Explaining a gap in your CV can be daunting, especially when you’re keen to make a good impression during an interview. However, a gap doesn’t have to be a stumbling block. With the right approach, you can turn it into an opportunity to showcase your strengths and experiences.
We spoke to several candidates who’ve successfully tackled this challenge while interviewing for office support jobs. Here’s what they had to say, along with some valuable advice from our recruitment agency in London.
Be honest and direct
The most important thing when discussing a gap in your CV is to be honest. Employers appreciate transparency, and trying to hide or gloss over the gap can create more problems than it solves. “I had a year-long gap due to personal reasons,” says Sara, an executive assistant. “I was worried about how it would be perceived, but I found that being upfront and explaining my situation clearly helped put the interviewer at ease. They appreciated my honesty, and it didn’t impact their decision.”
Penny, an office manager, had a similar experience, “I took time off to travel and reassess my career direction. I was concerned that this might be seen as a lack of commitment, but I made sure to explain how the experience broadened my perspective and enhanced my organisational skills. The recruiter appreciated the clarity and even saw it as a positive.”
Focus on skills and growth
If you spent your time away from the workforce developing new skills or gaining valuable experiences, make sure to highlight this during your interview. “During my extended time out to look after children, I took an online course in project management,” says Davina. “When I explained this in my interview, I focused on how the new skills I acquired would benefit the role I was applying for. It turned out to be a great conversation starter, and the interviewer was impressed with my proactive approach.”
Niall, who recently re-entered the workforce after a two-year break, shares a similar story, “I used some ofmy gap to volunteer and work on freelance projects. I made sure to talk about how these experiences helped me develop new skills, like time management and client communication. It showed that I was still engaged in my field, even though I wasn’t in traditional employment.”
Reframe the narrative
It’s all about how you frame the gap in your CV. Instead of viewing it as a negative, think of it as a period that contributed to your personal and professional growth. “I had to take time off to care for a family member,” says Karim. “Initially, I was nervous about how employers would view this, but I reframed it by discussing the resilience, patience, and multitasking skills I developed during that time. These are qualities that are highly relevant to any role.”
Practice your explanation
Preparation is key when addressing a CV gap. Rehearse your explanation until you feel comfortable and confident. This will help you avoid sounding defensive or uncertain during the interview. Mia told us, “I practiced how I would explain my gap with friends and even with Love Success, the recruitment agency in London that helped me find my current job. They provided feedback and helped me refine my response, which made all the difference during the actual interview.”
We have seen many candidates successfully navigate the challenge of CV gaps – register as a candidate and let us help you.