By emphasizing any practical achievements you made during your absence from work - such as professional courses that improved your abilities - the gap may appear less disturbing. If the reason for the gap was personal in nature - such as raising children or caring for elderly parents - be sure to mention this fact in your cover letter.

1. Be Honest

Once at interview stage, you can almost be guaranteed that you will be asked about gaps in employment. Don't lie about why or try to make up an excuse; be truthful with interviewers regarding why these periods occurred and assure them it won't recur - most likely this issue won't arise later on.

As part of being honest about how you spent your time during a career gap, hiring managers may be curious to know that you utilized that time off work for volunteer work, learning a new skill or enrolling in courses relevant to your industry - efforts which demonstrate commitment and initiative that demonstrate that you're ready for work once more.

If you took time off to care for a sick relative or child, this should also be seen as valid reason to take time away from work and should be celebrated. Be sure to communicate that the issue has now been addressed and that you are ready to resume working again - always keep in mind that every experience, even career breaks, provides learning and growth opportunities which will serve you in the future.

2. Be Specific

Employers do not expect you to downplay significant gaps in your work history. But they are curious as to why you didn't immediately resume employment after being laid off or when taking time off to care for children, travel, or recover from illness.

Use your cover letter to address employment gaps if they haven't already been brought up in your resume. Use this opportunity to highlight how these periods of non-employment have enhanced your skills and experience, such as through volunteering, taking additional coursework, or running your own freelance business.

Attribute any major personal events or career milestones that prompted your leave of absence, like divorce or childbirth, but don't go into unnecessary detail if the reason for it is obvious, such as illness or failed business venture. Instead, emphasize how these experiences have equipped you for the role at hand and highlight their value - remember every experience provides learning and growth opportunities, so turn your employment gap into something positive that makes your application stand out from others!

3. Be Concise

Although it's essential to be honest and open when explaining employment gaps, rambling or becoming emotional when discussing them may come off as defensive. Keep your explanation short and to the point; if any questions arise during an interview they can easily be asked.

Likewise, if you took time off work to care for an ill family member, emphasize that their illness has now passed and you are ready for full-time work. If your leave of absence was used to start up a business or pursue education, make sure to highlight all relevant accomplishments and skills gained during that period.

Functional resume formats that emphasize skills over work history may also help manage career gaps effectively. By emphasizing transferable abilities over irrelevant details that might turn off employers, functional resume formats allow you to highlight your most desirable and employable qualities while sidestepping any unnecessary details that might turn away prospective employers. Hiring managers are generally understanding of employment gaps as long as you demonstrate you're now fully prepared to resume employment.

4. Be Flexible

At some point in their careers, most people will experience employment gaps. Hiring managers understand this and will not hold these against you if they are well executed and justified.

Remind yourself that your resume should only highlight work experience that is directly applicable to the positions you are applying for, such as holding consistent positions within recent memory that align with their job descriptions. Explaining long-term gaps might not be necessary.

Short gaps on your resume, such as taking time off for family care or travel, are acceptable and show that you are committed to returning to the workforce. This can help lessen their visibility.

If you need to elaborate further on your career gap, use your cover letter as an avenue. This gives you more space to explain how you spent your time away from the workplace - whether through further education or training, volunteering opportunities or starting up a side business - giving employers confidence that your industry knowledge remains up-to-date and will bring those benefits with them when interviewing for roles.

5. Be Positive

Focus on striking a positive note when discussing an employment gap. This will reassure hiring managers that you're not trying to conceal anything and are ready to return to the workforce.

If you took time off for travel, focus on how the experience has contributed to making you a more well-rounded individual. Instead of saying, "I left my job to travel," say something like, "I scuba dived in Thailand and hiked Machu Pichu."

When explaining a gap due to illness, stress your recovery. If during that period you took courses or volunteered in your field of interest, mention it as well - that way your employer can see that you remain up-to-date.

Explaining an employment gap can be challenging for many individuals, but being open and providing positive outlook will allow you to address any concerns your interviewer may have while also showing why you are the ideal candidate for the role. Good luck!