Addressing Gaps in Your Work History

One common challenge that many job seekers face is a gap in their work history. With the effects of the Covid pandemic and the Great Recession, more people than ever find themselves with extended breaks in their careers. And truthfully, no one makes it through professional life without a few scars—it’s just a part of living. If you’re worried that a gap might affect your chances of getting hired, take comfort in knowing you’re not alone.

From a resume perspective, you can address gaps in a straightforward way. If possible, offer a brief explanation. For instance, you could list “Parental caregiver” or “Stay-at-home mom/dad” followed by a short description of relevant skills or experiences gained during that time. Keep it concise—just a couple of lines—to connect the dots for potential employers without drawing too much attention to the gap. If you volunteered or did freelance work, be sure to add those as well.

But what if your gap was due to a personal health challenge or a family emergency? In such cases, it's okay to leave the gap unexplained on your resume. Remember, the key is not to dwell on your time away from work during interviews but to focus on how you’re now prepared and eager to return to the workforce.

Navigating the Interview: Keep It Simple

When asked about your work gap during an interview, it's essential to remain confident and composed. Long-winded explanations about the reasons for your absence can come across as "baggage." Employers are looking for candidates who are ready to hit the ground running, not those bogged down by the past.

Here’s a simple framework you can use when answering this question:

• "After I left the military, I wanted to take some time to reconnect with my family. It was meaningful, and now I’m ready to get back to work."
• "My spouse and I were in a position where I could take time to support our kids. Now that they’re all in school, I’m excited to return to work."

The key is to keep your explanation short, simple, and boring! You don’t want to stand out because of your work gap—you want to be memorable for your skills, talents, and the value you bring to the role.

Facing Job Loss: Restructuring or Layoff

In today's economy, layoffs and involuntary job turnover are quite common. Over the past decade, there have been over 100 million instances of layoffs in the U.S. alone. If you've experienced a layoff, you're in good company. Here’s how to address it during an interview:

• "My company went through a restructuring, and I was let go."

No need for a lengthy story. Simply state the facts. Calmly answering this question reassures hiring managers and allows them to focus on your strengths.

But what if you were fired, and it was personal? Many of our clients have faced difficult work situations, including being pushed out by toxic managers or dealing with unreasonable expectations. Again, you don’t need to go into the messy details. Instead, you can say:

• "A new manager came in and wanted to bring in their own team. My role changed, and I was let go."

If the situation was even more challenging—such as a personal crisis or poor workplace performance due to life circumstances—you can still take responsibility and demonstrate growth:

• "I was going through a challenging time in my personal life, which affected my performance at work. As a result, I was let go. That chapter is now behind me, and I have learned a lot from the experience."

This type of response shows maturity and resilience, traits that employers value.

Mental Health and Neurodiversity in the Workplace

What if your brain works differently? Whether due to a mental health challenge or neurodiversity, some individuals worry about how this will affect their job search. The truth is, there’s no requirement to disclose mental health conditions or neurodivergent traits during an interview. In fact, under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), employers are prohibited from asking about disabilities before a job offer is made.

If you believe you can succeed in the role but may need minor accommodations, focus on your strengths during the interview. It’s normal for any job seeker to face challenges in certain parts of a job, and accommodations can be discussed after you’ve received a job offer. You have the right to ensure the role and workplace are a good fit for you.

Criminal Convictions: Addressing a Tough History

For job seekers with a criminal conviction, the concern is that employers will be worried about repeat behavior that could harm their business. States have different laws regarding discussing criminal records during interviews, so it’s important to check the rules in your state.

When addressing this issue, focus on how you’ve changed and why you’re now on a different path. A response might sound like this:

• "I made a mistake during a tough period in my life, and I regret it deeply. My life is now in a different place, surrounded by better influences. I am committed to making positive choices moving forward."

Keep your explanation brief and avoid going into too much detail. This way, the employer can focus on your potential and what you bring to the table.

Handling the Most Terrifying Interview Question

Everyone has that one question they dread in an interview—the one that shakes your confidence and makes you anxious. For many, it’s the infamous "What’s your biggest weakness?" question. If this question keeps you up at night, here’s what to do:

Prepare a short, simple, and boring answer. Practice saying it aloud until you feel confident. By rehearsing, you can reduce your nerves and be ready to move forward smoothly when the question arises.

Memory Aids for Interviews

Interviews can be stressful, especially when trying to recall important details. Whether due to nerves or other reasons, some job seekers may struggle with memory during interviews. Thankfully, there are strategies to help keep your responses on track and organized:

1. The Rule of Threes: This is a psychological trick that helps people retain information better. Try organizing your main points into three simple ideas. For instance, when talking about why you're a great fit for the job, focus on three skills that make you stand out.
2. Use Stories: Humans are wired to remember stories. Craft a few memorable narratives that highlight your skills and achievements. These stories should be concise and tailored to the types of questions you anticipate.
3. Memorize Critical Answers: For commonly asked questions—like "Why did you leave your last job?" or "Tell me about yourself"—memorize concise answers so you can deliver them confidently and without hesitation. This preparation will help you feel more in control during the interview.
4. Putting It on Paper: Sometimes, writing down important points helps with memory recall. Although it’s essential not to read from a script during an interview, you can use fast-reference notes for essential details. A typical black portfolio folder, with one side for a notepad and the other for your resume or documents, works well. When sitting down, place this folder on your lap or the table, with your notes visible on the top sheet. Make sure the text is large enough for quick glances, but avoid flipping through pages or staring down for too long. If visuals work better for you, feel free to include drawings or graphics.

If the interviewer comments, you could say something light-hearted like, “My nephew drew these for me to cheer me on for the interview.”

1. “The Plan” Document: One of my favorite strategies, this method positions you as proactive and well-prepared. Take your list of 3-5 essential job characteristics and supporting details, and format them into a professional, one-page document. Print a copy for yourself and for each interviewer. When asked questions like "Why should we hire you?" or "What makes you successful in this job?" use this document to walk the interviewer through your plan. It not only helps with memory but also demonstrates your professionalism and intention.

Conclusion: Turning Barriers into Road Bumps

Job gaps, setbacks, and personal challenges don’t have to be roadblocks to getting hired. With preparation, a simple and straightforward approach, and confidence in your ability to grow from past experiences, you can overcome these barriers and present yourself as a strong candidate.

* We work closely with nonprofits that support individuals facing employment barriers. This includes organizations focused on helping moms return to work, transitioning veterans, individuals with mental health challenges, and those with prior incarceration histories. If you work with such organizations, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. *