According to a study conducted by our team, the employment gap ranks as the second most red flag in resume as voted by 55% of the recruiters. [1]
Do you also have an employment gap in your resume? You will be required to thoroughly explain this break to the recruiters. Worry not- we have got you covered!
This is your guide to address employment gaps in your cover letter and resume.
What Is A Cover Letter For Returning To The Workforce?
A cover letter for returning to the workforce is a document that accompanies your resume. It provides context for your employment gap and highlights your eagerness and preparedness to re-enter the job market. This letter allows you to make a strong impression on potential employers by addressing any concerns upfront.
How To Explain Employment Gaps In A Job Interview
When discussing employment gaps in an interview, the same principles apply: be honest, positive, and focus on the skills and experiences you gained during your time away. Here are some strategies to help you navigate this conversation effectively.
Address the gap in employment briefly and positively
The expert recommendation is, ‘Be straightforward but positive’. Simply, explain the reason for your gap succinctly and emphasize what you learned or how you grew during this time.
For example, “During my employment gap, I focused on personal development and honed my project management skills through volunteer work.“
Short-term and volunteer work
Highlight any short-term jobs or volunteer work you undertook during your gap. This shows that you stayed active and continued to develop your skills.
Example:
“While taking a break to care for a family member, I volunteered at a local nonprofit, managing their fundraising events and improving my organizational skills.”
Focus on relevant skills
Concentrate on the skills you developed during your employment gap that are relevant to the job you are applying for. This helps to demonstrate that you’re not just ready to return to work, but that you’ve also gained valuable experience.
For instance:
“During my time away, I completed several online courses in digital marketing, enhancing my ability to create effective online campaigns.”
Stay honest but brief
Honesty is crucial, but there’s no need to go into excessive detail. A concise explanation is often sufficient.
Example:
“I took a year off to address personal health issues, and I am now fully recovered and eager to contribute to your team.”
Reframe the gap as a positive experience
Turn the gap into a narrative of growth and development. Show how the time away has better prepared you for the job you’re seeking.
Example:
“My career break allowed me to gain a fresh perspective and develop a new set of skills, making me more adaptable and innovative in my approach.”
Employment Gap Explanation- Cover Letter Samples
Here is an example of a cover letter addressing gap in employment:

Sample 1: Caring for a Family Member
“During the past two years, I took a break from my professional career to care for a family member. This experience taught me valuable lessons in time management, empathy, and resilience. I am now ready and eager to bring these skills to a professional setting.”
Sample 2: Further Education
“I decided to return to school full-time to complete my MBA, which I believe has equipped me with advanced skills in business strategy and leadership. I am excited to apply these new skills in a dynamic work environment.”
Samples Of Employment Gap In Your Resume
Here is an example of a resume addressing employment gap:

For Volunteer Work
Volunteer Project Manager | Local Nonprofit Organization
June 2020 – December 2021
- Managed and organized fundraising events
- Developed project management skills
- Collaborated with a team to achieve goals
For Skill Development
Independent Study | Online Courses
January 2022 – June 2023
- Completed courses in digital marketing and data analysis
- Gained proficiency in Google Analytics and SEO
- Applied new skills in personal projects and freelance work
If you found this article interesting, you might enjoy these too:
The Final Thought
Addressing employment gaps in your cover letter and resume doesn’t have to be daunting. By being honest, positive, and focusing on the skills and experiences gained during your time away, you can turn potential red flags into points of strength.
Show employers that you’re not just ready to return to work, but that you’re bringing valuable new skills and perspectives with you.
Source

Manisha is a digital writer providing guidance in career development and growth. She facilitates skill development and implementation of the right strategies for advancement. At Jobera, She documents content around the latest market trend analysis, insights, and career planning.