There’s this picture-perfect employment history that everyone aspires for, but not everyone can have it. In the last decade, the dwindling economy has kept many professionals out of a job for a while. Yours may even be intentional to raise family, battling with a health condition, or pursuing a different career path.
How do you now handle such gaps? Do you really have to highly the gap on your resume? Let’s start with the latter; yes, you have to mention the gap if you are returning to paid employment fresh from the gap. However, if you have gotten a job afterward, no compulsion to divulge it in your resume or during the interview, unless if asked.
Being prepared for questions relating to an employment gap will save you from a panic attack when asked. There is always a likelihood that you will be asked questions relating to the gap in an interview, prepare ahead. You can fill it up with new skills, experiences, and certifications acquired during the gap.
However, there is no shame in explaining to the potential employer of why you consider it essential to invest time into your family, pursue a lifelong or attending to the health of your loved ones. With a level of confidence, be able to convince the recruiter that you are ready to take on new challenges.