How to Explain Gaps in Employment During an Interview

Having a gap in your work history can feel scary when you're looking for a new job. But don't worry! It's more common than you might think. Many people have times when they're not working for all sorts of different reasons. The key is knowing how to talk about these gaps in a way that makes you look good to potential employers.

Why employment gaps happen

There are many reasons why someone might have a gap in their work history. Here are some common ones:

Taking care of family members
Going back to school
Dealing with health issues
Traveling or volunteering
Being laid off from a job
Starting a business that didn't work out

Remember, having a gap doesn't make you a bad worker. What matters is how you use that time and how you talk about it in an interview.

Preparing to explain your employment gap

Before your interview, take some time to think about your employment gap. Here are some steps to help you prepare:

Write down the exact dates of your gap
List what you did during that time
Think about skills you gained or things you've recently learned that are relevant to the role
Practice explaining your gap in a positive way

It's a good idea to practice mock interviews with a friend or family member. This can help you feel more comfortable talking about your gap.

How to explain your gap during the interview

When the interviewer asks about your employment gap, here's how to handle it:

Be honest: Never lie about your work history
Be brief: Explain the gap quickly without too many details
Focus on the positive: Talk about what you learned or gained during the gap
Show how it makes you a better worker: Explain how your experiences during the gap can help in the new job

Here's an example of how you might explain a gap:

"I took a year off to care for my sick parent. During that time, I learned a lot about time management and staying calm under pressure. These skills will help me be a better employee in this role."

What to avoid when explaining gaps

While being honest is important, there are some things you should avoid saying:

Don't badmouth former employers
Don't share too many personal details
Don't apologize for your gap
Don't seem unsure or nervous about your explanation

Remember, confidence is key! If you seem comfortable talking about your gap, the interviewer will likely feel more comfortable too. If you're feeling nervous, consider reading some Bible verses for encouragement before your interview.

Highlighting growth during your gap

One great way to make your employment gap look good is to show how you grew during that time. Here are some things you might have done:

Learned new skills
Volunteered
Took online courses
Started a side project
Improved your health

For example, if you took time off to travel, you might say: "During my travels, I improved my Javascript skills and learned how work in Svelte and Vue. I believe these skills will be make me more adaptable in this fast-paced work environment."

Addressing gaps on your resume

Your resume is often the first place an employer will notice a gap. Here are some tips for handling gaps on your resume:

Use years instead of months for employment dates
Include any volunteer work or freelance projects during your gap
Consider using a functional resume format that focuses on skills rather than chronological work history

Remember, your resume is just a tool to get you an interview. The interview is where you can fully explain your employment gap. For more tips on creating a strong resume, check out our guide on writing a tech resume.

Building confidence for your interview

Feeling nervous about explaining your gap is normal. Here are some ways to manage your nerves before the interview:

Practice your explanation until it feels natural
Remember your strengths and skills
Focus on what you can offer the company
Prepare questions to ask the interviewer
Pray for guidance and peace before the interview

Remember, everyone has challenges in their career. What matters is how you handle them and learn from them.

Conclusion

Explaining gaps in your employment during an interview doesn't have to be scary. With honesty, preparation, and a positive attitude, you can turn your gap into a strength. Focus on what you learned and how you grew during that time. Remember, the right employer will value your experiences and see how they make you a unique and valuable employee.

Learn more about Christian jobs that intersect with technology at Christian Tech Jobs. Whether you're exploring careers in faith-based organizations, hiring Christian talent, or seeking to combine your tech skills with your spiritual values, find your path in a place where technology and faith meet.