How to Overcome Employment Gap during interview.

So you were out of work for a while and are now planning to re-enter the workforce. The idea of hunting for a job is stressful enough?and it will be even more so when you have to think about how to explain to potential employers why you were out of work for a certain period of time. Whether you got laid off from your previous employment or had to quit your job to attend to personal matters, the ?gap? will leave a glaring mark in your resume and this is something you need to deal with.

Naturally, the companies you apply to would want to know why there is a gap in your resume. You need to be able to fully prepare yourself for this if you want to make it to the next step of the job hiring process. Don?t worry, having a gap in your resume is not going to be a hindrance in you finding a job but it will work to your disadvantage if you do not know how to effectively address the matter.

Explain the Gap in Your Cover Letter

It is best if you give a short explanation about your employment gap in your cover letter. It does not have to be a narrative, but instead, keep it to one to three sentences just so they would have an idea why you were not working for a given period of time. If you had a hard time finding a job after being laid off from work, or if you were suffering from a serious illness, it would not be advisable to go into detail about it.

What to Include in the Resume

If you have an employment gap but you have kept yourself busy ?professionally? then you should mention it in your resume. If you have been out of work but were able to do some freelancing, then you should make sure to mention this in the work experience section of your resume. This way, the hiring manager will be able to see how hardworking you are and how dedicated you are to your career. On the other hand, if your employment gap occurred a long time ago, then it is okay to leave it out of your resume.

How to Answer Interview Questions About Employment Gap

If you have an employment gap then expect that your interviewer will ask about it. Of course, they would want to know why. The best way to answer is being brief and direct, leave out unnecessary details and do not give out too much information. Also add a positive note telling the interviewer that you are already very eager to start working again.

Do not let an employment gap discourage you from finding the job that you want. Bad things can happen to anyone and even hiring officers know that. Just stay positive and do not let this matter stress you out during your job search.

Showing Comments 1 - 75 of 234 Comments

dhanashri Jadhav

 

I have a gap of 1 yr in education and 1 yr gap in job exp. I am in manual testing and hav 1.6 yrs of expand total 2.6 yrs exp? Will get a job in IT company.

hotboy_kartick

 

I completed my Btech in 2006.Right now I am in search of job in IT companies.Did hardware and networking course.These years I have gap.How to join in any company and what kind of jobs can I get into easily.and which companies accept my gap???

lucky.nidhi03

 

I have 3 yr gap in academic between 10th and diploma.After that I have a clean record of 6 yrs in both diploma and Btech in information technology.But for a fresher this gap is creating a problem what to do ?and where to apply for job?

raxa.patel

 

How Do you get job with 4 yr. gap.

Mamta1_rc

 

I have Completed my m.c.a in 2004,than after marriage I was in u.s for 2 yrs than after coming to India I join in BPO industry I worked there nearly about 3 yr , now I want to join IT industry in soft testing I have done testing course so can I get opportunity or bcas of gap it is problematic. Plz suggest.

vanilkumar_1986

 

I completed my graduate in 2006
after that I joined MCA but I failed to complete the course,now I am working in a company as a software engineer how to show that 3 years gap in my career

mohd anas

 

Mam I m currently pursuing Btech 3rd yr from computer science branch and there is a gap of two year between my intermediate and Btech joining..what will be the effect of this gap in my career and campus placement??

kart.senam

 

I am good at Oracle and Peoplesoft application though as a fresher can;t i get an opportunity. I am having 3 years gap with 1year of IT experience as Programmer. But as of Interest on oracle, I have learned Peoplesoft. Can i get a chance of working as a Peoplesoft dba on fresher basis

karjun.malli

 

Hi, I am Mallikarjun I am studying M.sc maths.but I am working in teaching for the past ten years. there is no growth in my carrier. want to change my carrier.I have interest in manual testing and I learned that course.I have interest in testing carrier. I have no experience in software field. carrier gap is ten years.

arun02ak31

 

Hi I am Arunkumar I completed B.E 2009 passed out. I done oracle 10g certification.. my +12 56% only...now I am seeking job in oracle side 2 years gap wat can I do

shilpa kosta

  • Jul 19th, 2012
 

i want to start my career again after 3 years gap,due to marriage i took a break but now i want to start it again but in new field in hr without any experience ,but my last experience was in technical field IT, should i will be able to do that,I have MCM degree masters of computer managnent , what questions will be asked by the interviewer please solve my query as soon as possible and send it to me.

kumar

  • Aug 22nd, 2012
 

Hi, I passed my B.Tech in 2006, in 2009 started my career. How to fill this gap of 3yrs?

KARTHIKEYAN.K

  • Sep 3rd, 2012
 

I completed B.E EEE in 2008. I had worked in 3 different fields . 1 year in software sales, 1 year in site engineering and 5 months in Admin/hr in UAE. I have an employment gap of 1.3 year. i dunno how to approach in interview and how to explain for different work experience and gap. Please help me

saurabh srivastav

  • Sep 14th, 2012
 

I have 5 years gap between 12th and graduation first year. what to answer in an interview about this gap?

shimpi

  • Oct 9th, 2012
 

I have done my 10th in 2004 and in 2007-2010 I done my diploma and doing B.Tech of batch 2010 to 2013. Is the gap between my 10 and diploma is consider as an year gap for any it company recruitment?

Hidayath

  • Oct 12th, 2012
 

HI, I was completed my Diploma in mechanical engineering in 2006 after i have 4 year experience in Filters manufacturing company after that now i am doing B E in mechanical engineering (7th Sem) for any problem for job Apply

Bhagyashri

  • Dec 15th, 2012
 

I completed my Graduation with M.S.University but now as a Receptionist. But I want to work as a finance Accountant then what to do?

manjunath.k

  • Dec 17th, 2012
 

I completed degree in 2009 but now I am trying for jobs in BPO sector in these 3 years I helped to my father in agriculture

Padma Gandekar

  • Jun 13th, 2013
 

Hi,
I have done my MBA hr in 2006 from pune. after marriage and family responsibilities i was at home around 2.5 years. i joined wipro bpo in 2010 and worked there for 2.8 years. I would like to restart my career in HR filed.need help

B Natesan

  • Jun 30th, 2013
 

hi i done my bca at year 1999-2002 and passed out on 2004. and more over i had gaps in education over all 4 years including my degree and i had worked in more than 5 companies in banking domain.now my company is got closed due to some audit purpose.now iam seeking a job pls kindly advice me which domain i have to go.Whether IT industry or banking.kindly give the solution

sandhya

  • Jul 17th, 2013
 

I have 4 years of experience in research and analytics.... mainly in reporting and analysis, I have 1.5 years of gap searching Job not getting one, Now i have learnt Advance analytics but no experience in the same. please suggest

Sumathi

  • Jul 17th, 2013
 

Hi sir,
i completed +2 in 1996-1997 and i have done degree 1998-2002(Distance Education BA Economics) then I completed MCA 2004-2007(Regular).I am searching job in testing but i cleared all the technical but in HR reject.How to overcome these problem.Please help me sir i have lot of problem in my family.If i get the job everything will be cure.Please kindly replay me as soon as possible

Apoorva Sharma

  • Aug 13th, 2013
 

Ive an experience of 4.5 yrs in banking sector. I took a break for 1 yr because of marriage. But now I want to work again. How can I fill the gap??

priya

  • Aug 31st, 2013
 

suggest me any course in testing to go back to IT industry with 5 yrs of experience and 3 yrs gap

poorvi

  • Sep 30th, 2013
 

hi i hav education gap after inter one yr and after bsc one yr total 2yrs gap in education and ifinished mca in 2009
and after that i got married and got 4 yrs gap so at present i want to work so now am searching job in IT company so how can fill the gaps

Freny Chandragade

  • Oct 8th, 2013
 

Sir/Madam I completed my diploma in year 2003 and due to financial problem I completed my Engg 2009-2012. From 2004 to till I am working in a non-IT companies. At the time of diploma period when I had facing IT interviews they rejects me due to non graduation student. Now I have completed my graduation without anyone supports for my goals, and now when I apply for IT companies they rejects me due to education gap.

I have, 2 yrs exp as a computer operator, 3 yrs exp as a logistic executive, 3 yrs-Data analyst. I leaved my first job ie. computer operator bcoz I had got a job as a web developer but due to recession company denied me then I had try for same post but I didnt get, and then I had join logistic executive through previous experience. That company is good but my aim is to complete my education, to complete my engineering and I join correspondence B-Tech in electronics (Saturday and Sunday classes) but this company also denied me due to recession and I needed job that time any how for completing my education and I have join Data analysis job from 2009 to continue. From last 4-5 months I given interviews and I try in IT jobs also but some companies reject me due to educational gap and some that I am fresher.

Now I would request you to kindly suggest me, for what type of jobs I can search. Pls suggest me.

k leela phanindra kumar

  • Oct 12th, 2013
 

i have completed my post graduate diploma in management in banking insurace and finance in 2012 till now i havent worked any where so plz suggest me how to over come from this gap

sweety

  • Nov 2nd, 2013
 

Hi, I completed my post graduation in the year 2010.. I did not get job after that. So i dedicated my time in preparing and trying for govt jobs. but I found no luck in that. I am still a fresher. What reason can I give for this 3 years gap during interview.

B.Raghunath

  • Nov 2nd, 2013
 

I have finished my Diploma in 2006 and I have done my engineering in 2009. Basically I am an Automobile engineer, I am not interested in Automobile field. Looking for a different job profile to built my carrier, I am passionate towards getting a BPO job. I know BPO is one of the growing industry, looking for bpo voice or non-voice process job. After finishing my engineering in 2009, 2 years I spent for my engineering back-locks and rest 2 years I was looking after my fathers business in our native because of my family situation. What could I answer to fill the 4 years gap.

kt

  • Nov 8th, 2013
 

i have completed my mba in finance in 2010..after that i have tried for banks till 2012 but i was unable to get into it. and now i am not having any job.please suggest me how can i get job after 3 year gap after mba and no experience.

HEMANT SHARMA

  • Nov 20th, 2013
 

Sir I have completed 12th in 1996 and bsc in 2004 and mca in 2007 .After MCA I start computer institute.but some reasons after 5 years I closed my institute.After that time i am teaching in college.but I want to leave teaching field.and want to join ITor BPO field. so please suggest how to fulfill the gap and how to found job.

rahul singh

  • Dec 20th, 2013
 

I have Completed my B_tech in 2010. now I want to join IT industry in software developer. pl,suggest how to convince interviewer and way to fill 4 yrs gap.

shailesh kumar pandit

  • Jan 14th, 2014
 

I have 5 years gap between 12th and graduation first year. what to answer in an interview about this gap. but
i have complete 10+2 in 2007 but at this time pursuing graduation from smu. but my degree will be complete in 2015. but my experience is 3 years IT desktop support enginer, at this time i am working at desktop support. may i attend interview tcs,bipro,

swati seth

  • Jan 28th, 2014
 

Hi I have completed my graduation in 2009 and then from july 2009 till march 2010 i worked with genpact as a customer care executive and then from march 2010 till november 2010 i worked with ICICI bank as a junior officer it was a sales process and then from january 2011 till july 2012 i worked with IBM as a customer care executive. Now from August 2012 till present I am pursuing MA economics regular course. How should I explain such frequent gaps in switching jobs and then coming back to studies. How can I make such points my strong points in order to get a job?

Richa Pandey

  • Feb 5th, 2014
 

Dear Sir,
I did my MCA in the year of 2004, after that id joined a company as a software developer. But due to some unavoidable circumstances i left the job in 2006 end.
Now i want to reshape my carrier, please suggest me how to overcome with this gap or should i try for some other field if yes please suggest me some and how.

thanks

reema

  • Mar 13th, 2014
 

Hi, I completed my post graduation in the year 2010.. I did not get job after that. So i dedicated my time in preparing and trying for govt jobs. but I found no luck in that. I am still a fresher. What reason can I give for this 4 years gap during interview.and can i get a job now in bpo

neelam

  • Mar 13th, 2014
 

hello sir,i am graduate in bca but after 12th there is 2 years gap between 12 to degree due to exam time jaundice,now i tried to get govt jobs but worried about my gap.

Gaurav

  • Mar 13th, 2014
 

Hi, I completed my post graduation in finance in the year 2010.. I did not get job after that. So i dedicated my time in preparing and trying for govt jobs. but I found no luck in that. I am still a fresher. What reason can I give for this 4 years gap during interview and can i get a job now in Banking sectors......?

shaikhidrees

  • Apr 7th, 2014
 

sir, i am MCA student. Actually i have 6 years gap between the education.then how will happens for my carrier because i am elder bro of my family and my dad was retired person bur my family expectations of lot to me i am very frustrated for future and i am very passionate guy and very positive of being about my life happened. pls suggest me

vivek more

  • Apr 8th, 2014
 

Hi sir, I have completed my BCS in last year. I got 58 %. But my basic problem is that my age is now 27 and recently I join the Software Testing class in MindScript. After 12th i was doing the job because of my family financial problem. 6 years i was doing the job and afterwords I admit the Bcs in D.Y.Patil ACS College, Pimpri. So It is comfertable for me Join the Software testing class and placement? My age, educational gap etc. matter in company interview? please guide me..

shwetank tiwari

  • May 1st, 2014
 

respected sir, my name is shwetank tiwari, i had completed my b.tech(electronics and communication) in 2011 with 55.4% of marks, still i am a job seeker due to my 3 years career gap but i am very keen to start the work related to my subject. so, please give me the suggestion that what should i have to do fulfil this gap and become a complete person for a good job. sir, please help me...

Indira

  • May 13th, 2014
 

Hi, gm sir,
I completed my post graduation(M.C.A) in the year 2009. I did not get job after that. So i dedicated my time in preparing and trying for govt jobs. but I found no luck in that. I am still a fresher.so, please give me the suggestion that what should i have to do fulfil this gap and become a complete person for a good job. sir, please help me...

RAKESH

  • May 17th, 2014
 

I have 5 years gap in graduation . Now am going to complete my graduation on 2015 simultaneously i complete my cs executive as well...what to answer in an interview about this gap. but i have complete 10+2 in 2009 ,cs foundation in 2010, but at this time pursuing graduation from ICSI -IGNOU COURSE.. but my degree will be complete in 2015. but my experience is 3 years working in bpo and under an accountant...

pooja

  • May 22nd, 2014
 

I have completed BE in 2013 and still searching for job i wanna ask you what should be my answer if they ask for year gap

Atul kumar singh

  • May 24th, 2014
 

sir/Madam i am 2008-12 passout . done B.tech with cs trade and in the gap of these 2 years of gap i m teaching in an Engineering college . but now just i want to move to the IT industry for the java developer profile .
is it possible plz tell me and How What should i do???

karunesh

  • Jun 8th, 2014
 

i completed mech. engg.graduation in 2012 and after then i didnt det gob till now ...please guide how to get a job in prodoction company or related profile...

Sudha

  • Jun 14th, 2014
 

I am a 2008 BE(ECE) pass out with 83%. Due to recession, i couldn't get a job. Then i pursued my mba(HR) and completed in 2011. I want to re- enter in my technical field as I am extremely passionate about it, How do i get it cause even I don't have a good job in HR. Please help, I just don't know. I have already completed Java, networking and embedded systems in 2009 but in vain. please tell what to do.

Ashwini Tiwari

  • Jun 26th, 2014
 

i have done my bsc it with two years diploma course(ANIIT) from NIIT in december 2012 that is distance education and i am working in BPO.can i go for .NET because i have 2 years gap and i am freser. can i get a job after joining any institute whice gives placement assistance.i have good knowledge about .NET
please respond me .
Thanks

Mahesh.v

  • Jun 27th, 2014
 

Hi ,

I have 5 years of sql server dba experience. I worked for night shifts for all the 5 years in production support. This is had created a lot of health issues and even worse after marriage. So, I had to taken a break for 1 year. Now I feel good so that I was able to live normal life and after a long time is was able to spend some quality time with my family members. Again, not to forgot, my wife and myself are working employees. She works in morning shifts and i work night shifts and thanks to my wife of being bold and I took a bold decision to take a break when i was at peak. Now I am feeling good and started attending interviews and i want to get back to work. I know for the matter of fact, they would ask this question and i was very honest and said i had health issues and so I had to take a break. For some reason, recruiters are not convinced with the answer even after telling them i have completed my certification and I am active participant in sql server forums. Again, they arent able to offer the package which i am getting. Despite of telling that we can negotiate on package for which i am expecting the same which i was getting in my earlier company. Sadly they dont respond. Even worse, these .... recruiters in HRs are back around technical people calling now n them to attend interviews and once the interview is over, they dont even respond to follow up email. very bad... anyways, i am not worried at all. i have compelete faith in my abilities that I can pull it off. Just here to ask for your help, how to present myself/showcase better so that I can be able to convince them to be more beneficially for both company and myself. Any tips so that I can show them I was able to constant touch with technology all the time.

Rahul Kumar Sharma

  • Jun 28th, 2014
 

Dear Sir/Madam I am 2011 BCA passout and pursring in mca final year part time, now a days working in BPO.
and I tried to get job in IT sector but I got reject in interview due to my 3 year gap. please suggest me what should i do for founding job in IT sector.
Due to 3 year gap my programing knowledge is weak. So please suggest me what course is suitable for me.
Which course is best for me. please tell me what should I do.

Dhanashri

  • Jun 30th, 2014
 

I am working for 3 years in the field of teaching after E&Tc engineering. Please tell me the courses through which I can switch to companies..

Ramya

  • Jul 25th, 2014
 

I did my graduation in the year 2008 BE(ECE) but i am not having relevant experience into my stream. Worked as a System admin, data consultant executive and now into marketing assistant. My dream is to join in electronics company into product manufacturing side to explore my knowledge and to gain knowledge as well. Now almost 5.6 yrs gap how to switch over into my stream, please guide me. TKS! Looking for your suggestions or ideas immediately.

SIJIN SAM

  • Aug 5th, 2014
 

Dear Sir/Madam, I completed Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (DEEE) in 2005. I had 2 years Experience in Electrical Engineering, Then i studied BE In Computer Science & Engineering in the year of 2007 to 2010, after that I did not get job up to may 2012. presently I have, 2 yrs exp as a Software Engineer up to may 2014, but now just i want to move to the Govt sector, so i am trying to write an exams now, still i would like to join any of computer or electrical jobs for my expenses, bcz im staying from out of my hometown, But i feel, if i join any company, my goal will affect, please tell me what should I do...

Neetika Goel

  • Aug 6th, 2014
 

I have Done MCA with 80% and also have 4 year experience with TechMahindra Ltd.

In January 2013 left the job because of my child health.Now I want to rejoin.

Please suggest.

Manisha

  • Aug 16th, 2014
 

Hi, I completed my post graduation(M.C.A) in the year 2013 I did not get job after that. So i dedicated my time in preparing and trying for govt jobs. but I found no luck in that. I am still a fresher.so, please give me the suggestion that what should i have to do fulfill this gap and become a complete person for a good job.i wanna ask u what should be my answer if they ask for year gap sir, please help me...

Tinku

  • Aug 23rd, 2014
 

I Got a Gap of 2years in education to complete my graduation and after that i entered in one job where i worked for a period of 4 months and Due to Some Personal Reason I left that Job and after that i Just wasted my time for one more year due to that Personal Problem , I was Unable to Concentrate on any Job and People in home r Scolding and tell y don't you get on to some job instead of sitting idol. So Now I am interested in doing Job for Money I need now But with this Past how can i face an interviewer with this gaps in my Career.Please Could you show me any proper reason so that i can convenience the interviewer at the time of Personal Interview. It would be a A Great helpful to me and My Career?

shiva

  • Sep 9th, 2014
 

dear sir/madam,
i completed my b.tech in 2012 with percentage of 56 and up to now i could not get even any job please tell me the job opportunity

Amrutha B K

  • Oct 19th, 2014
 

Sir/Madam
I joined engineering in 2009 but i had only one subject back in 5th sem i didnt got any year back but one back subject i completed in 2014 jan. i am confused that it is a year back or not.please tell sir/madam

Abhishek

  • Jan 10th, 2015
 

I have completed my MCA in 2011 from Sikkim Manipal University as correspondence. now i want to start my career as manual tester..interview cut i am getting problem for interview calls.please suggest me what should i do. i have taken training form a institute for testing.

shivani Misra

  • Mar 6th, 2015
 

I have worked in the embedded software domain for 6.5 years but, after that i took a maternity break of 5 years... how to start for a job search

Suresh kumar Das

  • Mar 6th, 2015
 

Respected sir, My name SUREH DAS, my qualification is b.tech in Electrical and Electornics Engg. in 2013 in 60%. But now i am 1 year gap. i serch my job in my subject but am not get. so what i am doing.? how to say my 1 year gap if interviewr ask me ? which give me a good job..

guruprasad

  • Apr 15th, 2015
 

Hello Sir, I ve finished my MCA 2011 and after one year i ve not get any job so because of my family financial problem i would ve joined in Real estate company. I ve experinced in that 2.5 years, right now I finished SAP Basis so now i wish join in IT company how to over come this 3.5 years gap please let me the solution....

guru

  • May 7th, 2015
 

I have completed MCA year of 2011 and after that I searched Job in IT field for One year, after that I have joined Real Estate Marketing Executive and I ve 2.5 years experience in that field. Now I ve completed my SAP Basis course and I would like to work in IT filed , So now how to overcome this year gap from different field. please help me to overcome this problem.

sowjanya

  • Jun 1st, 2015
 

sir i completed my btech in2013.one year i am at home ,next year i went to bank coaching,now i want to go to an interview how can i overcome that gap

karthikmachiraju

  • Aug 31st, 2015
 

Yes you can get the job in IT company since you have experience in testing field. For gaps no need to worry if you have knowledge on your work.

karthikmachiraju

  • Aug 31st, 2015
 

Yes you can go for testing, but you have to join as a fresher since field of experience is different

karthikmachiraju

  • Aug 31st, 2015
 

You can fill up the gap with the bank coaching online, " As my parents suggested me go for bank coaching i went for a training , after few months there was few financial crisis at home so i have decide my new career to improve my skills

ruchika gawande

  • Sep 2nd, 2015
 

Hi, I am Ruchika Gawande, I completed my graduation in the year 2014 BE computer also done the course in Core Java I am having 1 year gap how to overcome this gap in the interview

Vivek

  • Dec 21st, 2015
 

Hello, I am Vivek, I have completed my BCA in 2013 from Lucknow University, but I could not found job till now, In these day I did not do anything, Please tell me how overcome my gap in interview, and give me some career advice.

Thank You!

mahendran

  • Feb 10th, 2016
 

I am Mahendran, I am doing my MCA in 2016, before doing MCA I worked in HP BPO in Bangalore as contract employee for 1 and half year but till now I didn't get m experience certificate, because of that I got 2 year of gap and after that I have done .Net certificate Diplomatic Course in NIIT Institute 2012-2013. I have done B.Sc(Computer Technology) in year 2010 and now I got 3 years of Gap between B.Sc and MCA. How can I overcome the gap to get job in IT company? Please Guide Me

padma

  • Mar 18th, 2016
 

I have completed M.C.A in 2010. I have not worked any where. I am not having any experience. Please tell me any jobs are there for housewife. I am interested in doing a job.

shravan tomar

  • May 13th, 2016
 

I have completed my b.tech mechanical Engg in 2011 and after that I have worked in LPU as lecturer and now have almost 4 yrs of experience in total and on the eve of completion of my PGDM - operations (distance course) and presently working in a manufacturing plant ... and I need to make switch from manufacturing to IT sector or in Office based job .. please suggest me what type of job I will search and get job opportunity...

Avinash Kumar

  • Sep 9th, 2016
 

I am 29 years old and I had completed LLB in the year 2012 and was practicing as assistant with senior Banking sector. I want to join corporate sector so now I am dong MBA from Punjab Technical University (regular course) Is there any age factor. or gaping factor, or mba is not matching with LLB
Please advice.

pankaj sharma

  • Nov 25th, 2016
 

Hi, I completed my post graduation(M.C.A) in the year 2014 I did not get job after that. So I dedicated my time in preparing and trying for govt jobs. but I found no luck in that. I am still a fresher. so, please give me the suggestion that what should I have to do fulfill this gap and become a complete person for a good job. I wanna ask you what should be my answer if they ask for year gap sir, please help me...

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