4 Common Gaps in Your Resume & How to Explain Them!
- On April 27, 2018
I like The Muse’s helpful guide on how to explain gaps in your resume to a recruiter or employer. You know you will be asked, so think ahead about what you say and how to say it. As lawyers, you know framing is essential. Below are 4 common gaps and what you should say:
- Job loss. Instead of complaining about your horrible boss/situation, explain what you accomplished for that employer and how you were cut for neutral reasons, e.g., you were the last one hired so you were the first to go, or the company lost X% of its workforce, or the company cut the division you were supporting, etc.
- Fun travel. Don’t talk about how burnt out you were before your trip or what fun you had traveling. Instead, mention anything you learned (e.g., language, business, or coding skills). The focus should be on how you are recharged and ready to go now.
- School. This one is easy. You became more interested in [new area] so you took time to get your LLM, pass the patent bar, get certified, whatever. Don’t talk about how much you disliked your prior work or how confused you were. Instead, explain how this area is a natural transition and how you are now up to speed.
- Your health/personal issues. Keep it brief, and make clear you overcame the health scare or how your family member has since recovered (whatever the case is). The takeaway should be you are ready to go now and can help the employer.
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