Let’s be honest, talking about gaps in your CV can feel awkward. Whether you took time out for personal reasons, found yourself between jobs, or chose to pause and reassess your direction, it can be hard to know how to explain it… without worrying about how it
might come across.
But here’s the good news: career breaks are more common than ever, and most employers won’t hold them against you. In fact, if you handle it well, these gaps can show off some of your best qualities: resilience, self-awareness and a willingness to grow.
In this blog, we’ll explore how to talk about career gaps in a way that feels natural, honest and positive, so you can approach your applications and interviews with confidence.
What is a career gap?
A career gap is any period of time when you weren’t in formal employment. It might have been a few months or a few years. Either way, what matters is how you explain it.
Career gaps can happen for all sorts of reasons, and you’re not alone if your CV includes one (or more!). Remember, life isn’t always linear, and neither are our careers.
Common reasons for CV gaps (and how to talk about them)
Here are some common reasons for career gaps… and how to explain them confidently and simply:
Career gaps can happen for all sorts of reasons, and you’re not alone if your CV includes one (or more!). Remember, life isn’t always linear, and neither are our careers.
1. Caring responsibilities
Taking time out to care for family, whether raising children, looking after a relative or supporting someone through illness, is nothing to be ashamed of. It shows you can handle responsibility, and prioritise and show up for others when it matters. It can also build soft skills like organisation, communication and empathy, all of which are hugely valuable in the workplace.
Here’s how you might explain it:
“I took a period of time off to care for a family member.”
2. Job hunting or industry change
Sometimes, a gap happens because you’re in between jobs or pivoting into something new. If you were actively job seeking or exploring a change, it’s fine to say so. You might also have spent time networking, researching roles or doing freelance/voluntary work… all things worth mentioning.
Here’s how you might explain it:
“I was exploring opportunities in the [industry] and actively seeking new challenges.”
3. Travel, sabbatical or personal development
Maybe you took a year out to travel, volunteer, write a book or focus on your wellbeing. That’s valid too. Taking time out can help you reset, recharge and come back with a fresh perspective, which can be a real strength in your next role.
Here’s how you might explain it:
“I took a gap year to [activity/personal development].”
4. Redundancy or company changes
Redundancies happen, and they rarely reflect your ability or performance. If you were laid off, explain it simply and focus on what you did next. Whether that was a course, consultancy work or taking time to reassess, it all counts.
Here’s how you might explain it:
“I was made redundant due to [reason] and used the time to upskill in [area] by [method].”
5. Health or recovery
Taking time to recover from illness (physical or mental) shows strength and self-awareness. You don’t need to go into detail, just be honest and focus on how you’re now ready and motivated to get back into work.
Here’s how you might explain it:
“After a period of recovery, I’m now ready and excited to re-enter the workplace with renewed focus.”
How to talk about a career gap in your CV, cover letter and interviews
If you need to talk about a career gap, here are some easy ways to do it, whether that’s in your CV, cover letter or interview:
1. Be honest (but keep it brief!)
You don’t need to go into your entire life story. A short, clear explanation is all that’s needed. Frame it confidently and positively, without apologising or over-explaining.
- CV example: 2023–2024: Career break – cared for a family member and volunteered.
- Cover letter example: “I took a short break to care for a family member, and I’m now looking forward to bringing my energy and focus to a new role.”
- Interview example: “I was caring for a family member and used the time to learn new skills. I’m now ready and excited for my next step.”
2. Highlight what you learned
Think about what you gained during that time. Did you lead a project? Manage your own time? Learn something new that supports your next step? Whatever it is, mention it!
- CV example: 2023–2024: Career break (developed project management and digital collaboration skills through voluntary work).
- Cover letter example: “During my time away from formal work, I developed skills in organisation and stakeholder communication, which I’m excited to bring into a new role.”
- Interview example: “That time helped me build strong project management and communication skills, and I’m ready to apply those in a professional setting again.”
3. Connect the gap to the role you’re applying for
Tailor your explanation to show how your experience has prepared you for this role – and why now’s the right time.
- CV example: 2022–2023: Career break to travel and pursue personal development (returned with renewed focus and direction in digital marketing).
- Cover letter example: “After a break for personal development, I’m motivated and ready to bring fresh energy, clarity and creativity to this role.”
- Interview example: “Taking time out helped me refocus. I’m now clear on the type of role I want, and this position is exactly the challenge I’ve been preparing for.”
4. Keep your CV neat
If your gap was short (a few months), there’s no need to highlight it. Where possible, format your work history by years only (rather than months and years) to avoid drawing attention to breaks.
Ready to turn any career gaps into a powerful part of your CV?
Career gaps don’t define you. They’re just one part of your story, and they often say more about your values, priorities and strengths than you realise. By being honest, framing your experience positively, and showing what you’ve learned or gained, you can turn any career break into a powerful part of your CV.
If you need support rewriting your CV or preparing for an interview, I’m here to help.
You can book a free virtual coffee with me here.
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