At some point in our careers, we will be asked about ‘gaps in our CV’. A lot of the time we really can’t help but have a slight break in our careers. If we are looking for work in between jobs, then surely that’s fair enough, right? And all in all, yes, this is fine. But if there happens to be an extensive period when you were looking for work, then perhaps eyebrows will be raised in investigative anticipation. What you ideally want to be doing during that ‘break’, especially if it is lasting a little longer than you perhaps first hoped it would, is making use of the time.
How to productively fill your time
Look to spend your days committed to learning a new skill, or taking a course on a subject that is going to enhance your development as a professional. Prospective employers will hopefully understand that looking for a job can be a full-time job in itself, so seeing you have taken the initiative to utilise your time wisely will be looked upon favourably.
What might result in a career break?
This is a difficult one to answer as life is difficult to predict. Whether it is taking a career break for travelling, a sabbatical or that you require a rest from work, it is important that this is detailed on your CV.
Sometimes reasons for a break can be sensitive and so sharing them at an interview can be awkward. You are not obliged to reveal anything sensitive in detail so feel free to give a simple and short explanation.
Impacts of career breaks
You may have heard the phrase: ‘It’s always easier to find work if you have work.’ If you are in employment it is usually more reassuring to prospective employers reviewing a CV.
However, if you are looking for work, do not look at this as a negative. Just ensure that your CV details the reasons that you are immediately available to work. Finally, always make sure the months and years you worked to and from for each employer are clearly specified on your CV.
We hope your job seeking is a success. For further information, contact our team through ap-personnel.com.
