If you’ve been out of the workforce for awhile, you may feel a bit apprehensive about coming back, but many people step away from their jobs for a bit and return stronger than ever. It’s important to be honest about your employment gap, because there’s nothing to be ashamed of.
Interviewers will ask about your time away, so formulate a response that puts a positive spin on it. No matter how you spent your break, highlight why it made you stronger and more eager than ever to get back to work.
3 Resume Tips for Job Seekers with an Employment Gap
Whether you lost your job or took time off for personal reasons, you want employers to realize you have just as much to offer as candidates with a continuous work history. Learn how to create a resume that solely focuses on your fit for the job:
Use a Skills-Based Format
The chronological resume has become the standard, but it certainly isn’t the only acceptable format. A skills-based layout focuses on your expertise relevant to the position, instead of placing your employment history front and center. You’ll list your skills at the top of the page and your work history at the bottom, forcing the hiring manager to see that you’re fully qualified for the job, instead of immediately discrediting you based on your employment gap.
Include Volunteer Experience
Volunteering is a great way to keep your skills sharp, so if you held any relevant volunteer roles while you were unemployed, put them on your resume. It doesn’t really matter if you were getting paid or not, as long as you were continuing to learn and grow your skillset during your hiatus. Choosing to volunteer your time also demonstrates your passion for the work, which is sure to impress the hiring manager.
Highlight Continuing Education Courses
The business world changes at rapid pace, so taking continuing education courses is often necessary to keep up. Whether your employment gap was caused by a decision to head back to school full-time or you just opted to take a few classes while unemployed for other reasons, it’s definitely wise to emphasize your heightened skillset. Company leaders want to hire people who are open to continued growth, not those unwilling to learn anything new.
Want to refocus on your career after taking a break from the workforce? Contact PrideStaff Dallas. Our team is here to help you find a rewarding position where you can put your skills to good use.
