Hey, friend. Let's get one thing straight: everyone has a few blanks on their resume. Life happens – mental health struggles, burnout, moving across the country, taking care of family, or just needing time to figure out what you really want. Heck, surveys show that nearly two-thirds of professionals have taken a career break. Even LinkedIn now has a "Career Break" section for your profile!
If you felt nervous seeing that empty space, know this: you're not alone and you did not screw up. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics finds that the vast majority of people are unemployed at some point in their working lives. Gaps aren't a rare unicorn — they're human.
It might feel awkward, but trust us: the fact that you got an interview means the employer already accepted your story up to this point. They looked at your resume, saw that gap, and still invited you in. So give yourself a break (see what we did there?) and don't start your answer with "sorry, I know I took forever!"
Instead, take a deep breath and be honest. If it was for family care, health, travel, school, or just "plotting my world takeover while binge-watching Netflix" (okay, maybe don't say Netflix), treat it as a normal reason to pause. For example, Indeed.com career coaches note that common gap reasons include caring for a sick relative, recovering your health, further training, or even just looking for the right fit. All totally valid. Recruiters expect life to happen.
As one HR pro put it: applicants who pause their career often come back more motivated and resourceful, so "the least we can do is give them the opportunity they deserve". Companies know breaks happen — and many are supportive about them.
Own Your Story with Confidence
When you do talk about the gap, keep it brief, positive, and forward-looking. You don't owe anyone the gory details of burnout or personal struggles. Instead, use clear language that you would feel proud to say. For instance, Quartz (via LinkedIn News) suggests simply listing your time off on your resume as a "health/personal sabbatical".
During an interview, you might say something like: "After [last job] ended, I took a personal sabbatical to reset and focus on my well-being. During that time I took online courses in [skill], and I'm now recharged and excited to jump into my next challenge."
That's it. No need to overshare. (Career coaches advise against a blow-by-blow of therapy sessions – instead, just say you took time to address "work-related burnout" and figure out your goals.) Keep your tone upbeat: this was your choice to come back stronger.
You might even frame it as a positive. For example, "I realized my career needed a little reboot, so I took the summer to realign my goals and learn [new skill]." That shows self-awareness, not embarrassment.
Even if it was involuntary (e.g. a layoff), you can say, "It was a shock, but it became a great learning experience. I took that time to reassess where I want to take my career and upskill in areas I'm passionate about". Workhap's interview example put it well: "It was a blessing in disguise… I took the time to reassess my career direction and upskill in areas that would make me stronger in my field". See? The focus is on growth, not guilt.
Things You Can Say
- "I decided to focus on personal growth for a bit, taking online classes in [X] and volunteering at [Y]. I'm now eager to use those new skills here."
- "After my last role, I took a planned break for personal development. I traveled, did some independent study in [field], and now I've never been more focused on getting back to work."
- "I spent last year taking care of a family member, which improved my time management and prioritization skills. I'm proud of that time and ready to apply what I've learned."
- "I needed a mental health break, so I used it as a chance to reassess my career path. I'm refreshed and clear on where I want to go next." (You don't have to say "burnout" if you don't want. Even saying "personal wellness leave" or "health sabbatical" is okay.)
- "During my gap, I actually started a small passion project/blog in [field]. It taught me [skills] and kept me engaged with industry trends."
Each phrase is honest but short and sharp. You can personalize them (swap in "coding bootcamp," "teaching my kids," etc.). The key is pivoting fast: mention why (if needed), then immediately show what's next.
It might help to practice a mini "elevator pitch" about your gap before the interview. Rehearse it until it feels natural. And remember: don't apologize for it. You did what you had to do, and now you're a better candidate for it.
Focus Forward: Skills & What's Next
Once you've said your piece about the gap, steer the conversation to your strengths. Talk up any relevant things you did during that time: courses, certifications, volunteer gigs, freelancing, networking, or even soft skills like resilience and perspective. If you learned a new tool or language, mention that. If you traveled, you could say it helped you with cultural awareness or independence. Show that you never really "stopped" growing.
For example, Novoresume suggests something like: "I took the year off to focus on professional development – I started a marketing blog, read 20+ industry books, and attended networking events". You don't need to claim all that, but share whatever applies.
If the gap was caregiving or parenting, frame it as a job too: "Managing my household and helping my kids taught me project management, communication, and prioritization." It's okay to put "Family Care" or "Personal Projects" on your resume with bullet points of your learnings.
The goal is to prove you've grown. Employers want to know you're future-focused: "What have you done lately? What will you do here?" So answer both. For example: "During the break I became proficient in [skill], and now I'm excited to apply that and continue learning here."
Always bring it back to the position: explain how your refreshed mindset or new skills make you a great fit. Maybe say, "I used the time to confirm that [industry/role] is what I really want, and I've built [skill] that directly helps this job." This shows confidence and curiosity – qualities hiring managers love.
You've Got This – No Shame, No Worries
Feel the knots in your stomach? Totally normal. It can be nerve-wracking to talk about gaps, but try to view it as a non-issue. Some experts even say if they asked you to interview, your gap clearly wasn't a dealbreaker. In the end, your accomplishments and attitude matter more than a line on a timeline. So hold your head high!
Employers understand the job market is weird nowadays. Many have had their own breaks or know someone who did. One HR leader shared how they hired someone who cared for a sick relative – they called it a "powerful reminder" that gaps aren't failures but priorities. Treat your story like that: a chapter that added value, not a stain.
Keep it casual: you might even joke a little (if it fits) to show confidence. For instance, "I was CEO of Kid Logistics last year and even got a degree in diaper-changing management, but now I'm thrilled to jump back into the corporate world!" (Okay, maybe skip that exact line, but you get the idea.)
Bottom line: don't apologize or get flustered. Say it, move on, and shine on the stuff you're great at. You've taken steps (however personal they were) that made you stronger. Now it's about demonstrating that strength.
Employers who invited you this far already think you've got the chops. So give them the rest of the story confidently, and let your future (not the gap) speak loudest. You've been through this — you know yourself better now. Believe in that.
Go in prepared, stay honest, and remember: your value is in who you are and what you bring next. The gap is just a comma in your story, not a period.
You've got this. 🌟
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