Career break. How should I mention that in my resume?
Luci Peters
Certified Professional Resume Writer
May 31, 2023, 5:19 pm

Career break. How should I mention that in my resume?

Taking a career break can be a challenging experience, but it doesn't have to hold you back in your job search. When writing your resume, it's crucial to handle the gap in your employment history effectively to ensure it doesn't negatively impact your chances of getting hired. Here are some recommendations to help you navigate a career break in your resume.

Highlight relevant skills and achievements. Focus on your skills and achievements during your career break, such as volunteering, freelance work, or taking courses to upgrade your skills. This will help demonstrate that you have been productive and invested in your personal and professional growth during your break.

Use a functional or combination resume format. Using a functional or combination format for your resume will allow you to highlight your skills and achievements in a way that doesn't focus on the gap in your employment history.

Be honest. It's always best to be honest about the reasons for your career break, whether for personal reasons, health issues, family responsibilities, or a change in career direction. Be clear and concise, and avoid going into too much detail.

Consider a cover letter. A cover letter can be a powerful tool to explain any gaps in your employment history and help you to present your career break in a positive light. Use this opportunity to provide context and highlight the skills and achievements you gained during your break.

Be prepared to address the gap in an interview. Be ready to discuss your career break in an interview. Try to emphasize the abilities and achievements you gained and focus on your transferrable skills as well as what you have to offer in your next role.

But do not worry.

Taking a career break doesn't have to be a hindrance in your job search. Writing all the details correctly, highlighting your skills and achievements, using the proper format for your resume, or sharing your explanations in a cover letter will help you address the gap in an interview. It's not hard to effectively navigate a career break in your resume with these hints. Follow our advice and increase your chances of getting hired.