a gap lasts at least the better part of a year should you start thinking about how to address it on your resume.
Perhaps you kept busy during your break in employment by working as a consultant, freelancer, or volunteer. Feel free to develop these engagements no differently than your regular job descriptions on your resume.
Start with the basic details: position title (specifying the level of commitment, such as “part-time”), organization, location, and start and end dates. Then flesh out each description to the extent it has relevance to your target job. The best way to do this is first to brainstorm things you’re generally proud of about the experience, then review each item closely and remove anything that doesn’t speak to your current goals.
For example, if your participation in Big Brothers, Big Sisters gave you a tremendous mentoring experience, but you don’t wish to mentor others in your next job, take out any brainstorming points in that area of the work you did. Also, keep in mind that if you include any volunteering, you’ll need to update your experience section heading from “Professional Experience” or “Work Experience” to something more general like “Relevant Experience” or “Experience Highlights.”
If you took time off to get an advanced degree, note that in your resume’s Experience section. Just jot down the dates associated, then a brief line about the experience, for example:
2017 to 2019: Focused on completing an MBA degree
If you have relevant highlights from your degree, don’t include them here. There’s no need to flesh out a full description. Instead, keep those details in your Education section.
Perhaps your employment gap is due to personal reasons, such as travel, starting a family, caring for a sick relative, or overcoming an injury or illness of your own. Know that you’re not required to include personal information on your resume if you don’t feel comfortable doing so. But if you are comfortable, here are a few examples:
- 2014 to December 2016: Traveled to Italy and Germany
- Dedicated time to raising three boys
- Full-time mother focused on starting a family
- Full-time caregiver for an ailing parent
- Time away to treat and fully recover from an acute illness
To develop the description further, follow the same two-step process outlined above to arrive at your most relevant highlights. You may be surprised at how strong the resulting points are and how they add value to your resume. Often, personal experiences like these allow you to build outstanding:
- Cultural or language literacy
- Perseverance
- Prioritization skills
- Adaptability
- Calm in urgent situations
- Short- and long-term planning skills
Using your personal experiences to showcase these skills, you can turn a liability into an asset and add a new dimension to your overall resume.
Only take up the issue of an employment gap on your cover letter if it’s ongoing and you’re trying to return to the workforce. In these cases, mention the gap toward the end of your letter, preferably as part of the closing. This allows you to keep the overall focus of your letter on your relevant qualifications and can actually make an elegant conclusion to your letter by emphasizing your excitement about the opportunity. An example:
My last position was eliminated in May 2020 as a result of Covid-related layoffs. Since that time, I’ve taken the opportunity to focus on raising my two sons and volunteering for a local nonprofit. I’m now thrilled at the chance to return to the workforce as your marketing manager.
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Jacob Meade
Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)
Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.
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7 Common Mistakes to Avoid While Searching for a Job
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1. Your Resume or Cover Letter Isn’t Specific to the Job
The same resume and cover letter won’t work for every employer or every job. Tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for. Employers want a candidate who matches their job description, so make sure to highlight your most relevant experience for each position. When writing your cover letter, showcase the skills that are most applicable to the specific job. Identify the characteristics or skills that are in the job description and show how your experience relates to them. A cover letter gives potential employers a more complete understanding of your skillset.
2. Your Resume Isn’t Formatted Correctly for an Applicant Tracking System
As the use of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) increases, so does the number of employers that use applicant tracking systems (ATS) and AI to read resumes. You could be the perfect candidate for a job, but your resume may be missing certain keywords or AI may not be able to read it. This can cause your resume to be rejected and not make it to the hiring manager’s desk.
3. You’re Applying for the Wrong Jobs
Carefully look at the jobs you’re applying for to ensure you have the right level of qualification. Most people stay away from applying to jobs they are not qualified for, but being overqualified can be just as problematic. Employers don’t want to hire a candidate who is overqualified because they are more likely to get bored in the position and leave. Employers don’t want to have to fill the position again in six months.
4. You’re Not Letting Your Professional Network Know About Your Job Search
You may have built a professional network of colleagues in the field you’re interested in, but are you utilizing your network? Make sure your network knows that you are looking for a job. Share your job search on LinkedIn, post on personal social media, and talk about your job search while not at work. Often, knowing the right people can get you an interview or even a job. If you’re looking to grow your network, check out our blogs on Networking and Tips for Networking .
5. You’re Not Prepared for Your Interview
Interviews and phone screenings give the interviewer an opportunity to get to know you. It is important to be prepared for both after applying for a job. Some phone screens are scheduled, and others aren’t. Be sure to answer the phone in a professional manner, be familiar with the company’s work, be prepared to ask questions about the position, and have an idea of how much you’d like to be paid. For more tips on how to have a great interview, read our blog post about preparing for interviews or our video interview blog post .
6. You Didn’t Prepare Your References
It is important to inform your references that you’re applying for jobs. Make sure you have their permission to use them as a reference and inform them of the positions you’re applying for. Different positions require different skills, so if they know the position you are applying for they can highlight your skills that fit that position. You may also want to send them your cover letter and resume, so they are up to date on your current work experience. You could even ask them for feedback. Read our previous blog posts to learn how to secure a reference and prepare a reference .
7. You Experienced Setbacks in the Interview Process
Portraying the right amount of excitement and skills is essential in the interview process. You want to highlight your skillset and why you think you’re a good candidate. It is important to show enthusiasm about the position and the company. Make sure to show up a little early and dress appropriately for the job .
How Can Ticket to Work Help
Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with service providers to receive the services and supports they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work.
The Ticket Program can support you throughout every step of your job search. Through the Ticket Program, a service provider such as an Employment Network (EN) can assist you with your job search. ENs can help you write your resume and cover letter, find the right jobs to apply for and prepare you for an interview. If you’re not having success in your job search, you can ask your service provider for suggestions to improve your chances.
To learn more about the Ticket to Work Program, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842. For callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, call 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.- 8 p.m.; or visit https://choosework.ssa.gov .
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A cover letter should include the following parts: Header. Salutation. Introduction. Body paragraph. Closing paragraph. Letter ending and signature. The following cover letter samples and examples will show you how to write a cover letter for many employment circumstances. Browse cover letters by job title for inspiration.
2. Include a greeting. In your research, try to find the name of the person reviewing applications for the job. Address your letter to this person with a common business greeting, such as "Dear [first and last name]" or "Dear [position title]." Avoid using "To whom it may concern."
3. Make it an extension of your resume. Your cover letter should elaborate on your resume rather than repeating it. Choose two or three of your top qualifications and most impressive accomplishments to highlight. Expand upon them in more detail and explain why your experiences would bring value to the company.
Here is a template you can use as a general point of reference to ensure you include all necessary information in your next job application: [Your name] [Your phone number] [Your email address] [Optional: Your mailing address] [Date] [Employer's name] [Employer's mailing address] [Greeting], [The first sentence should include your name and ...
Include a postscript. 1. Use the proper formatting. There are several rules to follow when structuring your cover letter: Make sure everything is left-aligned. Use single line spaces within paragraphs and double spaces between sections or paragraphs. Include a one-inch margin on every side of your letter.
In this article, we offer a sample resume for a transportation officer and we provide some tips to help you create your own resume. When writing a cover letter or resume, choose a simple format and font. Lead with your accomplishments, rather than just the things you've done. Include details of the work that's related to what you want to do ...
A cover letter is a short introduction to you that concisely communicates your interest in a job opportunity along with your top skills and relevant experience. It's important to customize your cover letter for each role to demonstrate that you've researched the organization's mission and values. — Genevieve Northup, MBA, SHRM-CP, HCI-SPTD.
1. Begin by introducing yourself. To start your cover letter, introduce yourself. This means including your full name, your specific interest in the position and the reasons you've chosen to apply. If you got a referral to the job from another party, ensure to mention this in the first paragraph. 2.
2. Use an appropriate greeting. If you know the name of the hiring manager for this job, begin your cover letter by addressing them directly (Example: Dear Jane). When writing your CV, it's important to avoid weak and passive verbs, stay away from business jargon or clichés, and watch out for tired words and phrases.
The following steps can help you prepare the best cover letter: 1. Establish formatting. Following a few guidelines can help you write an effective cover letter. It's common for a cover letter to use left-aligned paragraphs with equal breaks between them and double spacing between the paragraphs.
How to write a cover letter. 1. Note the date. Document the date you are sending the letter. The date line is usually in between your address and the address to which you are sending the letter. 2. Include your name and address. It is standard practice to begin with your name and address at the top of your cover letter.
Here's how: Click Add next to Supporting documents at the bottom of the application review page. Select a reference letter, transcript, or portfolio from your device after clicking Upload file. Other files can still be added even if you've added a cover letter. Click Update to save the attached file (s). This takes you back to your ...
When you're applying for a job, a cover letter lets you show a personal side and demonstrate why hiring you is a smart decision. Cover letters should be around three paragraphs long and include specific examples from your past experience that make you qualified for the position.A cover letter should include the following parts: Header ...
In this article, we look at a sample CV for a group manager, and provide a template and some tips to help you create your own CV. When writing a cover letter or CV, choose a simple format and font. Lead with your accomplishments, rather than just the things you've done. Include details of the work that's related to what you want to do next, and ...
2. Use an appropriate greeting. If you know the name of the hiring manager for this job, begin your cover letter by addressing them directly (example: Dear Jane). When writing your CV, it's important to avoid weak and passive verbs, stay away from business jargon or clichés, and watch out for tired words and phrases.
Key takeaways: A cover letter should be well-structured, starting with your contact information, salutation, an opening paragraph showcasing your interest in the job, followed by the main body explaining your qualifications and a concluding paragraph stating your appreciation for considering your application. Use a simple, professional font and ...
Draft your job application cover by following these instructions: 1. Begin with your header. At the top of your document, type your full name, your address and contact details, followed by the date of application. This serves as a quick reference point to the reader and can assist with their filing process.
4. 5. When writing a cover letter or resume, choose a simple format and font. Lead with your accomplishments, rather than just the things you've done. Include details of the work that's related to what you want to do next, and always proofread your resume and cover letter before submitting a job application.
2. Include a salutation. Begin your cover letter with a salutation like 'Ms./Mr./Dr. Last name' or 'Dear/Hello'. If you are not sure about the gender of the recipient, you can write their full name. If you can't find the name of your recipient, you can simply write 'Dear Hiring Manager'.
Related: How to Write a Sales Cover Letter (With Examples) 2. The hiring manager's address and date. The next section of your cover letter contains the letter's date, followed by the hiring manager's contact information. Add a space after the date and before the name of the hiring manager. You can use this structure:
Instead, use the below cover letter templates as an outline and include information that's unique to each company and job application. To catch the reader's attention, follow these four steps: 1. Show genuine interest and enthusiasm. In your cover letter's introductory paragraph, be specific when stating your genuine interest in the company or ...
Format. The format for the two documents is very different. For a cover letter, you organise it into a letter format and write whole paragraphs to describe yourself. For a CV, you create sections with headers that summarise your qualifications for a role. A cover letter is often only a single page, while a CV may be one to two pages long.
To create your CV quickly, you can use a CV template. Using a CV template ensures that your CV meets an employer's expectations and emphasises the most relevant information about your career. In this article, we'll describe what a CV template is, why it's important, when to use it, what it includes and provide some finished templates and examples.
CVs and cover letters are both important documents used in the job search process. A CV is typically used to detail your work and education experience, while a cover letter allows you to go into further detail about why you're applying for a specific job. It's important to learn the difference between both, to know when to use one for your next ...
Only take up the issue of an employment gap on your cover letter if it's ongoing and you're trying to return to the workforce. In these cases, mention the gap toward the end of your letter, preferably as part of the closing.
If you're getting ready for your next career move, keep these six universal rules in mind as you write or update your CV. 1. Cover all the basics When writing your CV, the goal is to best represent your relevant skills and accomplishments, and there are several ways to do that successfully. That said, every CV requires these basic elements:
2. Use an appropriate greeting. If you know the name of the hiring manager for this job, begin your cover letter by addressing them directly (Example: Dear Jane). When writing your CV, it's important to avoid weak and passive verbs, stay away from business jargon or clichés, and watch out for tired words and phrases.
Beware of potential errors and inconsistencies in Gen AI output; employers can detect an entirely generated resume or cover letter right away. Personalize your resume Use the tool to customize your resume for a specific role. Add your resume, paste the job description and prompt it to customize each section. After getting a customized cover ...
1. Your Resume or Cover Letter Isn't Specific to the Job. The same resume and cover letter won't work for every employer or every job. Tailor your resume to the job you're applying for. Employers want a candidate who matches their job description, so make sure to highlight your most relevant experience for each position.
Dates of employment (month and year) Except for functional resumes, your work experience should include at least three bullet points describing your most relevant and impressive achievements per job. ... If you want to boost your job application, consider including a cover letter with your resume. A cover letter is an excellent opportunity to ...