Especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, gaps in employment are now quite common and understandable. That said, it’s still important to prepare to explain them to prospective employers as early in the application process as your resume and cover letter submission. Behavioral Health Jobs has put together some interview tips for how to talk about gaps in employment. To find popular behavioral health jobs in your area, use our job posting resources.
Why You Shouldn’t Be Embarrassed About Gaps in Employment
Experiencing gaps in employment is more prevalent now than ever, and many employers understand that unforeseen circumstances can disrupt one’s career path. Whether it was due to personal health issues, caregiving responsibilities, or job market fluctuations, these gaps can often reflect resilience and adaptability. When discussing your employment history, consider highlighting the skills or insights gained during your time away from the workforce. This demonstrates to potential employers that you view challenges as opportunities for personal growth and development.
Moreover, acknowledging a gap in your employment can foster a sense of transparency and authenticity in your applications. Employers value candidates who are honest about their experiences, as this openness can build trust. Additionally, by framing your time away from work in a positive light, you can shift the focus from the gap itself to the valuable life experiences you’ve accumulated. Your unique journey can set you apart from other candidates, showcasing your ability to navigate life’s challenges with grace and determination.
Tips and Tricks for Explaining Gaps in Your Resume
Career gaps can happen for any number of good reasons. These include taking care of a child or elderly relative, being laid off, relocating, pursuing education or certification, or taking a medical leave. First, decide whether you need to include the gap in your written materials. If it occurred a long time ago, you might simply not list the jobs surrounding it on your resume. Typically, it’s best to focus on more recent experience anyway.
You may also be able to camouflage a gap of less than a year by simply listing jobs by years rather than months and years. Alternatively, a functional resume format, which focuses on skills more than experiences, may do the trick. If you do need to address a gap, however, here are a few tips.
Be Honest and Forthcoming
There’s no advantage in hiding or apologizing for your life story. Focus on the positive and address potential employers’ curiosity as just that, curiosity. Typically, employers simply want to know what the gap represents to you and be assured that it won’t impede your success in your new job.
Be Succinct
A career gap should not be the star of your resume, cover letter, or interview. Remember that your main thrust should be selling your strengths, not explaining away experience deficits. If you’re nervous about discussing a career gap in person, practice aloud before an interview. Work to get explanations into their shortest form without seeming unforthcoming.
Be Positive
What did you learn during your career gap? Did you pursue any educational endeavors? Did you develop soft skills that make you a better employee? What new perspective or outlook did you gain? Did you do freelance or volunteer work that’s relevant to your field and worth describing in depth?
If you are currently experiencing a gap in employment, it is important to view this time as an opportunity to develop your marketable skills and be proactive about your job search.
Being Proactive About Developing Marketable Skills
If you’re currently in a career gap, here are a few more tips for optimizing this time for your future self:
- Pursue professional development of some kind – Many certifications can be earned online. Spend some time researching your field, then add a new skill or two to your resume while you await your next big opportunity.
- Take advantage of free resources – While professional certifications or classes may not be free, many learning opportunities are. Explore job search platforms and professional networking websites for a host of free or low-cost training and video tutorials to complete on your own.
- Build your professional network – Stay active on professional networking sites and stay up to speed on developments in your field or future field. You may be surprised how your connections can help put you in touch with just the person you need to know to land your next role when you’re ready.
- Embrace the contract or freelance economy – Especially since the beginning of the pandemic, freelance and contract work are increasingly common. Many people, in fact, have come to find this more flexible work style preferable to the traditional 9-to-5. To keep your skills sharp or break into a new high-demand field, take on a side hustle.
- Volunteer – Not only does doing good for others help those in need, release endorphins, and build self-esteem, but it also gives you something impressive to put on your resume. Whether your volunteer work is directly related to your field or not, at the very least, you are probably building soft skills like empathy and communication. These will only help you later on when you’re in a position to be hired.
Being proactive when it comes to securing employment and developing your skills are the best things you can do for yourself and your career. For more advice or to view open positions in behavioral healthcare near you, visit the Behavioral Health Jobs website.
Find Opportunities in Your Location Through Behavioral Health Jobs Today
Finding job opportunities in your area has never been easier, thanks to Behavioral Health Jobs. Our platform offers a user-friendly interface where you can search for tailored behavioral health positions based on your location and specific interests. Whether you’re seeking full-time roles or flexible contracts, our website provides access to a multitude of listings that cater to various career stages. Begin your journey toward a fulfilling career in behavioral healthcare by exploring the diverse opportunities available today.
