Having some type of gap in your resume is not uncommon. As a Toronto recruitment agency, we’ve seen all types of gaps appear on resumes over the years. Many have to do with employment, but they can also be related to experience, education, skills, and qualifications.
If you are looking to level up and move into a more senior role, or if you are just entering an industry, it’s likely you’ll have a couple of gaps on your resume to explain. And this is okay.
It’s not the fact that you have a gap in your resume; it’s how you address it that is most important. Below we’ll give you some advice for creative ways to address gaps in your resume:
Explain the gap
Okay, this one is not that creative, but it’s a good thing to do. Pretending the gap doesn’t exist is not a great approach, especially if there is a glaring gap in your resume. The best thing you can do is to be prepared to explain why you have a gap.
Even more important is to explain what you did during this gap. Perhaps you added a professional certification, volunteered, took a couple of courses, or went to a conference or two. Essentially, explain how you were productive, proactive, and how this has prepared you for the role you want.
Style your resume strategically
How you choose to format your resume can help you highlight your strengths and minimize the focus on your weaknesses. For example, if your strength is your education, certification, and skills but you are a little short on experience, organize your resume in a way to highlight this. The same is valid if your experience was great but you lacked other qualifications or skills. Highlight your experience.
Focus on relevant experience
You don’t have to include every job on your resume. You can disguise an employment gap by focusing on your relevant work experience for a position. Getting ultra-focused on your resume can allow you to tighten things up and make a gap less obvious. You can always explain it if you are asked about it during the interview.
More Resume Insights From Our Toronto Recruitment Agency
Why Your Resume Is Holding You Back From Getting the Job You Want
5 Generic and Overused Resume Phrases, Plus Better Alternatives
The 2-Page Resume: What to Keep & What to Cut
Rejected… Again? 4 Ways to Fix Your Resume
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